On May 31, Kansas City, Kan., Public Library will be the host for New York Times bestselling author and University of Kansas creative writing professor Laura Moriarty for a discussion of her most recent novel, “The Chaperone.”
Her 2 p.m. presentation at the West Wyandotte Library, 1737 N. 82nd, will be followed by a question-and-answer session and book signing. Moriarty’s visit is part of a series of programs to promote the start of the adult summer reading program.
This year’s summer reading theme, Every Hero Has a Story, celebrates the stories of everyday people. Moriarty’s book fits well with this theme. It tells the story of Cora, a Wichita woman, who chaperones the young Hollywood actress and Kansas native, Louise Brooks, on a trip to New York City that changes both of their lives forever.
In conjunction with Moriarty’s visit, the library will present a special screening of G. W. Pabst’s 1929 classic silent film, “Pandora’s Box,” starring Louise Brooks, accompanied by local musician Jeffrey Ruckman on piano. Ruckman composed an original score for the film.
Additionally, the library will be asking the community to share its stories. From April through June, library staff will participate in a project to collect oral histories from local people. Recorded stories will be shared with the Generation Exchange program and will be posted on the library’s e-community website. All are encouraged to participate. The summer reading program runs from June 1- July 31.