94
Golden Corridor | ROX! Magazine
Around the World in Eight Months By Miss Dee Dee Davis, Adult Services Librarian Casa Grande Public Library
Y
ou might think this is a travel article or a pitch for a super extended cruise, but you’d be wrong. This journey is more for the arm chair enthusiast, for those who like a little camaraderie with their books and who are up to the challenge to be entertained. What on earth am I talking about? The Literati. It is a top secret book club at the Vista Grande Library. Okay, so it is no longer a secret. This is not just any ol’ book discussion group mind you. It is more of an immersive experience. The theatrics alone are enough to pull you in. Each month during the Literati season, the room is transformed into a resplendent setting from the current book selection. I do not mean little colored napkins and a few pictures taped to the wall, I am talking about a fog machine; loads of faux trees and flora; a tent; original art work, and twinkling lights, meticulously placed. I, the hostess of these meetings am always in some sort of costume. I’ve donned ball gowns, Edwardian dresses, hoop skirts and the like. The food is inspired by our reading choice. At past meetings, we’ve had Civil War rations, a bevy of French pastries, and a mini-five course meal. The real fun comes in the form of “activities” and discussions. The last season we had a masquerade for the Phantom of the Opera, as well as two singers who came dressed in costume to belt out the title piece from the much loved Broadway musical version. For the Finale, the United States Colored Troops talked about their involvement in the Civil War along with hilarious stories about movie reenactments. Our discussions are equally invigorating. Many people delve into anecdotes, random tangents, peals of laughter and occasional tears during our debates. Now in our second year, the Literati has grown to an average of 20 participants per meeting and more people keep coming! Our theme this season is Around the World in Eight Months. The first Wednesday of each month we’ll be traveling to another country. The Premiere will throw open the doors to 1860s Japan via Cloud of Sparrows by Takashi Matsuoka. I will personally be greeting people in my geisha-inspired ensemble introducing the sights, sounds, and sushi of Japan. We’ll also have a speaker on Japanese culture, followed by a sword demonstration. The Casa Grande Valley Historical Society is partnering with us to offer our members a special Traveling Exhibit especially curated for the Literati, touching on a certain aspect of the book and tying it back to Arizona and/or Casa Grande history. Registration at the Vista Grande Library begins August 1st to claim a book for the Season Premiere to be held Wednesday, September 3rd at 11:30 am. There is a limited supply of the book, so hurry over to get your copy. The Literati. The Next Chapter Begins.