The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Library plans month-long celebration of ‘Little Women’
Mentor Public Library is throwing a big party to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women.”
“Little Women” is one of the most important books in American literature, according to a news release. It all but created the notion of the all-American girl and its story has been adapted for TV, film, musicals, opera and even anime.
Its characters, story and theme still resonate with readers a century and a half later.
Mentor Public Library will celebrate and commemorate “Little Women” with the following programs in September:
• Meet Louisa May Alcott at 6:30 p.m., Sept. 10, at the Main Branch, 8215 Mentor Ave. in Mentor.
Debra Miller, a performer and historian, will portray Alcott at the height of her success. This theatrical presentation was created using excerpts from Alcott’s letters and journals, allowing her to speak in her own words.
Attendees can learn Alcott’s hopes, heartbreaks and the experiences of her life – including her time as a Civil War nurse and her struggles to support her family, from which she drew inspiration for her novels, short stories and poems. Registration is required. • “The Alcotts’ World: American Transcendentalism” will be held at 6:30 p.m., Sept. 13, at the Main Branch.
Alcott’s father, Amos Bronson Alcott, was one of the most important figures in Transcendentalism, a uniquely American tradition that helped to define the national culture in the 19th century and beyond, the release stated. The library’s resident historian — John Foster, who in addition to being a reference librarian also earned a doctorate degree in history — will talk about Transcendentalism and the world of the Alcotts.
Registration is required and opens Aug. 30.
• “A Little Women Christmas” will take place at 2 p.m., Sept. 15, at the Main Branch.
Children from kindergarten through sixth grade can step back into the time of “Little Women.” They’ll carol and participate in activities from the Victorian era. Registration is required and begins Sept. 1.
• “Civil War Era Tea with the Sisters Tea Room” will be held at 6 p.m., Sept. 18, at the Main Branch.
The Sisters Tea Room in Mentor will provide tea, snacks and a speaker to discuss tea during this turning point in American History. Attendees are asked to bring their own teacup to this event.
There is also a $5 fee for attendance, due at registration, which opens Sept. 4.
• “Little Women Movie Night” is scheduled for 6 p.m., Sept. 20, at the Main Branch.
Attendees can watch the Oscar-nominated film adaptation while popcorn and refreshments will be provided. The film is rated PG and families are welcome to attend.
No registration necessary.
• A “Little Women” performance by the Geauga Lyric Theater Guild will take place at 2 p.m., Sept. 22, at the Main Branch.
Attendees can see the story of the March family performed live.
Registration opens Aug. 22.
• A “Little Women Tea Party” for children will be held at 2 p.m., Sept. 29, at the Lake Branch.
Children from kindergarten through sixth grade can celebrate the sesquicentennial of “Little Women” with a tea party of their own.
Registration is required and opens Sept. 15.
• Readers are also welcome to discuss “Little Women” during two of the library’s upcoming book club meetings. They can join the Monday Night Book Club at 6:30 p.m., Aug. 27, at the Main Branch; or the Senior Center Book Club at 1:30 p.m., Sept. 19, at the Mentor Senior Center.
All of the programs are free to attend, except for the Civil War Era Tea with the Sisters Tea Room, which costs $5 upon registration. Additionally, Mentor Public Library requires registration for all of these programs, except the Little Women Movie Night.
To RSVP for a program, either call the library at 440-255-8811 or visit its event calendar at www. mentorpl.org. The Main Branch is located at 8215 Mentor Ave. in Mentor and the Lake Branch is at 5642 Andrews Road in Mentoron-the-Lake.