Dedham Library Innovation Team Announces Books for 2013 'Dedham Reads Together' Event

The  announced the two book finalists for the “Dedham Reads Together 2013” program.  Based on a poll that was conducted last fall, Dedham residents voted for two books; "The Right Stuff" by Thomas Wolfe, and "Breakfast at Tiffany’s" by Truman Capote, according to the press release.  

Copies of each book are available at The Blue Bunny and both Dedham libraries.

Because "The Right Stuff" and "Breakfast at Tiffany's" take place in the early 1960’s, DLIT has chosen this time period as a theme for the celebration.  

There will be several specially-themed events planned for February, March, and early April.

The kick-off event will feature a traveling planetarium from the Boston Museum of Science, as well as an informal & organized group discussions for each book.

There will also be a 1960’s fashion clinic, "The Right Stuff" movie at the Dedham Community Theatre on Feb. 28, an essay contest on the nature of courage, and a gala celebration party that is currently scheduled for early April called the "Blast from the Past Soiree."

“Our goal is to draw attention to our libraries by celebrating literacy as a community – making it fun and accessible and really looking beyond what happens in the books to what else was going on in the world at the time.”  DLIT President Kristen Overman said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to have "The Right Stuff" as a selection as it speaks to the political tensions and pressures of the times, as well as the mental toughness and courage of the men who ultimately became the pioneers of the space program.”

On Feb. 19, the Dedham Library Innovation Team and Dedham Institution for Savings are bringing a STARLAB portable planetarium into the Oakdale Elementary School gym.

This will be a great opportunity for kids to take a tour of the solar system and learn tips on how to navigate the night sky from their own backyard.  The planetarian will also talk about unmanned and manned space missions from the 1960s. 

The STARLAB sessions will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 6 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The program is free but the organization will be collecting donations.

Each session is expected to last 30 minutes. To reserve a seat or to ask any questions, contact  dedhamspace@gmail.com.