(STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA / Apr. 27, 2020) – Stillwater area residents can now connect online to talk about books and movies in librarian-led digital discussions. Starting May 1, librarians will be hosting online discussions using the free video conferencing platform Zoom. The initial sessions will feature classic works of literature with unlimited digital access that are available through the Oklahoma Virtual Library with a Stillwater Public Library card.
“Our librarians are excited to have this opportunity to interact with patrons, especially right now, when people might be feeling disconnected,” said Library Director Stacy Delano. “It’s good to be able to come together to discuss books, even though we cannot meet face-to-face. With video conferencing, we all get to see and hear one another. Video conferencing may be new to some people, but librarians are more than happy to help anyone figure out the process.”
The first discussion, scheduled for Friday, May 1, at noon, will focus on “Howards End” by E. M. Forster. Published in 1910, “Howards End” is an engaging tale set in turn of the century England with commentary on social class, gender inequality and urbanization. The second session on Wednesday, May 6, at 1 p.m., will discuss “Anne of Green Gables” by Lucy Maud Montgomery. The third discussion, on Monday, May 11, at 1:30 p.m., will focus on “The Mysterious Affair at Styles” by Agatha Christie. All books for the discussions are available through the Oklahoma Virtual Library, https://okvirtuallibrary.overdrive.com, with no waiting or holds lists.
In addition to the books, film adaptations of both “Howards End” and “Anne of Green Gables” are available through May 8 via Kanopy, a free video streaming service accessible with a Stillwater Public library card. Visit https://stillwaterok.kanopy.com to access these films and many others. People who plan to join the discussions of these two books are highly encouraged to watch the movies to compare and contrast versions.
To get more information about these upcoming digital discussions and to register, go to http://library.stillwater.org or call the Help Desk at (405) 372-3633 x8106.
The Stillwater Public Library building is closed to visitors at this time, but librarians are available to assist with questions Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
