Contact:

David Domkoski
Community Relations Manager
Tacoma Public Library
(253) 591-5688

Tacoma to read Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451.

Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury's cautionary tale of the not-to-distant future, has been selected by Tacoma Mayor Bill Baarsma as the book all Tacoma residents are being encouraged to read as our city's second annual community-wide reading initiative. In making his announcement at a recent meeting of the Tacoma City Council, Mayor Baarsma described Bradbury's book as "a classic that a lot of people will be able to relate to." Baarsma's selection of Fahrenheit 451 couldn't have been more timely as 2003 marks the fifty anniversary of the book's publication.

Pat Erwin, Chairperson of the Tacoma Reads Together committee and Principal at Mcilveigh Middle School, had high praise for the book. "Fahrenheit 451 will encourage our community to reflect upon and discuss many community critical issues -- the importance of books and reading; the frightening costs of censorship; the need for individual responsibility and personal courage; and the seemingly inevitable conflict between the rights of individuals versus the needs of the state." Given the tone and tenure of the times in which we live, said Erwin, Fahrenheit 451 is more pertinent than ever.

Books already available at Tacoma's libraries and bookstores
Tacoma's libraries are ready for the hundreds of patrons seeking to check out copies of the book. Library staffers were shelving the first order of 200 paperback copies of the novel the day following the Mayor's announcement. Additionally local bookstores are putting in a good supply of the popular book. The Library expects more than 5,000 people to participate in the citywide reading initiative.

Events planned for late February
Programs and discussions focusing on the themes of Fahrenheit 451 are scheduled for late February 2003 at Tacoma's libraries, selected Starbuck locations, schools, churches and other community gathering spaces. Library Director Susan Odencrantz explained that the Library plans to screen Francois Truffaut's 1996 film version of the novel (which featured Oskar Werner and Julie Christie), as well as present a staged reading of the theatrical adaptation. The Library plans to bring together community leaders to discuss the political realities of 2003 and how they relate to the world of the novel. Science fiction writers will gather at the Main Library on Saturday, March 1 to discuss Bradbury's book and their own visions of the future.

January 16^th Lumino City event in downtown Tacoma launches Tacoma Reads Together 2003
Activities for Tacoma Reads Together 2003 will officially 'kick-off' on Thursday evening, January 16^th during Tacoma's popular ARTWalk and Lumino City event with Silent Witness - a theatrical staging on the streets of downtown Tacoma. Volunteers from local high schools, Tacoma's theater and arts community and the general public will participate in this unique event which culminates at 7:30 p.m. at the Theater on the Square Plaza.

David Domkoski, the Library's Community Relations Manager and coordinator of the project, describes Silent Witness as a re-imagining of the end of Bradbury's book. A society that bans and burns books destroys the knowledge they hold precious. When all the books are gone, that which remains is that which we can remember. Volunteers will stand witness to the power of books to change lives.

Persons who would like to become involved in the Silent Witness project should contact Domkoski at (253) 591-5688 or email ddomkski@tpl.lib.wa.us.

Get involved!
There are lots of ways you can become involved.

• Read the book!
  Talk about the book with your family and friends.
• Organize a discussion group
  Where? At work, in your neighborhood, at school or church. The Library can provide Reading and Discussion Guides, participation buttons, posters, bookmarks and more. Call Quick Information at (253) 591-5666 to sign up for your participation packet. The Library can even provide a discussion leader for larger groups upon request and availability.
• Attend a discussion program.
  Informal discussions focusing on Fahrenheit 451 will be scheduled at Tacoma's libraries and other community locations in late February. Watch this website for a full listing.
• Watch the movie!
  The Tacoma Public Library will host free screenings of Francois Truffault's 1966 version of Bradbury's novel at the following times and locations:

1. Wednesday, February 12 @ 7 p.m.
   Main Library
2. Saturday, February 22 @ 2 p.m.
   Moore Library
3. Monday, February 24 @ 7 p.m.
   Swan Creek Library & Literacy Center