The winter Iola Reads selection will cover Mary Shelleys classic horror tale, Frankenstein.
At once a Gothic thriller, a passionate romance and a cautionary tale about the dangers of science, the 201-year-old classic tells the story of a committed science student Victor Frankenstein.
Obsessed with discovering the cause of generation and life and bestowing animation upon lifeless matter, Frankenstein assembles a human being from stolen body parts, but upon bringing it to life, he recoils in horror at the creatures hideousness.
Tormented by isolation and loneliness, the once-innocent creature turns to evil and unleashes a campaign of murderous revenge against his creator, Frankenstein.
Frankenstein became an instant bestseller upon publication two centuries ago and is now an enduring classic, as well as an important ancestor of both the horror and science fiction genres.
Several programs are planned for the campaign.
Dr. Susan Carlson of Pittsburg State University will lead a book discussion at a 2:30 p.m. Feb. 19 tea in the Flewharty-Powell Annex to Iola Public Library, 211 East St. All who have read or are reading Frankenstein are invited. Of note, the schedule has changed slightly from earlier plans.
Carlson will speak at the library that evening at 7 oclock on Exploring Mary Shelleys Frankenstein. She also will also speak to an Iola High School English class that day.
The Intrepid Readers book discussion group at the library has also chosen Frankenstein for its March selection. That program is at 2 p.m. March 7..
The Aquila Theatre Company will bring Frankenstein to life at 7 p.m. March 9 on the Bowlus Fine Arts Center stage.
Iola Reads is holding a drawing for 20 tickets to the performance. Entry forms can be obtained by picking up a copy of Frankenstein from one of the various places where they are available around town, or by coming to any library. The entry forms must be turned in by noon March 1 to be eligible for the drawing. The books will be made available to the public starting Monday.
The Iola Reads project is funded by the Sleeper Family Trust through the Bowlus Fine Arts Center. Iola Reads is a cooperative project of the Bowlus, USD 257 and Iola Public Library, with a planning committee including other community members.
