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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Berkshire South Sees $1M Earmark for Expansion

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.— The Berkshire South Regional Community Center was earmarked for more than $1 million to expand its north wing. 

On Thursday, Congressman Richard Neal sat with Executive Director Jenise Lucey, board members, and other staff at the center to see how those dollars will help expand childcare, among other areas.  He announced a $1,015,000 earmark for the project. 

"As you can see, we are really, really busy and really busting at the seams," Lucey said while showing the congressman plans. 

"So your advocacy to make this happen, so that we can really move on to the next steps and serve our community, couldn't be better timed, and we're just so grateful for your support." 

The 6,000-square-foot addition will add about 20 spaces for infant and toddler care and increase the 40,000-square-foot building by about 15 percent.  It will also allow BCRCC to expand its fitness center, upgrade its HVAC system, and relocate administrative offices. 

BCRCC sees about 200,000 visitors per year and is licensed to welcome 100 summer campers, running a nine-week program during working hours.  Childcare programming runs year-round, with the center serving about 240 youth annually. 

Open since 2002, the community center will soon celebrate its 25th anniversary.  The allocation was made through Congressionally Directed Spending from the Rural Housing Service with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Neal said that childcare was one of the biggest issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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