The Lawrence Public Library selected “The Anthropocene Reviewed” by John Green for its Read Across Lawrence program, which will include a month of themed programming and book discussions.
“‘The Anthropocene Reviewed’ was chosen for the personal and accessible way it engages with the complexities of our world,” according to a news release from the library. “In this diverse collection of essays, John Green reviews various human experiences — from the Lascaux Cave Paintings and Halley’s Comet to Googling Strangers and Diet Dr. Pepper — on a five-star scale.”
Every year since 2005, the library has selected a title for its annual RAL program to prompt readers of all ages to join a community conversation about the featured book’s themes and messages. LPL has a limited number of free copies of Green’s title, which it will distribute at events throughout the month of programming.
“The Anthropocene Reviewed” was also KU’s Common Book selection for the school year. Green gave a sold-out author talk at the Lied Center in August 2024.
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The library will kick off its RAL programming for the year from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29 at LPL, 707 Vermont St., with an event called “The Anthropocene Reviewed: Kansas Edition!” Attendees will learn about a book called “Kansas Matters” as the editors review what it means to be Kansan in the modern era. Guests can get free copies of Green’s featured title at this event. Registration is required; sign up at this link.
People can also participate in a communal Five Star Reads book display at the library. LPL is asking readers to submit a book review via an online form or a paper copy, which will be available onsite.
“This year, I’m most excited about sharing the themes of Green’s book because I think they are more crucial than ever,” said Polli Kenn, readers’ services coordinator at LPL. “Pay attention to what you pay attention to. Fall in love with life. Build community where you are. Stay hopeful.”
Other RAL events include a John Green watch party, a night for adults to take over the Teen Zone and more. See a full list of events on the library’s website here.
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