Volume 6 Issue 5
September-October 2013
Library Matters
The official newsletter of the Dearborn Public Library dearbornlibrary.org THIS ISSUE’S QUOTE
E V E R Y O N E ’ S R E A D I N G P R O G R A M R U N S S E P T E M B E R - O C T O B E R
“Buying books would be a good thing if one could also buy the time to read them…” —Arthur Schopenhauer
IN THIS ISSUE Classics Revisited
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Children’s Programs
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Teen Programming
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Elmore Leonard appreciation
5
Music We Love
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Fall Computer Workshops
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Muslim Journeys program
9
Classic Horror Movie Family Night
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The “Everyone’s Reading” program returns to the Dearborn Public Library this fall. “Everyone’s Reading” is a community-wide reading program sponsored by metro Detroit public libraries in Oakland and Wayne counties. Now in its twelfth year, “Everyone’s Reading” promotes community dialogue through the shared experience of reading and discussing the same book. This year’s “Everyone’s Reading” selection is The Secrets of Happy Families: Improve Your Mornings, Rethink Family Dinner, Fight Smarter, Go out and Play, and Much More by Bruce Feiler. Mr. Feiler is one of America’s most versatile voices on contemporary life. He writes the “This Life” column about today’s families for the Sunday New York Times and is the author of six c o ns e cu t i ve Ne w Yor k Ti m es bestsellers. He is also one of only a handful of writers to have four consecutive New York Times nonfiction best-sellers in the last decade. The author will speak about The Secrets of Happy Families and his experiences as a writer on the following dates: Tuesday, October 29 at 7 PM at the Hindu Temple of Canton
44955 Cherry Hill Rd. Canton, MI, and Wednesday, October 30 at 10 AM at Temple Beth El, 7400 Telegraph Rd., Bloomfield Township, MI. Due to popular demand, a ticket will be required for Bruce Feiler’s appearances. Tickets are free but limited. Contact the library for more information and ticket availability; also check back at the library’s website dearbornlibrary.org for further announcements of programs related to “Everyone’s Reading.”
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C L A S S I C S The free book discussion group “Classics Revisited” returns this fall at the Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Ave. All sessions are open to the public and no registration is required. Sessions take place on the third Wednesday of each month from September through May, from 7:008:00 p.m. in the Ford Collection Room. Multiple copies of each work are available for checkout at all library branches. If interested, reserve your copy today! Further information on each book and its author is also available through the Literature Resource Center database via the Online Resources page on the library’s website, dearbornlibrary.org. The schedule of readings is as follows: Sept 18: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie One of the best known motivational books in history: Since it was released in 1936, How to Win Friends and Influence People has sold more than 15 million copies. Carnegie’s first book is timeless and appeals equally to business audiences, self-help audiences, and general readers alike. Carnegie b elieved t hat m ost successes come from an ability to communicate effectively rather than from brilliant insights. His book teaches these skills by showing readers how to value others and make them feel appreciated rather than manipulated. Oct 16: Inferno by Dante (Mark Musa translation) This vigorous translation of Inferno preserves Dante's simple, natural style, and captures the swift movement of the original Italian verse. Mark Musa's blank verse rendition of the poet's journey through the circles of Hell re-creates for the modern reader the rich meanings that Dante's poem had for his contemporaries.
R E V I S I T E D
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Nov 20: Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad Dark allegory describes the narrator's journey up the Congo River and his meeting with, and fascination by, Mr. Kurtz, a mysterious personage who dominates the unruly inhabitants of the region. Masterly blend of adventure, c h a r a c t e r development, and psychological penetration. Considered by many to be Conrad's finest, most enigmatic story. Dec 18: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte In early nineteenth-century England, an orphaned young woman accepts employment as a governess at Thornfield Hall, a country estate owned by the mysteriously remote Mr. Rochester. With a heroine full of yearning, the dangerous secrets she encounters, and the choices she finally makes, Charlotte Bronte's innovative and enduring romantic novel continues to engage and provoke readers. Jan 15: The Good Earth by Pearl Buck Through this story of one Chinese peasant and his children, Nobel Prizewinner Pearl S. Buck traces the whole cycle of life, its terrors, its passion, its persistent ambitions and its rewards. Her brilliant novel—beloved by millions of readers throughout the world—is a universal tale of the destiny of men.
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Feb 19: The Art of War by Sun Tzu Complexities of meaning and historical interpretations illustrate the timelessness of Sun Tzu's treatise on war. Mar 19: The Call of the Wild by Jack London - a tie in to The Big Read Dearborn (www.bigreaddearborn.org) Superb details, taken from Jack London's firsthand knowledge of Alaskan frontier life, make this classic tale of endurance as gripping today as it was over a century ago. One of literature's most popular and exciting adventure stories, The Call of the Wild will enrich the reading experience of youngsters, and rekindle fond memories of a favorite among older generations. Apr 16: Julius Shakespeare
Caesar
by
William
Great tragedy based on Plutarch's account of the lives of Brutus, Julius Caesar, and Mark Antony. Evil plotting, ringing oratory, high tragedy with Shakespeare's incomparable insight and dramatic power. Reprinted complete and unabridged from an authoritative English edition. May 21: Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf Mrs. Dalloway details a day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, a fictional high-society woman in post-World War I England. It is one of Woolf's best-known novels. It tells the story of Clarissa's preparations for a party of which she is to be hostess. With the interior perspective of the novel, the story travels forwards and back in time and in and out of the characters' minds to construct an image of Clarissa's life and of the inter-war social structure.
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S E P T E M B E R - O C T O B E R
All programming listed below will take place at the Henry Ford Centennial Library Participants arriving more than 5 minutes after the scheduled program time will not be admitted. Due to space limitations, strollers may not be allowed inside the program room or the auditorium. Children must be the required age on or before the first date of the program. Residents and cardholders are given p r e f e r e nc e . I n d i v id u al s w i t h disabilities who require special accommodations, auxiliary aids, or services to attend or participate in these programs should contact their local library or TDD 313-943-2193. Reasonable advance notice is required. Registration must be made by phone or in person at any Dearborn Public Library location.
STORYTIMES Mother Goose Storytime (Ages 623 months) 9:35 a.m. OR 10:45 a.m. Babies and toddlers are invited to their first literature experiences along with songs, fingerplays, and movement. One caregiver per child is recommended. Space is limited. Registration required. Fridays, September 13, 20, 27 Registration begins August 30. Fridays, October 11, 18, 25 Registration begins September 27.
C H I L D R E N ’ S
Tot Time (Ages 2-3 years), 10:30 a.m. Children with a caregiver are invited for stories, songs, and fun. Space is limited. Registration required. Thursdays, September 19, 26; October 3, 10, 24, 31* *October 31st is a Halloween themed storytime. Costumes encouraged! Registration begins September 5. Preschool Storytime (Ages 3-5 years), 2 p.m. Join us for fun stories, fingerplays, and a craft. Caregivers must remain in the library. Space is limited. Registration required. Thursdays, September 19, 26; October 3, 10, 24, 31* *October 31st is a Halloween themed storytime. Costumes encouraged! Registration begins September 5. Stroller Stories (All Ages), 10 a.m. Books and walking are both good for our hearts. Bring your stroller, your children, and your walking shoes. We will meet out-side near the Michigan Avenue entrance. Weather permitting – no rain dates. No registration. Tuesdays, September 10, 24; October 8, 22 Preschool Art Experience (Ages 35 years), 11 a.m. Preschoolers will create works of art using lots of fun materials! Unlike our usual storytime crafts, the process is more important than the finished product. Be prepared to get messy! *Smocks encouraged but not provided. Please dress appropriately!
P R O G R A M S
Monday, September 16 Registration begins September 2. Monday, October 21 Registration begins October 7.
CRAFTS Tween+ Craft (Grades 4+) First Saturday of the month, 2 p.m. Space is limited. Registration Required. Deco Picture Frames: Saturday, September 7 Keep those summer memories alive by decorating a wooden picture frame to keep them in. Registration begins August 23. Mutant Animals: Saturday, October 5 Junior Frankensteins can join us in recombining puppets and stuffies from the dungeon. Registration begins September 21. Third Thursday Crafts (All ages), 11 a.m.—7 p.m. Drop-in craft. Younger children may need adult assistance. Crafts available while supplies last. Thursday, September 19 Fill your fish bowl then punch and sew around the edges for a fun fine motor activity. Thursday, October 17 Create a funky monster, a la Dr. Frankenstein!
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EVENTS The Ultimate Library Card Guessing Game (All Ages) September 3-13 There are about 98,000 people living in Dearborn, but how many of them have library cards? Visit the Children's Help Desk to make your guess. Dork Do-Gooder (All Ages) September 1-October 12 Pick up a participation sheet starting September 1 and become part of Nikki Maxwell’s Do-Gooder team! Squeee! Bring back your completed sheet on Dork Day, October 12, for an exclusive prize pin. While supplies last.
C H I L D R E N ’ S
P R O G R A M S ,
Fall Break Drop-in Activities:
Pumpkin Patch Game (All Ages) October 28 - November 1 Halloween is here, and what would Halloween be without some treats? Visit the Children's Help Desk to play a fun game and win a prize. Children may play the Pumpkin Patch Game once a day, each day. Let’s Go to the Movies When Good Ghouls Go Bad (2001, PG, 98 min.) Join us for a craft in the Children’s area at 1:30 p.m. & a movie in the auditorium at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 19 No registration. Space is limited. No Strollers please
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Dork Day (All Ages): Saturday, October 12, 2-4 p.m. Be dorky with us. Drop in for crafts, Wii, and a raffle based on the Dork Diaries. While supplies last. Gamer Day (All Ages): Monday October 14, 2-4 p.m. Day off school? Kill some time with board games and Wii on the big screen. Time with the Wii is limited. Scrap Craft (All Ages): Tuesday October 15, 2-4 p.m. Come and create with our odds and ends. See where your imagination takes you. While supplies last. Fall Foam Craft (All Ages): Wednesday, October 16, 2-4 p.m. Celebrate the season with a fall foam collage. While supplies last.
P R O G R A M M I N G
Culinary Crafts (Grades 6-12) Tuesday, September 17, 6:30 p.m. Deck out cupcakes, crispy treats, and candies to look like minions. Registration begins September 3. Tech Demolition (Grades 6-12) Monday, September 23, 6:30 p.m. Destroy a variety of tech gadgets with the help of some tech enthusiasts and an assortment of demolition tools. All tech & safety gear provided. Registration begins September 9. Kaplan ACT Practice Test (Grades 6-12) Saturday, October 5, 10 a.m.—2 p.m. Take a free practice exam and learn what to brush up on before the big day! Bring a #2 pencil and calculator. Results of the test and follow-up strategy session will be given on Saturday October, 12 at 4 p.m. Space is limited. Registration begins September 21. TAG (Grades 6-12) Thursday, October 3, 6:30 p.m. First meeting of the school year! Hang out, voice your opinion, help plan programs, and earn volunteer hours. No registration. Pumpkins (Grades 6-12) Wednesday, October 16, 3 p.m. Celebrate teen read week by decorating a pumpkin in literary style. Pumpkins provided. Registration begins Oct. 2. Duct Tape Crafts (Grades 6-12) Monday, October 21, 6:30 p.m. With a little help, learn to make something cool. Supplies provided. Registration begins Oct. 7.
Volume 6, issue 5
E L M O R E
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L E O N A R D :
I don’t remember exactly when or what made me pick up my first Elmore Leonard book. All I remember is that the vast majority of my reading during my college years was devoted to Leonard’s work. In fact, when I think about those years, the first thing I recall is the number of hours spent with his books in the library or at home, and not the classes I took or the professors I had. So it goes without saying that I have a particularly fond place for Elmore Leonard and his books when I think about that specific time in my life, and that is why his passing on August 20 strikes me as a particularly difficult one to deal with. There were many things I admired about Leonard’s writing: the stripped-down economy of the prose; the witty, profane dialogue and how it skillfully revealed
A n
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character; the twists, turns and complications of the plots. Several of his characters I can still vividly recall despite not having read about them in years: escaped convict Jack Foley and U.S. marshal Karen Cisco in Out of Sight; loan shark Chili Palmer and mobster Ray Bones in Get Shorty, gunrunner Ordell Robbie and stewardess Jackie Burke in Rum Punch. There are so many others. I was lucky to twice hear Leonard give public readings; once was with my dad at the Detroit Public Library, and the other was with my sister at the University of Michigan. Both times he was a blast, reading his profanity-riddled dialogue just perfectly and getting big laughs from the audience. He was patient and gracious while signing books afterwards.
melancholy about the people, places and things that influenced and enriched your life slowly fading away. I had a similar reaction in March when Roger Ebert, another major influence on my early years, passed away. These figures, of course, are not family, but they feel like it. Their presence was very real, and very much attached to particular passages of my life. It is in this sense they hold a significant place in my memory, and why they’re missed, even though their work remains.
There is something profoundly
—Jeff Lelek
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Get Some Satisfaction…With The Rolling Stones By Sarah Kalmoni
s o u n d s
make an effort to write their own songs. Their first album was mostly cover songs, with the exception of
When we’re in
first original Jagger/Richards composition.
the
to
Rolling Stones released a cover version of “It’s All
to some
Over Now”, which reached #1 in the U.K. After a
rock,
brief tour in the U.S., The Rolling Stones released
nothing satisfies
another cover, “Little Red Rooster”, which became
better
their second #1 U.K. hit, an unexpected hit for a
mood
classic
pulling Rolling
than out
a
Stones
CD. Since 1962, The Rolling Stones have paved the way of incorporating blues into rock.
They are
considered one of the artists known for being a part It all started when Keith
Richards and Mick Jagger met as adults, sharing a love of music. They were childhood friends and went to school together, until Jagger moved to another city.
f a v o r i t e
“Tell Me (You’re Coming Back)”, which became their
listen
of the British Invasion.
t h e i r
In 1960, Jagger and Richards became
reacquainted when Jagger formed his first band with Dick Taylor, playing blues songs of musicians such as Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and Little Richard. Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts later joined the band within the next few months.
“Rollin’
Stone”, Muddy Water’s song, inspired the band to name themselves The Rolling Stones.
The
blues song. The Rolling Stones released their second album, The Rolling Stones No.2 in 1965, which reached #1 in the U.K. and #5 in the U.S. According to Wikipedia, “the first Jagger/Richards composition to reach #1 on the U.K. singles charts was "The Last Time"; it went to #9 in the U.S. It was also later identified by Richards as "the bridge into thinking about writing for the Stones. It gave us a level of confidence; a pathway of how to do it." Brian Jones later joined the band.
Their next single, “(I Can’t Get No)
Satisfaction”, became their first international hit, spending four weeks at #1 on the charts. And their creativity didn’t stop there. Aftermath, released in 1966, was their first album to feature only Jagger/ Richards original songs. “Paint It Black” was one of the classic songs that featured the sitar, which
After adopting their new name, The Rolling Stones
captured Middle Eastern flair so well. Jones played a
landed a record deal with Decca Records. Their first
variety of instruments, which also inspired to feature
single, a cover of Chuck Berry’s “Come On”, reached
the dulcimer on songs “Lady Jane”, and the
#21 on the charts. They started playing gigs regular-
marimbas for “Under My Thumb”.
ly and released their cover version of The Beatles, “I Wanna Be Your Man.” Their manager thought that the band should work in a different direction, and
The Rolling Stones continued working and releasing new material. Their popularity kept growing, and at continued on next page...
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this point, they started experimenting with drugs,
Waits For No One”, “Luxury”, and “If You Really
and the band was caught by police on some drug
Want To Be My Friend” are all excellent songs in
raids. Regardless of the difficulties at this time, the
their own right. The Rolling Stones’ ingenuity really
Rolling Stones continued to record and tour Europe.
shines on their Black and Blue album. “Cherry, Oh
Their next album, Their Satanic Majesties Request
Baby” is a beautiful reggae song. Even The Rolling
was released in 1967, which was recorded during
Stones can do reggae and sound really good doing
their drug hiatus and court appearances. For me, it
it. “Hand of Fate” is a song that I love singing along
is one of my favorite albums for The Rolling Stones.
to the chorus. “Memory Motel” and “Fool To Cry”
This album had a psychedelic theme, and had great
are also really deep songs with emotion.
songs like “Sing This All Together”, “Citadel”, “In Another Land”, and “She’s A Rainbow”. Brian Jones continued having drug problems, and wasn’t getting along with the rest of the band. Mick Taylor joined the band after Jones was let go. Sadly, Jones passed away in 1969. Two days after his death, The Rolling Stones paid tribute to Jones by playing their scheduled free concert to an audience of 250,000
In conclusion, The Rolling Stones remain one of rock’s greatest musicians today. Even in their 70s, they haven’t shown any signs of slowing down. They continue to perform live shows and never cease to amaze their fans. Their famous songs helped to put them on the map, but I discovered that the songs that weren’t hits are equally as great and deserve to be listened to. They sang about a lot of topics and
fans.
had fun with experimenting with unique instruments The Rolling Stones musical style continued to
throughout their 50 year career. So the next time
develop, and they had a talent for experimenting
you feel like rocking or want some satisfaction,
with different sounds and instruments. Let It Bleed,
check out one of our Rolling Stones CDs at any one
released in 1969, featured “Gimme Shelter”, which
of our locations. You’ll be glad you did.
is a great song, with a famous solo by Merry Clayton singing along with Mick Jagger. “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” is a special song with wonderful harmonies by a great chorus. “Midnight Rambler”, another
nice
song,
highlights
the
harmonica
brilliantly. The Rolling Stones kept on working, and continued to release a set of successful albums such as Sticky Fingers, Exile on Main St., and Goat Heads Soup. Ronnie Wood joined the band around the time when they released It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll. The title song is awesome, but “Till the Next Goodbye”, “Time
Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rolling_Stones
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C O M P U T E R
W O R K S H O P S A T S E P T E M B E R
Basic computer workshops continue at the Henry Ford Centennial Library with classes scheduled through November. All sessions listed below take place in the Computer Training Room at Henry Ford Centennial Library and are free of charge. Interested patrons can visit or call the Reference Desk at (313) 943-2330 to register during the appropriate registration dates listed below. Basic Computer Workshops Basic Computers 1:30 PM—3:30 PM
Friday, September 13 Registration: Sept. 6-11
Internet Basics 1:30 PM—3:30 PM
Friday, September 20 Registration: Sept. 13-18
Intro to E-Mail 1:30 PM—3:30 PM
Friday, September 27 Registration: Sept. 20-25
H F C L
Intro to Microsoft Excel 1:30 PM—3:30 PM
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Friday, October 11 Registration: Oct. 4-9
Working With Digital Pictures Friday, October 18 1:30 PM—3:30 PM Registration: Oct. 11-16 Basic Computers 1:30 PM—3:30 PM
Friday, October 25 Registration: Oct. 18-23
Internet Basics 1:30 PM—3:30 PM
Friday, November 1 Registration: Oct. 25-30
Intro to Microsoft Word 1:30 PM—3:30 PM
Friday, November 8 Registration: Nov. 1-6
Intro to Microsoft Excel 1:30 PM—3:30 PM
Friday, November 15 Registration: Nov. 8-13
Intro to Microsoft Word Friday, October 4 1:30 PM—3:30 PM Registration: Sept. 27-Oct. 2
H U M A N R E S O U R C E S D E P T . T E M P O R A R I L Y M O V I N G T O H F C L
B I G R E A D T - S H I R T S A V A I L A B L E N O W ! Get ahead of the pack! Order a Big Read t-shirt today!
The City of Dearborn’s Human Resources Department will be temporarily moving from City Hall to the third floor mezzanine of the Henry Ford Centennial Library starting September 3. The department will be open for city business from 9:30 AM to 5 PM Monday-Friday.
The Big Read Dearborn begins next spring, but you can sport your very own wolf t-shirt for $15. All proceeds will go to the Friends of the Library— Dearborn. Sizes range from small to XL.
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What was happening in Asia and North Africa while much of Europe was languishing in the Dark Ages? You might be surprised to learn that it was a time of adventure, discovery, innovation, and cross-cultural interaction. Come and explore 1,000 years of history from East to West during the first global age. In the “Muslim Journeys” program, local scholars will lead discussions on five specially-selected books about this sometimes overlooked, but vibrant, time in world history. You are invited to read the books and join the discussions — FREE. The discussions are scheduled approximately three weeks apart to give you time to read each book. To receive the books and other program materials, please register in person at the Adult Reference Desk at Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn. All events will be held at Henry Ford Centennial Library, unless otherwise indicated. For more information, please call 313-943-2330 or visit www.dearbornlibrary.org Tuesday, September 17, 2013—7 p.m. Reorient your understanding of the past as Stewart Gordon, Senior Research Scholar for the Center of South Asian Studies at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, leads a discussion on his book When Asia Was the World. Registration begins August 26. Tuesday, October 8, 2013—7 p.m. Explore the foundations of modern science in 9th century Baghdad as Rayne Allinson, Assistant Professor of History at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, leads a discussion on the book House of Wisdom: How Arabic Science Saved Ancient Knowledge and Gave Us the Renaissance. Registration begins September 16. Blockbusters Free Film Series—Koran by Heart Monday, October 14, 2013—7 p.m. Every year, about one hundred of Islam’s best young students from around the world come to Cairo for the International Holy Koran Competition. Koran by Heart follows three young scholars, a girl and two boys, all ten years old, as they compete against students who, in some instances, are nearly twice their age. FREE, registration not required. Tuesday, October 29, 2013—7 p.m. Learn how Muslims, Christians and Jews lived together peacefully for eight glorious centuries as Imran Aijaz, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Michigan-Dearborn leads a discussion on the book Ornament of the World. Registration begins October 7. Saturday, November 9, 2013—2 p.m. Another chance to see Greg Barker’s moving film, Koran by Heart, followed by a scholar-led discussion. This screening will be held at: Arab American National Museum, 13624 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn Tuesday, November 19, 2013—7 p.m. Meet Hasan al-Wassan, also known as Leo of Africa, a 16th century Muslim diplomat sold into slavery as Camron Amin, Assistant Professor of History at the University of Michigan-Dearborn leads a discussion on the book Leo Africanus. Registration begins October 28. Tuesday, December 10, 2013—7 p.m. Meet a 12th century Jewish merchant whose life story was preserved in personal letters discovered in a medieval Egyptian synagogue as Andrew Shryock, Professor of Anthropology at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor leads a discussion on the book In an Antique Land. Registration begins November 18.
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Join baritone Dino Valle and friends from the Bellini Opera Theatre for a lecture and performance series of Bel Canto, Italian classics and Neopolitan songs. Celebrating “2013:The Year of Celebrating Italian Culture in the U.S.” The presentations will continue throughout the rest of the year on the following Thursday dates: October 17, November 21 and December 19. All events are free of charge and will take place at 7:00 PM in the auditorium of the Henry Ford Centennial Library. F O L D
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After a two-month hiatus, the FOLD book sale returns to Henry Ford Centennial Library on Wednesday, October 2 from 9:30 AM to 6 PM. We’re fully stocked with a fresh inventory of books, DVDs and music so be sure to get here early! Mark your calendar for the following upcoming book sale dates: Wednesday, November 6 Wednesday, December 4 There will be no sale in January. C L A S S I C
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Join us on October 21 for a pre-Halloween evening of crafts, snacks and a classic horror movie for the whole family. The Blockbusters Monday night free film series will feature the 1948 horror-comedy Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein along with a creature craft in the Children’s department and popcorn and punch in the lobby. Kids can drop by and participate in the craft anytime between 6 and 7 PM. Snacks will be available in the lobby beginning at 6:30; all food or drink must be consumed in the lobby, they are not allowed in the auditorium. The movie begins at 7:00 and runs 83 minutes. Be sure to join us for what promises to be a fun Halloween evening for all!
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new brain for the Monster. From whom would a good brain come? None other than Lou Costello!!
Abbott and Costello Frankenstein (1948)
Meet
By Jason Stanley The horror and comedy genres come crashing together in this classic, as comedy duo Bud Abbott and Lou Costello encounter the famous Universal horror monsters Dracula (Bela Lugosi), The Wolfman (Lon Chaney Jr.) and the Frankenstein Monster (Glenn Strange). Out of all the storytelling genres, both horror and comedy usually tend to go hand in hand. After all, a good way to combat a good scare is a good laugh. Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein was one of the early examples of these two genres coming together. Bud and Lou both play package handlers for a shipping company when a shipment arrives for a client who is opening a wax museum. The museum curator believes they are wax figurines of Count Dracula and the Frankenstein monster, but when Abbott & Costello deliver the packages, these figurines are revealed to be the genuine articles! Adding to the horror hijinks is Costello intercepting a phone call from Larry Talbot, a.k.a. the Wolfman, which ensures the monster trinity to be complete. As the story progresses, Count Dracula and his associates seek a
Although some Universal horror fans will naturally dismiss this entry, Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein is an important film to both horror and comedy. By 1948, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were a very popular comedy duo who achieved fame in the 1930s via radio programs that featured slapstick routines such as “Who’s on First?” By the 1940s, the comedy duo had made the big leap to the silver screen. On the flip side, Universal Studios’ monster film franchise had reached a crossroads. Between 1931 and 1941, each of the monsters (Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Wolfman) had been introduced in solo films and sequels. Starting with Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman (1943), Universal started bringing the monsters together in various films with mixed results. What was the next step? Bring these two franchises, Abbott & Costello’s slapstick humor and Universal Monsters, together into one film. Sounds crazy, but it works. Bud and Lou deliver the comedic goods via their tall and skinny straight man vs. short and fat goofy guy routine. The rest of the cast never disappoint, despite franchise fatigue settling in. Lon Chaney Jr. is back for his fifth go around as the Wolfman, yet his character’s sympathetic nature reaches tediousness, as he finds his sad story shot down by Costello (at one point, Lou tells Talbot that “When the moon is full, I turn into a wolf myself”). Hollywood stuntman Glenn Strange does the best he can with
f i l m s
the Frankenstein Monster, who at this point in the franchise is reduced to sleeping in a coma throughout most of the film, only to awaken for the big finale as he chases the comedy duo throughout Dracula’s castle (Boris Karloff, who eloquently played the Monster in the first three Universal “Frankenstein” films in the 1930s, had moved on at this point). Only Lugosi succeeds as he exudes pure creepiness in what was surprisingly his SECOND and last onscreen appearance as Dracula. Although the monsters might not get the full attention they deserve, Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein is a film that successfully brought two movie franchises from two different genres together. As a result, Abbott & Costello got more laughter out of moviegoers and Universal’s monsters took on a whole life. The film also successfully brought slapstick comedy together with horror, an approach that’s been used to this day. Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein doesn’t have to be taken seriously, but only wants to entertain audiences of all ages and it succeeds in spades. Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein will be shown on Monday, October 21, 2013 at 7pm for “Classic Horror Movie Family Night” as part of our Blockbusters Free Film Series.
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L I B R A R Y A D M I N I S T R A T I O N A N D I N F O R M A T I O N
L I B R A R Y
H O U R S
DIRECTOR
The libraries are now open for regular hours according to the schedule below. Please note holiday closures.
Maryanne Bartles
Henry Ford Centennial Library
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
16301 Michigan Ave. (313) 943-2330
Julie Schaefer
LIBRARY COMMISSION
Mon-Thurs
9:30-8:30
Friday
9:30-5:30
Saturday
9:30-5:30
Sunday
1-5
CHAIR Marcel Pultorak VICE-CHAIR
Bryant and Esper Branch Libraries Monday Wednesday
12:30-8:30 10:30-5:30
Tuesday
Thursday 12:30-5:30
Nancy Zakar
Friday CLOSED
SECRETARY-TREASURER
Saturday 12:30-5:30
Jihan Ajami Jawad Ali H. Dagher Ryan Lazar
Sunday
12:30-8:30
CLOSED
The library will be closed on the following holidays: Monday, September2 for Labor Day.
David L. Schlaff Sally Smith
www.dearbornlibrary.org
Antonia Straley Robert Taub
VISION STATEMENT “The Dearborn Public Library fosters the spirit of exploration, the joy of reading, and the pursuit of knowledge for all ages and cultures starting with the very young.” MISSION STATEMENT “The Dearborn Public Library provides a broad range of effective, courteous, quality services and a balanced collection of materials for the educational, informational and recreational needs of the community.”
Library Matters September-October 2013 Layout, writing and editing by Jeff Lelek with staff contributions as credited