Triplex Cinema and Great Barrington Libraries Announce "Banned Books on Film" Series

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Triplex Cinema and the Great Barrington Public Libraries have announced a new film series titled "Banned Books on Film."

The series will commence on Saturday, May 4, at 4:00 p.m. with a screening of Francois Truffaut’s 1966 film "Fahrenheit 451", an adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s 1953 dystopian novel. A discussion will follow the screening. Tickets are available for purchase at www.thetriplex.com. The Great Barrington Friends of the Library is sponsoring the series, and copies of Bradbury's novel are available for borrowing at Mason Library.

"Fahrenheit 451" stars Julie Christie, Oskar Werner, and Cyril Cusack. The film depicts a future American society where books are banned and burned by firemen. The narrative follows one such fireman who becomes disillusioned and ultimately dedicates himself to preserving literature. Bradbury described his novel, published during the McCarthy era and influenced by historical instances of book burning and ideological repression, as a commentary on preventing potential futures.

Bradbury’s novel received critical acclaim upon release but was also subject to bans in schools and censorship. The "Banned Books on Film" series intends to feature other film adaptations of frequently banned books, such as "The Grapes of Wrath", "Of Mice and Men", "The Perks of Being a Wallflower", "The Scarlett Letter", "The Fault in our Stars", and "The Outsiders".

Jamie Nicholson, head of adult programming for the Great Barrington Libraries, emphasized the importance of free access to knowledge and the increasing prevalence of book bans. The partnership with the Triplex Cinema aims to foster community discussion about intellectual freedom and the right to read.

Gail Lansky, Triplex Board President, expressed enthusiasm for the series and the collaboration with the Great Barrington Libraries.

The Triplex Cinema is a nonprofit organization presenting a variety of films and programs. The Great Barrington Libraries, consisting of Mason and Ramsdell Libraries, offer resources and programs to the community.

 

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MassDOT Announces Lane Closures on I-90 in Multiple Towns for Infrastructure Work

WEST STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has announced that various infrastructure projects, including bridge painting, bridge repair, guardrail installation, and drainage structure operations, will occur on Interstate 90 eastbound and westbound between Monday, May 19, and Friday, May 23. 
 
These projects will necessitate lane closures at different locations along I-90 during both daytime and overnight hours.
 
In West Stockbridge, bridge painting is scheduled on I-90 eastbound and westbound at mile marker 1.3 from Monday, May 19, through Thursday, May 22, between 7:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Additionally, the I-90 westbound off-ramp at exit 3 will be closed from 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, until 5:30 a.m. the following morning for drainage structure repairs. During this ramp closure, westbound I-90 traffic will be directed to exit at exit 10, with detour signs in place to guide drivers back to their intended destinations.
 
In the Stockbridge/West Stockbridge area, drainage structure and guardrail work will take place on I-90 westbound from mile marker 7.8 to 0.0 during the nighttime hours of Monday, May 19, through Thursday, May 22, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. the following morning. Guardrail work is also scheduled on I-90 eastbound from mile marker 3.8 to 6.5 during the nighttime hours of Monday, May 19, through Wednesday, May 21, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. the following morning.
 
In Becket, bridge repair work is scheduled on I-90 eastbound and westbound at mile marker 18.4 from Monday, May 19, through Thursday, May 22, between 7:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
 
MassDOT states that appropriate signage and law enforcement details will be present to direct traffic through the work zones. Motorists traveling through these areas should anticipate potential delays, reduce their speed, and exercise caution. The schedule for all work is dependent on weather conditions and may be subject to change without prior notice.
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