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The Great Read proudly celebrates President Abraham Lincoln on the 150th anniversary of his Emancipation Proclamation, which led to the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution abolishing slavery in 1865.

2013 Great Read Events/Programs

Abe Lincoln Kids Event
Saturday, March 9 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Joliet Junior College - Main Campus, 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet
Celebrate the values and accomplishments of the 16th President of the United States with storytime and crafts. This program is suggested for ages 5 to 9 years old, and parents are welcome to stay during the program. Registration for each child is requested; please call (815) 280-1555 to register.

The Last Years of Mary Todd Lincoln - historical portrayal (rescheduled from Feb. 26)
Monday, March 11 at 7 p.m.
Shorewood-Troy Public Library District, 650 Deerwood Drive, Shorewood
Donna Daniels will be presenting The Last Years of Mary Todd Lincoln: a one-woman show that goes more into detail about her life, before, and after her years with Mr. Lincoln. Join us for this educational and historical telling of perhaps the most famous First Lady of all time.

Lincoln Book Discussion
Thursday, March 14 at 7 p.m.
A Novel Idea Book Discussion: Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard
Plainfield Public Library District, 15025 S. Illinois Street, Plainfield
Join us for what is sure to be a lively and spirited discussion about the assassination of one of the country's most-loved presidents. Killing Lincoln is a riveting historical narrative of the heart-stopping events surrounding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Starting February 15, you may pick up a copy of the book at the Adult Reference Desk.

Civil War Ghosts
Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 7 p.m.
Shorewood-Troy Public Library District, 650 Deerwood Drive, Shorewood
Dale Kaczmarek of the Ghost Research Society will talk about ghostly apparitions on several battlefields around the United States.

Lincoln Book Discussion
Wednesday, March 27 at 7 p.m.
The Lincoln Letter by William Martin
Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook

What if Lincoln recorded his innermost thoughts as he moved toward the realization that he must free the slaves? And what if that diary slipped from his fingers in 1862? A recently discovered letter written by Lincoln suggests that the diary exists and is waiting to be found. Some want the diary for its normous symbolic value to a nation that reveres Lincoln. Others believe it carries a dark truth about Lincoln's famous proclamation--a truth that could profoundly impact the fast-approaching elections and change the course of a nation. Join us Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at 7 pm as we discuss this thriller by William Martin. Copies are available at the second floor desk.

Adult Book Discussion
Wednesday, April 10 at 7 p.m.
Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard
Shorewood-Troy Public Library District, 650 Deerwood Drive, Shorewood

Join us as we discuss this month's book pick! You bring the thoughts and discussion, we'll bring the snacks. Pick up a copy of our next book at the circulation desk today.

The Untold Family Stories of Abraham Lincoln - historical portrayal
Sunday, April 14, 2 p.m.
Plainfield Public Library District, 15025 S. Illinois Street, Plainfield

There were three women in Abraham Lincoln's childhood that shaped his life and influenced the man that he became. This historical portrayal will reflect on these remarkable women and how they loved and cared for the future president.

A Night at the Theater: The Great Read Grand Finale - historical portrayal
Thursday, May 2 at 7 p.m.
Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook

Celebrating the great life of a great man, The Great Read presents an evening with President and Mrs. Lincoln. History comes alive with the reenactment of President Lincoln's last moments at the White House with his beloved Mary Todd.
Before they leave for Ford's Theater, the Lincolns reflect upon their life together, their children, the ending of the Civil War and the President's political career. The Lincoln Art Contest winners will be announced and all artwork submissions will be showcased. All attendees are also welcome to put on their black hat and enter the Abe Look-A-Like Contest. Refreshments will be served.

Underground Railroad Quilts
Thursday, May 9, 11 a.m.
Plainfield Public Library District, 15025 S. Illinois Street, Plainfield

Vintage Civil War era quilts will be on display. Author Dr. Clarice Boswell explains the meanings of the symbols on the quilts. She also reflects on her family's heritage which is detailed in her historical fiction book, Lizzie's Story: A Slave Family's Journey to Freedom.

***MOVIE PROGRAMS***

New Release Tuesday!
Tuesday, March 26 at 6 p.m.
Shorewood-Troy Public Library, 650 Deerwood Drive, Shorewood
Lincoln


Friday Movie Matinee
Friday, April 5 at 1:00 pm
Plainfield Public Library District, 15025 S. Illinois Street, Plainfield
Lincoln


Movie
Sunday, April 14, 2 p.m.
Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook
Lincoln


Movie Night at JJC
Friday, April 26 at 6:30 pm
Joliet Junior College - Main Campus Conference Center, 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet
The Young Mr. Lincoln starring Henry Fonda
Registration is requested at (815) 280-1555.




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