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Events
All events are free.
The Big Read Kickoff, all ages Joyce Meskis Oct. 9th, 5:30 to 7 p.m. - Community College of Aurora

Featuring the Tattered Cover Book Store owner Joyce Meskis. Refreshments will be served.
Save a Book Writing Event, all ages Oct. 10th to 24th - All Libraries

If you were one of the "book people" in Fahrenheit 451 and had to memorize a single book to save it from oblivion, what book would you choose and why? Write a paragraph, receive a special gift from the library, and enter to win the grand prize of an iPod!
Book of Tomorrow Drawing Event, all ages Oct. 10th to 24th - All Libraries

Draw a picture of what you think a book will look like in 50 years, receive a special gift from the library, and enter to win the grand prize of an iPod!
Nanny State: The Loss of Personal Freedom David Harsanyi Oct. 10th, 7 to 8:30 p.m. - Bemis
Oct. 21st, 3 to 4 p.m. - Koelbel
Oct. 24th, 7 to 8:30 p.m. - Aurora Central

Denver Post political columnist David Harsanyi, author of Nanny State, discusses the loss of our personal freedom in this talk. Harsanyi believes that ever-vigilant bureaucrats are dictating how we live and what we eat, watch and read in the name of health, safety, decency and good intentions. He argues that government intervention in its citizens' private lives denies us freedom of choice and promotes a culture of dependence. Harsanyi's writings on politics and culture have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the National Review and other national publications. He also has appeared on PBS, NPR and cable news shows. Copies of his book will be available for purchase and signing.
Book Discussions, Ages 16-Adult See our Discussions page for locations and times.
Storytime with Princess Leia Oct. 12th, 10:30 a.m. - Tallyn's Reach
Fahrenheit 451 Sidewalk Art, all ages Manea von Griffyn Oct. 13th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Bemis
Oct. 20th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Aurora Central
Oct. 27th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Smoky Hill

Award-winning chalk artist Manea von Griffyn will create a 3D flame in chalk on the sidewalk in front of the library. Watch Manea work on her creation and write the title of your favorite book on the sidewalk or draw a picture.
Yoda, Master Jedi, all ages Oct. 13th, Noon to 12:30 p.m. - Curtis Arts and Humanities Center

Meet Yoda, the wisest and most powerful Jedi in the galaxy, when he visits the Arapahoe Library District's Storytelling Extravaganza.
Fahrenheit 451 Film Presentation with NPR Film Critic Howie Movshovitz Oct. 16th, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Bemis

View the classic science fiction film, "Fahrenheit 451." Howie Movshovitz, Colorado Public Radio's film critic, will give an introduction to the movie and also provide a post-film conversation with the audience. The futuristic society depicted in "Fahrenheit 451" is a culture without books. Firemen still race around in red trucks and wear helmets, but their job is to start fires: they ferret out forbidden stashes of books, douse them with gasoline, and make public bonfires. One fireman defies the system and becomes a reader. Francois Truffaut directed the film that stars Oskar Werner and Julie Christie.
Build a Lego Mindstorms Robot, ages 7 to 12 Oct. 16th, 7 to 9 p.m. - Aurora Central
Oct. 18th, 1 to 3 p.m. - Bemis
Oct. 27th, 2 to 4 p.m. - Smoky Hill

Construct a robot, then face challenges with the robots. Call the individual location to register.
Fahrenheit 451 Film Screenings Oct. 20th, 1:30 p.m. - Smoky Hill
Oct. 23rd, 7 p.m. - Davies
Oct. 28th, 2 p.m. - Koelbel
Nov. 3rd, 2 p.m. - Aurora Central
Book Censorship: Past and Present Oct. 22nd, 7 to 8 p.m. - Southglenn
Oct. 23rd, 1 to 2 p.m. - Aurora Center for Active Adults

Join Active Minds® as we explore the history of censorship, including the stories behind famously banned books. Discuss both the legal and social roots of censorship and areas in which censorship is debated today.
Alien Culture Building: Sci-fi and Fantasy Writing Workshop with Author Hilari Bell, ages 13 and older Hilari Bell Oct. 23rd, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. - Bemis (for ages 13 to adult)
Oct. 24th, 3 to 5 p.m. - Sheridan (for high school students)
Oct. 30th, 7 to 8:30 p.m. - Mission Viejo (for ages 13 to adult)

Interested in sci-fi and fantasy writing or game designing? Create an alien culture in this fun and fast-paced audience participation workshop presented by author Hilari Bell. Learn how developing original, from-the-ground-up cultures interacts with plot and character to shape the kind of universe that brings readers and gamers back for more. Bell is the author of 10 science fiction and fantasy novels for children, teens and adults. Call the individual location to register.
Star Wars Celebration, all ages Star Wars characters Oct. 26th, 7 to 8:30 p.m. - Bemis

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Star Wars! See film clips from the Star Wars movies and meet Imperial storm troopers, Darth Vader, Chewbacca and other Star Wars characters at this special event. Bring a camera to have your picture taken with your favorite Star Wars character. Refreshments will be served.
Government and the Media Oct. 29th, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. - Aurora Central
With the recent 35th anniversary of Watergate, join Active Minds® as we explore the often stormy relationship between the government and the media. Examine the role of the media as a watchdog in society as well as how journalistic standards have changed over the years with regard to what should and should not be exposed to the public.
Closing Event Chris Crutcher Nov. 5th

Chris Crutcher, author of such popular young adult novels as The Sledding Hill and Running Loose, will speak to Arapahoe County high school students at several locations. These events are geared toward teens and are closed to the general public.