The Montclair Public Library announced today its selection of “Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America” by Erik Larson as its selection for the 2019 “Montclair Reads.” This work explores the true story of the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago and the killings committed by H. H. Holmes at the fair. One of the most notable nonfiction books of the past decade, it takes place in 1893, the year the library was founded.
“Montclair residents clamored to participate in last year’s “Montclair Reads” which featured Cheaper by the Dozen to celebrate our 125 birthday,” said Peter Coyl, Library Director. “This year we are pleased to invite all of Montclair to read this gripping true crime story, ripped from the headlines of 1893. A community-wide discussion of events from the year we were founded is a great way to wrap up our birthday celebration, and continue our Montclair Reads tradition.”
A riveting, richly told narrative--and now in development as a television series by Hulu--“Devil in the White City” is ripe for discussion, and the library will be hosting two book clubs around it: an in person discussion on March 8 at 1:00 p.m. in the Main Library’s Isabel Rose Café, and the other on March 7 at 7:00 p.m. via Facebook.
In addition to book discussions, MPL will be hosting a series of programs:.
? “Montclair in the Gilded Age,” an exploration of life in Montclair in the 1890s, led by Township Historian Michael Farrelly, on March 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the Main Library’s Auditorium.
? “From the White City to the Emerald City: L. Frank Baum and the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair” will investigate the little known connection between “The Wizard of Oz” author L. Frank Baum and the World’s Fair. “Wizard of Oz” expert Ryan Bunch will lead this lecture on April 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the Auditorium.
? “Make No Little Plans: Daniel Burnham, Frederick Law Olmsted, and the 1893 World’s Columbian Expo,” by Ingrid Steffenson will give us an overview of the architecture and design that went into creating the “White City” on April 9 at 6:00 p.m. in the Auditorium.
“We hope Montclarians will join us in this community-wide read,” said Coyl. “We’re excited to provide these programs to educate and entertain.”
Join us for these and other events as we delve into this fascinating story in American history. Below is a full listing of Montclair Reads events. Sign up for one or all at montclairlibrary.org/montclairreads and follow #montclairreads on social media.
Montclair In the Gilded Age
Monday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m., Main Library Auditorium
Virtual Book Discussion
Thursday, March 7 at 7:00 p.m., on the library’s Facebook page
Book Discussion
Friday, March 8 at 1p, Main Library Isabel Rose Café
Expo: Magic of the White City
Documentary Screening
Monday, March 18 at 2:00 p.m., Main Library Auditorium
From the White City to the Emerald City:
L. Frank Baum and the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair
Tuesday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m., Main Library Auditorium
Make No Little Plans: Daniel Burnham, Frederick Law Olmsted, and the 1893 World’s
Columbian Expo
Tuesday, April 9 at 6:00 p.m., Main Library Auditorium
Make No Little Plans: Daniel Burnham and the American City
Documentary Screening
Thursday, April 11 at 2:00 p.m., Main Library Auditorium
H. H. Holmes: America’s First Serial Killer
Documentary Screening
Monday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m., Main Library Auditorium
For a complete list of events and to register, visit montclairlibrary.org/montclairreads.