Outdoor Movie Night at Harper College

The kickoff for this year's One Book, One Harper community reading initiative will take advantage of summer's remaining days.

The blockbuster movie "Guardians of the Galaxy" will be shown Saturday, Sept. 12, as part of Harper's "Superheroes Under the Stars: Outdoor Movie Night" event on the College's main campus, 1200 W. Algonquin Road in Palatine. Admission is free.

Preshow entertainment begins at 6 p.m. and includes a roving balloon artist, magician and superhero costume contest. The movie will start at about 7:15 p.m. on the lawn behind the softball field, next to parking lot 11.

One Book, One Harper, which is entering its fifth installment, encourages the community to read the same book and take part in a variety of related academic, cultural and social activities throughout the year.

Four graphic novels were selected this year. They include "Clan Apis" by Jay Hosler, "Ms. Marvel, Volume 1: No Normal," by G. Willow Wilson with Adrian Alphone, "The Hospital Suite" by John Porcellino and "March, A Graphic Novel Trilogy" by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell.

"Graphic novels are extremely popular, and not just with students," said Christine Kuffel, an instructor in Harper's Resources for Learning/Library Services division. "Whereas some previous One Book, One Harper selections have been text-heavy and rather serious in nature, these books are visually entertaining, quick reads and engaging in a different way."

The community is invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to the movie screening. No outside food or drinks will be permitted, but popcorn, hot dogs, beverages and other concessions will be available for purchase. The first 100 attendees will receive a free bag of popcorn.

The Office of Student Involvement is sponsoring the event with One Book, One Harper.

In case of rain, the movie will be shown in J Theatre on the east side of campus; space is limited, so attendance would be first-come, first-served.