By Laura Katauskas | Bugle Staff
Celebrating both Illinois and the love for what area libraries have to offer, the finale for the Great Read 2016 ended with great reads, great art and great movies.
The 2016 Great Read is presented by a consortium of area public and private organizations to promote literacy, reading, conversation and community in the greater Plainfield area.
Presenting this year’s theme of “Made in Illinois,” the program included Plainfield School District 202, Plainfield Public Library, Joliet Public Library, Fountaindale Public Library, Lemont Public Library, Shorewood-Troy Public Library, White Oak Library District, Joliet Junior College, Plainfield Township, the Joliet-area Barnes & Noble store and Voyager Media.
Community members were encouraged to read books about Illinois and were able to participate in Great Read-related programs throughout the area. The program started off with patrons learning the history of how Chicago became the candy capital of the world.
All the local libraries have been planning and funding various programs and events with the focus on Illinois for the past month.
White Oak Lockport Branch Manager Patricia Jarong said the combined effort far surpasses what one organization could offer. Each library promoted books and materials, as well, with book displays and reading lists.
At the Great Read finale, held April 28 at the White Oak Library Romeoville branch, patrons found out what Jake and Elwood Blues, Ferris Bueller and Dr. Richard Kimble had in common. A rich cinematic town, according to the finale’s presenter Steve Frenzel, they are among the many classic movie characters who have called Chicago home.
Cinema enthusiast Frenzel discussed Chicago’s iconic history in the movies with patrons who came out to close the literacy program with a festive movie montage presentation.
“Film critics like Andrew Davis who directed the classic film the Fugitive are often asked why they come to Chicago to film when they could film in L.A. where it is always 72 degrees.
The answer—because there are millions of interesting people in Chicago and 72 in L.A.,” quipped Frenzel.
From the gospel-like commentary from the Godfather to the infamous Risky Business, Frenzel showcased why so many film directors love to revisit town.
Along with Frenzel’s program, submissions from the Great Read Art Contest were on display. More than 100 pieces of art were submitted. Overall winners were given a $50 Barnes and Noble gift card.
An area artist for 35 years, Mike Zimmer of Romeoville, entered his rendition of 12th street in Lockport as a beautiful oil painting which took home an award.
“I like the idea of combining the love of art and the library, it works well and it was fun to participate,” said Zimmer.
Theresa Moutz, whose home-schooled son, Noah, participated, agreed.
“It gives students more of an awareness of where they live and gives them a different avenue to learn about it,” said Moutz.
Actors from Lockport’s Limestone Theater also performed Illinois-based readings and patrons received books about Illinois.
To check out an extensive list of Illinois books and films, visit www.greatread.org/featured.htm and the Pintrest page at www.pinterest.com/greatreadil/.