Featured Library Service
Looking for ways to help your family during these tough economic times? The State Library of Kansas has put together a great resource that can help. |
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| Kansas Reads is a project of the Kansas Center for the Book at the State Library of Kansas that encourages all Kansans to read the same book and come together to discuss it. This year’'s featured book, Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama, is a fascinating story of one very diverse American family with roots in Kansas. |
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Obama once said that his extended family is "like a little mini-United Nations. I’ve got relatives who look like Bernie Mac, and I’ve got relatives who look like Margaret Thatcher." In Dreams from My Father, Obama introduces us to that family - his mother and grandparents from Kansas, his father and half-siblings in Kenya.
The book is also a coming of age story as Obama takes us along on his personal journey to form his own identity and find his place in the world. Written before he first ran for public office, the book offers a glimpse into the formation of the character of the man who would become our president, and the events that set him on a course of public service.
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Read the Book
Multiple copies of the book are available for 7-day checkout at the Library. The book is also available for purchase at local bookstores.
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| Events at the Lawrence Public Library |
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American Dreams and Dreaming America: Barack Obama's Search for Self
Monday, February 1, 7 pm
J. Edgar Tidwell, Professor of English at the University of Kansas, will discuss Obama’s Kansas connections, the humanist issues raised in the book, and autobiography as a way to view Obama’s personal development. Co-sponsored by the Kansas Humanities Council.
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"Let America be America Again": African Americans and the 100-Year Struggle for Equality in Lawrence and at KU
Tuesday, February 2, 7 pm
A look at local equality and civil rights history with Dr. William Tuttle, professor emeritus of history at KU.
See the full text of John Edgar Tidwell's February 1 presentation.
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Exploring Autobiographical Experiences: Reading Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama
Tuesday, February 23, 7 pm
Doretha Williams of KU’s Project on the History of Black Writing will talk about African American autobiography and the place of Dreams from My Father in that tradition.
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Discovering Kenya
Monday, March 1, 7 pm
Learn about life in Kenya today with slides, clothing, artifacts and more. Presented by the Kansas African Studies Center, KU.
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Book Discussions
Sunday, February 7, 2 pm
Tuesday, February 16, 7 pm
Thursday, February 25, 7 pm
In the Library Gallery
Express your thoughts and expand your understanding by talking about the book with others. Attend as often as you like. Discussions facilitated by Maria Butler, Lawrence Public Library.
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All Library programs are free and open to the public.
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Printable Readers Guide
The readers guide contains further information about the book, discussion questions, and a bibliography. Copies are available at the Library or can be printed here.
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Online Book Discussion
What was the most interesting part of the book? The most surprising? What did you learn about Obama that you didn’t know before? What life experiences helped you to form your own identity? How did your family influence your character? Share your thoughts about Dreams from My Father with others. (Please keep comments about the book, not politics or social issues. Inappropriate posts will be removed.) |
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Lawrence Public Library | 707 Vermont Street | Lawrence KS 66044-2371 Map
General Information 785-843-3833 | Reference Questions 785-843-1178
Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 2-6pm Holiday Closings
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Lawrence Public Library | 707 Vermont Street | Lawrence KS 66044-2371 Map
General Information 785-843-3833 | Reference Questions 785-843-1178
Mon-Thurs 9am-9pm, Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 12-6pm Holiday Closings
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