By JEN BOUTIN 

BCPL 

As we bid farewell to 2019, we look forward to the possibilities of the coming new year. While no one knows what 2020 will hold for us, the library will be celebrating the arrival of the new decade with a look back at the 1920s. 

It has been a century since the Roaring Twenties made its mark on America. Programming staff at the library met together months ago to discuss possible themes and programs for 2020. 

“The idea of the Roaring Twenties fit naturally with how we hoped to start the year,” says Caleb Conover, Public Services Librarian. “It also offered some wonderful opportunities to work with local organizations and individuals.”

“Welcome to the Roaring ‘20s” is an all-ages celebration that will be held 6-7:30 p.m.  Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020 in the library lobby. The event will feature music-of-the-era performed by Vince DiMartino and friends, poetry readings by J.H. Atkins and dance lessons with Wes Bratcher. 

Mocktails with accompanying recipes will be provided by the Boyle County Extension Office, and tasty treats will be provided by the Friends of the Library. 

“The event will showcase a lot of our community’s talent and provide a window into how our counterparts a century ago kicked up their heels,” says Conover. 

The library is always looking to provide programs that are fun, informative and reflect local expertise. “With that in mind, we thought our ‘Welcome to the Roaring ‘20s’ event would be a great way to get things started,” Conover says.

The library is typically open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays, however during this event regular library operations, such as check out and computer usage, will end at 5:30 p.m. to accommodate the program.  

In addition to the celebration event, the library will offer other programs that give a nod to the 1920s. A presentation by Bruce Richardson on etiquette and tea in 1920s Britain will be coupled with a screening of a popular television show-turned-movie filmed, in part, at historic Highclere Castle in England. 

“The recent release of the film happened along at a great time,” says Conover. “With its popularity and setting in the 1920s, it seemed natural to include it in our lineup of programs.”

Any examination of the 1920s should certainly include a discussion of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book “The Great Gatsby,” an exemplary novel of the jazz age. Patrons ages 18 and up are invited to a discussion of this acclaimed work on Jan. 20 at Gypsy Run Brewery. Copies of the book are available at the library’s circulation desk for check out.

Later in the month, the Family Movie Night will feature a film with some fantastic beasts set in the 1920s. Guests will be able to enjoy themed crafts and snacks, create their own beasts, and take photos with 1920s-inspired costumes.  

The library also has a large collection of materials related to the 1920s, including historical fiction and non-fiction books, movies and television series, allowing patrons a useful way to further explore the era.

More information about these and other upcoming library events and resources can be found at www.BoylePubLib.org or by calling the library at (859) 238-7323.