Winfield Reads Together takes on 'O Pioneers!'
Winfield Reads Together, a community reading program organized by Winfield Public Library, will feature reading discussions and programs centered on the book "O Pioneers!" by Willa Cather.
The program aims to unite the community while celebrating prairie heritage. Participation from those who live outside Winfield is encouraged.
"Reading and discussing great literature should always be a community event. This book explores our Midwest heritage while addressing universal concerns, and the programs provide other perspectives on the topic," said Dawn Leardi, adult programming librarian. "Readers will make their own connections to the novel and develop a better understanding of the time period."
Four book discussions are planned: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, and 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19 at the library, 0S291 Winfield Road; 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, at The Barber Shoppe, 0S120 Church St.; and 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, at Hedges Station, 0N555 Winfield Road.
A film screening of "O Pioneers!" will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. Refreshments will be provided.
Author Cynthia Clampitt will talk about her book "Midwest Maize" and how corn swept across the Americas in a discussion on Thursday, Oct. 20. The local author has published two books and is working on her third.
Adult programming concludes with a discussion about American nature paintings with art historian Jeff Mishur at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25. Mishur is vice president and co-owner of Art Excursions.
Children's programs also will be offered as part of the reading program. The Book Munchers Book Club for 6- to 7-year-olds will read and discuss "Twister on Tuesday" by Mary Pope Osbourne at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20. The Kids Breakfast Book Club for 8- to 12-year-olds will read and discuss "Caddie Woodlawn" at 9:15 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1.
Children also can participate in special programs, including "Building an 1890s Farm" at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, with a costumed interpreter from Kline Creek Farm, and "St. James Farm: Dairy Farming Then and Now" at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13.
All programs are free, and most require registration at winfield.evanced.info/. For information, visit www.winfield.lib.il.us or call (630) 653-7599.