Previous 2011 Events

Visit our Facebook page for photos from select events.

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Group Read Discussion
Senior center participants age 55 and older meet once a week to discuss the assigned book.
9:30-10:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 13 through Oct. 25, Linwood Senior Center, 1901 S. Kansas, Wichita, KS 67211, (316) 263-3703 

The Big Read - An Introduction
Get a jump start on The Big Read with an introduction to the program, the major events, and Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried."
1-2 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 21, Derby Senior Center, 611 N. Mulberry #300, Derby, KS 67037, (316) 788-0223

Big Read - Wichita: "The Things They Carried"
"The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien begins with a literal list of the physical items carried by soldiers in combat - guns, ammunition, photographs -- but then deftly turns to examining their memories and thoughts. Inspired by this book, this exhibition evokes the Vietnam era, soldiers in combat and their memories and thoughts that linger. Admission is temporarily $3 during roof repairs; the Wichita Art Museum is free on Saturdays. Children under 5 are always free.
On display Saturday, Oct. 1, through Sunday, Oct. 23, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W Museum Blvd., Wichita, KS 67203 (316) 268-4921

The Vietnam War Experience in Images
Pulitzer Prize candidate and Kansas native Bill Snead served as a photo journalist and photo manager of a national wire service in Vietnam from 1967-1969. Snead was raised in Lawrence and began his journalistic career in 1954 at the Lawrence Journal-World. During the month of October, he will display his photos from his years running the UPI's photo bureau in Saigon at the Andover Public Library. His images chronicle the war with an array of striking work that earned him a place in history.  His talk on Saturday, Oct. 15, will focus on his experiences in Vietnam, the people he worked with and the stories and people he covered, including photos he took during his time in Vietnam.
On display Saturday, Oct. 1, through Monday, Oct. 31, Andover Public Library, 1511 E. Central Ave, Andover, KS 67002, (316) 558-3500 

The Big Read Kick-Off
Start The Big Read - Wichita with a big celebration! The McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard will present the colors, The Jukes featuring Clif Major will play '60s tunes and Ballet Wichita will perform. See Robert Rauschenberg's Signs, the artwork featured on this year's poster, and other artwork in a special exhibit that relates to "The Things They Carried." Pick up a free copy of the book, reader's guide and poster (while supplies last) and enjoy refreshments.
2-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd., Wichita, KS 67203, (316) 268-4921

"The Things They Carried" Book Discussion
Enjoy a lively discussion of "The Things They Carried" hosted by Joyce Suellentrop. Please register in advance by calling (316) 261-8500.
7-8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 3, Wichita Public Library-Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th, Wichita, KS 67208, (316) 688-9361

Art Start
An art-discussion/early literacy/hands-on program for preschoolers. Children look at artworks from the Big Read exhibition, talk about them, hear the young readers’ companion book, and make a project. For ages 3-5 with an adult. Reservations required. Tuesday sessions are for families; Thursdays and Fridays are for groups.
10-11 a.m. & 1:30-2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 4, Oct. 11, Oct. 18, and Oct. 25, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W Museum Blvd. Wichita, KS 67203 (316) 268-4921
10-11 a.m. & 1:30-2:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 6, Oct. 13, Oct. 20, and Oct. 27, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W Museum Blvd. Wichita, KS 67203 (316) 268-4921
10-11 a.m. & 1:30-2:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 7, Oct. 14, Oct. 21, and Oct. 28, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W Museum Blvd. Wichita, KS 67203 (316) 268-4921

"The Things They Carried" Book Discussion
The Evergreen Branch Library's First Tuesday Book Discussion Group will discuss Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried" at their October meeting. New members are always welcome to come and share their ideas!
1-2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 4,  Wichita Public Library-Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas, Wichita, KS 67204, (316) 303-8181

Senior Wednesday: The Big Read Exhibit
Book and art discussion for active seniors (55+). We will learn about some works of art in the companion exhibition and talk about the themes of the book as made visual in the art. For active seniors age 55 and older. $2 admission, free for Wichita Art Museum members. Offered in cooperation with nine other cultural institutions in Wichita, Senior Wednesdays are designed for active seniors and made possible by the Kansas Health Foundation, a private philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the health of all Kansans. See all listings at www.seniorwednesday.org.
10-11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 5,  Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W Museum Blvd. Wichita, KS 67203, (316) 268-4921

Book Club
Senior center participants age 55 and older meet once a week to discuss Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried." After sharing his book, the group will read and discuss Wallace Terry's "Bloods: An Oral History of the Vietnam War by Black Veterans."
10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Wednesdays, Oct. 5 through Oct. 26, Northeast Senior Center, 2121 E. 21st, Wichita, KS 67214, (316) 269-4444 

The Big Read: Partners and Promotion
Learn about The Big Read from a different angle. Special Projects Librarian Jennifer Heinicke of the Wichita Public Library, winner of national and state awards for orchestrating marketing campaigns for The Big Read - Wichita, will share lessons learned over the years about building community partnerships and doing public service promotions. This talk is part of the Wichita Professional Communicators (WPC) luncheon series; advance RSVPS welcome at WPC's web site. Fee.
11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 5, Larkspur, 904 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67202

Recording the Past: The Veteran's History Project
The Veterans History Project collects and preserves the memories of American war veterans and civilian workers who supported them. These collections of first-hand accounts are archived in the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress for use by researchers and to serve as an inspiration for generations to come. Join us as Frank Moreno, a Vietnam veteran from Wichita, shares his story in a video documentary created by Wichita East High School students. Join the participants in a discussion of the project following the 30-minute video. Part of the Wichita Public Library's Hispanic Heritage and Big Read - Wichita celebrations.
2:30-3:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 5, Wichita Public Library-Central Library, 223 S. Main, Wichita, KS 67202, (316) 261-8500

"The Things They Carried" Book Discussion
The Evergreen Branch Library's First Thursday Book Discussion Group will discuss Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried" at their October meeting. New members are always welcome to come and share their ideas!
7-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 6,  Wichita Public Library-Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas, Wichita, KS 67204, (316) 303-8181

"The Things They Carried" Book Discussion
The Orchard Park Branch Library's First Friday Book Discussion Group and Orchard Park Senior Center book club participants will join together to discuss Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried" at their October meeting. New members are always welcome to come and share their ideas!
1-2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 7,  Wichita Public Library-Orchard Park Branch Library, 4808 W. 9th, Wichita, KS 67212, (316) 337-9084

"My Vietnam Your Iraq"
"My Vietnam Your Iraq" tells stories from Vietnam War veterans who have children that served in Iraq. The program showcases the pride and fear a family shares when one is deployed.
8-9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 7, airs on KPTS Channel 8 (digital 8-1)

What Have You Read Lately?: "The Things They Carried"
Be introduced to The Big Read - Wichita, Tim O'Brien's works, and "The Things They Carried." This discussion is fantastic whether you've already the book or have yet to enjoy it. Part of LifeVenture's Adventures in Learning Series. Fee.
10:15-11:15 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 11, LifeVentures, 4407 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67218, (316) 682-0504

Cowley College Book Discussion
Cowley adjunct instructor Kay Ryan leads two book discussions in conjunction with The Big Read in BC202. The classroom will feature an ITV link to our Mulvane site (MU124) so that students on both campuses may participate. The first discussion (Tuesday, Oct. 11) features background information about the author and book. A follow-up discussion (Tuesday, Oct. 25) discusses the narrative techniques that O'Brien uses in his novel as well as the various themes that this novel presents.
12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 11, Cowley College, 125 S. Second, Arkansas City, KS 67005
12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 25, Cowley College, 125 S. Second, Arkansas City, KS 67005

Senior Wednesday: "A Mind Frozen in Time": PTSD and the Wounded Soldier
Dr. Jeremy P. Crosby of the Dole Veteran’s Administration Hospital has also written three books. He's an expert on the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder for combat veterans. Here, he will share insights from his work and tips all citizens should know. Offered in cooperation with nine other cultural institutions in Wichita, Senior Wednesdays are designed for active seniors and made possible by the Kansas Health Foundation, a private philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the health of all Kansans. See all listings at www.seniorwednesday.org.
1:30-2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 12, Wichita Public Library-Central Library, 223 S. Main, Wichita, KS 67202, (316) 261-8500

One Chance. One Conference.
Dyslexia and literacy -- the fundamentals. Symptoms to solutions. David Boulton is a learning activist working to transform how we think of and teach reading. Dr. G. Reid Lyon, former chief of the Child Development and Behavior Branch within the NICHD at the National Institutes of Health, and his wife Diane Lyon are international experts in the fields of dyslexia, reading, instruction, advocacy, modifications, and accomodations. This is an "once in a lifetime" opportunity for parents and educators to experience such knowledge and experience. Fee. To enroll, call (316) 687-7323. [See flier.]
Times vary, Friday, Oct. 14-Saturday, Oct. 15, Fundamental Learning Center, 917 S. Glendale, Wichita, KS 67218, (316) 687-7323

"The Things They Carried" Book Discussion
Will Fahey, decorated Marine Corps Officer during the Vietnam Conflict (Con Thien and Khe Sanh among others) and a popular Vietnam War historian/lecturer at several universities including Emory, Duke, Stanford and UCLA, hosts a book discussion of "The Things They Carried." Please register in advance by calling (316) 261-8500.
2:30-3:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 14, Mead's Corner, 430 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67202, (316) 201-1900

The Last Patrol
Local Vietnam re-enactors "The Last Patrol" will be at the Andover Public Library with "the things they carried" in Vietnam. The group has collected and exhibits authentic Vietnam equipment, including helicopters, jeeps and trucks. They will bring a M35A2C Vietnam gun-truck titled "Business as Usual," and a 1965 UH-1H Huey helicopter painted in the colors of 1/9 Cavalry "The Headhunters," a regiment that participated in some of the most fierce fighting of the war. All of the weapons are facsimiles. The Last Patrol will be in uniforms and will display their 80-pound packs and all the accoutrements.
9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15, Andover Public Library, 1511 E. Central Ave, Andover, KS 67002, (316) 558-3500

The Vietnam War Experience in Images: Bill Snead Talk
Pulitzer Prize candidate and Kansas native Bill Snead served as a photo journalist and photo manager of a national wire service in Vietnam from 1967-1969. Snead was raised in Lawrence and began his journalistic career in 1954 at the Lawrence Journal-World. During the month of October, he will display his photos from his years running the UPI's photo bureau in Saigon at the Andover Public Library. His images chronicle the war with an array of striking work that earned him a place in history.  His talk on Saturday, Oct. 15, will focus on his experiences in Vietnam, the people he worked with and the stories and people he covered, including photos he took during his time in Vietnam.
1-2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15, Andover Public Library, 1511 E. Central Ave, Andover, KS 67002, (316) 558-3500

The Things They Carried: A Hands-On Experience
Touch a Thompson M1A1, Browning 30-caliber with tri-pod along with other small arms. Wear a Mae West vest, WWII steel pot helmet, back-pack parachute, cartridge belt, haversack and more. Ask local military re-enactors from the French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, Civil War, WWI, WWII and Vietnam to answer your questions.
1-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15, Orchard Park Recreation Center, 4808 W. 9th, Wichita, KS 67212, (316) 337-9244

Wichita Genealogical Society Anniversary Banquet
Celebrate 25 years of the Wichita Genealogical Society with a special banquet! Virginia Downing will present on researching military records of World War II and Vietnam. Fee, reservations required. See www.wichitagensoc.org for details. (2.5 hours)
12-2:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15, Hyde Park Enclosed Shelter, 201 S. Greenwood, Wichita, KS 67211, (316) 261-8500

"The Things They Carried" Book Discussion
Join us as we have a passionate book discussion of the classic narrative of the Vietnam War experience, "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien. The book is made up of 22 interconnected stories that focus on a platoon of American soldiers in Vietnam. The groundbreaking book is a painful meditation of war and its effects on the human heart and soul. Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP.
3-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15, Barnes and Noble at Bradley Fair, 1920 N. Rock Rd., Wichita, KS, 67206, (316) 315-0421

What Have We Done to War? Vietnam and Its Successors
Vietnam changed Americans’ perception of war as our longest war to date.  Hesitant to commit so much money to a war that had troops on the ground for eight years, Americans were "gun shy" of military involvements. But in the past decade, all that changed. Dr. Gretchen Eick. professor of history at Friends University, will explore these changes and how they have affected Americans’ pocket books, psyches and politics. Pick up a free copy of "The Things They Carried," reader's guide and poster (while supplies last). Prior to the lecture, from 1-3 p.m., there will be a static display of a Vietnam-era Huey helicopter south of the WATC Student Center, close to the lecture hall.  The helicopter’s permanent home is at the Kansas Museum of Military History, Augusta, KS.
2:30-3:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 16, National Center for Aviation Training (part of the Wichita Area Technical College) at Jabara Airport, 4004 N. Webb Rd., Wichita, KS 67226, (316) 677-1916 (Contact WATC Library for venue information)

Sharing the Things He Carried: Vietnam Letters from My Brother
Kauffman Museum at Bethel College will feature Karen Ross Epp of Newton in the Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum series. Epp will share the story of her brother Sp4 Stanley D. Ross who lost his life while serving with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade, Charlie Co, 2/3 in Vietnam. Epp’s book “With Love, Stan” is based on her brother’s letters home, along with recollections and quotes from authors including Tim O’Brien.
3:30-4:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 16, Kauffman Museum, 2801 N. Main St., North Newton, KS 67117, (316) 283-1612

"The Things They Carried" Book Discussion
Join a lively discussion of Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried.
1-2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 17, Derby Senior Center, 611 N. Mulberry #300, Derby, KS 67037, (316) 788-0223

"The Things They Carried" Book Discussion
Join a lively discussion of Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried." Reservations requested at (316) 261-8500.
7-8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 17, Wichita Public Library-Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian, Wichita, KS 67217, (316) 337-9119

"The Things They Carried" Book Discussion
The Westlink Branch Library's Third Tuesday Book Discussion Group will discuss Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried" at their October meeting. New members are always welcome to come and share their ideas!
12:45-1:45 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 18,  Wichita Public Library-Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, Wichita, KS 67212, (316) 337-9456

"The Things They Carried" Book Discussion
The Central Library's Third Tuesday Book Discussion Group will discuss Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried" at their October meeting. New members are always welcome to come and share their ideas!
7-8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 18, Wichita Public Library-Central Library, 223 S. Main, Wichita, KS 67202, (316) 261-8500

Family Artventure: The 1960s in America
Kids and their families will look at works of art made in or inspired by the turbulent 1960s and the Vietnam War. Families can create their own illustrated story to read at home. Drop in anytime between 11-3, no reservations required. Activity takes about an hour.
11 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 22, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W Museum Blvd. Wichita, KS 67203 (316) 268-4921

Tallgrass Film Festival: "Flight to the Wall"
This 2011 documentary is the heartfelt story of veterans who flew from the West Coast to the Vietnam Memorial Wall and back in Vietnam War-era Huey helicopters to honor and listen to the stories of Vietnam vets. Free showing; part of the ninth annual Tallgrass Film Festival.
2-3:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 22,  Wichita Public Library-Central Library, 223 S. Main, Wichita, KS 67202, (316) 261-8500

"My Vietnam Your Iraq"
"My Vietnam Your Iraq," a PBS documentary, tells stories from Vietnam War veterans who have children that served in Iraq. The program showcases the pride and fear a family shares when one is deployed.
6-7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 25, Derby Public Library, 1600 E. Walnut Grove, Derby, KS 67037, (316) 788-0760

The Redemptive Power of Storytelling:  A Modern Classic of the Vietnam War
Listen as the Reverend Jim Wooten of Grace Presbyterian Church and East High School IB students dramatically interpret a sampling of O’Brien’s tales and participate in a multi-generational dialogue, then join in a discussion led by Taylor Jones and Shirley Wells, Watermark booksellers and book club leaders.
6-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 25, Watermark Books & Café, 4701 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67218, (316) 682-1181

"The Things They Carried" Book Discussion
Join a lively discussion of Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried." Reservations requested at (316) 261-8500.
6:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 25, Wichita Public Library-Angelou Northeast Branch Library, 3051 E. 21st St., Wichita, KS 67214, (316) 688-9580

"The Things They Carried" Book Discussion
Join us as we have a passionate book discussion of the classic narrative of the Vietnam War experience, "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien. The book is made up of 22 interconnected stories that focus on a platoon of American soldiers in Vietnam. The groundbreaking book is a painful meditation of war and its effects on the human heart and soul. Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP.
7-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 27, Barnes and Noble at Bradley Fair, 1920 N. Rock Rd., Wichita, KS, 67206, (316) 315-0421

"The Things They Carried" Book Discussion
Join a lively discussion of Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried." Reservations requested at (316) 261-8500.
2:30-3:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 28, Wichita Public Library-Linwood Branch Library, 1901 S. Kansas, Wichita, KS 67211, (316) 337-9125

Big Read Book Discussion
Bring your lunch and share your thoughts on the book. The library will be providing drinks and cookies! Just bring your own lunch. Meets in Room 201 of the Library.
12 - 1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 1, Friends University Library, 2100 W. University Ave., Wichita, KS 67213, (316) 295-5880
12 - 1 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 3, Friends University Library, 2100 W. University Ave., Wichita, KS 67213, (316) 295-5880

"The Sixties: The Years That Shaped a Generation"
This PBS documentary traces the political and cultural events of the 1960s, from the Vietnam War to the counter-culture explosion and the fight for racial equality.
6-8 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 1, Derby Public Library, 1600 E. Walnut Grove, Derby, KS 67037, (316) 788-0760

Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried": Standing Vigil as We Read
Newton Public Library will host Dr. Brad Born, vice president for Academic Affairs at Bethel College, who will share experiences teaching O'Brien's book to young college students. Pick up a free copy of "The Things They Carried" (while supplies last).
7-8 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 1, Newton Public Library, 720 N. Oak St., Newton, KS 67114, (316) 283-2890

What Have You Read Lately?: "The Things They Carried"
Be introduced to The Big Read - Wichita and Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried." This discussion is fantastic whether you've already the book or have yet to enjoy it. Part of the Shepherd Center of West Wichita's Adventures in Learning Series. Led by Brad Purkey of Barnes & Noble Bradley Fair. Fee.
10:15-11:15 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 3, Shepherd's Center of West Wichita, 745 N. Westlink, Wichita, KS 67212

"The Things They Carried" by Tim O’Brien - Book Discussion
Signup at the circulation desk and receive a copy of the book (while supplies last).
6-7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 3, Derby Public Library, 1600 E. Walnut Grove, Derby, KS 67037, (316) 788-0760

Author Tim O'Brien
Meet Big Read author Tim O'Brien. O'Brien's service in the United States Army (3rd Platoon, A Company, 5th Battery, 46th Infantry, 1969-1970) as a foot soldier has inspired him to write award-winning fiction and well-received non-fiction. His Vietnam War memoir "If I Die in a Combat Zone" was published in 1973. "Going After Cacciato" won the National Book Award in fiction in 1979. "In the Lake of the Woods" received the James Fenimore Cooper Prize from the Society of American Historians and was named Best Novel of the Year by Time Magazine (1994). "The Things They Carried," published in 1990, received France’s Prix du Meilleur Livre Étranger (Best Foreign Book Prize) and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award. O'Brien teaches in the Master’s of Fine Arts Creative Writing Program at Texas State University-San Marcos. Books will be available for sale and signing following the program. Tim O'Brien's visit is made possible by Candlewood Suites - Wichita Airport, Friends of the Wichita Public Library, Friends University Library, USD 259 - Wichita Public Schools, Wichita State University Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Wichita State University Libraries.
7-8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 3, Wichita State University Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5015 E. 29th St. N., Wichita, KS 67220, (316) 261-8500 (Contact Wichita Public Library for more information)

Author Tim O'Brien
Presentation and signing.
9-10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 5, Watermark Books & Café, 4701 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67218, (316) 682-1181

Veterans Day Parade
Celebrate the armed forces with a parade for all ages. Marching bands, honor guards, veterans' groups and JROTC will be featured.
11 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5, downtown Wichita, KS 67202

"American Experience: My Lai"
This Peabody-award winning PBS documentary explores what drove a company of American soldiers to commit the worst atrocity in American military history.
6-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 8, Derby Public Library, 1600 E. Walnut Grove, Derby, KS 67037, (316) 788-0760