By KAREN L. STOUT
Submitted
This is the year of Frankenstein. With Frankenstein the novel in its 200th year, Indiana Humanities in conjunction with the Indiana State Library and Center for the Book created the year-long program, One State/One Story: Frankenstein, to honor Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s timeless novel. As part of this initiative, 70 nonprofit groups received grants to promote the book and its enduring themes. Hamilton North Public Library (HNPL) is one of those recipients.
Graphic provided by Indiana Humanities
Year of Frankenstein begins
With its grant, HNPL plans to host various programs and activities that celebrate, discuss or teach Frankenstein and its concepts. Some activities, of course, simply are for fun, such as HNPL–Atlanta’s Frankenstein Night at the end of October. HNPL–Cicero kicked off the first event, “Frankenstein Weaving” for teens on March 19 with local artist Deanna Leonard. More family-friendly programs are planned for the summer and fall.
Both HNPL branches have events planned for all ages March through October 2018, as listed in this article and on the library’s event calendar at hnpl.evanced.info/signup/Calendar. Details about events as well as other library programs are or will be posted on HNPL’s Facebook page at facebook.com/HamiltonNorthPublicLibrary. Additionally, a limited number of copies of Frankenstein are available free to patrons from both the Cicero and Atlanta branches.
How Frankenstein began
On one of many soggy days during the rainy summer of 1816 in Lake Geneva, Switzerland, certain summer house guests were challenged to write a ghost story. From that exercise intended to break the monotony of days spent inside, a legend was born – all from the pen of a 17-year-old.
Percy Bysshe Shelley’s challenge led to his future wife’s published novel, Frankenstein, and a legend of terror built on and around timeless themes of man’s inhumanity to man, rejection and the use of knowledge for good and evil purposes. Ms. Wollstonecraft recalled her topic choice was to “speak to the mysterious fears of our nature and awaken thrilling horror.”
The published debut of Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus in 1818 was monumental, not only because the author was young, but also because the author was female. The immediately successful novel often was attributed to Percy Shelley because of those factors. Wollstonecraft’s tale, however, was not simply the whim and wild imagination of a teen. She was a well-read young woman, with access to a home library filled with books; whose father was a noted writer and philosopher and who hosted many writers as guests in his home. Her educational instruction was equal to that given to male students in that era, according to historical sources.
Some information for this article was gleaned from the Feb. 5, 2018 issue of “Antique Week,” which is available at HNPL–Cicero or online at issues.antiqueweek.com/issue/awc_2525.pdf.
Frankenstein events at HNPL
Frankenstein Crazy Quilt. Wednesdays, April through June 2018. Join the Stitchcrafters any Wednesday between 10 a.m. and noon or 2 and 4 p.m. to create a crazy quilt befitting the Frankenstein theme. HNPL–Atlanta.
Official Book Discussion. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., June 4. Adult and Young Adult oriented, this program will focus on original themes still relevant today during one of several official book discussions in this year of the novel, Frankenstein. HNPL–Cicero.
Taste of the Book: Frankenstein Edition. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., June 11. The book club ventures into the world of science fiction for this quarter’s theme. Participants prepare a food item related to the Frankenstein novel. HNPL–Cicero.
Frankenstein, the Movie. The 1931 classic film will be shown from 2 to 4 p.m. on June 16. HNPL–Cicero.
Frankenstein Look-Alikes. 5 to 6 p.m., June 20. In conjunction with the Having Your Say Writers Group, attendees compose reading lists of books with themes similar to Frankenstein. HNPL–Atlanta.
Jurassic Park. The 1993 film will be aired and open to the public from 4 to 6 p.m. on June 22. HNPL–Cicero.
Frankenstein and Jurassic Park: Two Tales of Science Fiction and Imagination. 6:30 to 8 p.m., June 25. Cassandra Bausman, Asst. Professor of English at Trine University, explores comparisons of Jurassic Park and Frankenstein. Adult and YA oriented. HNPL–Cicero.
Frankenstein Look-Alikes II. 5 to 6 p.m., June 27. Following up on the Look-Alike theme, patrons discuss the books compiled on June 20. HNPL–Atlanta.
Frankenstein & Bullying. This book discussion from 4 to 5 p.m. on July 10 is geared for children and young adults. HNPL–Atlanta.
Make a Monster Craft Week. Create a monster at the Atlanta library July 16-19. Crafting hours are from 3 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday. HNPL–Atlanta.
Bride of Frankenstein. The 1935 film will be shown from 2 to 4 p.m. on July 21. The public is invited. HNPL–Cicero.
Not-Real Mystery Book Club. The group discusses Dean Koontz’s Prodigal Son as a Frankenstein read-alike novel. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., July 23. HNPL–Cicero.
Frankenstein Day Chocolate-Making Event. Aug. 30 is Mary Shelley’s birthday and the unofficial holiday Frankenstein Day. HNPL celebrates day with candy-making from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at HNPL–Cicero.
Bone Welder: A Continuation of the Frankenstein Story. From 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. on Oct. 9, author Greg Kishbaugh presents on his book, Bone Welder, in a special Tuesdays with Friends program. HNPL–Cicero.
The Science of Frankenstein. Professor Steve returns to HNPL from 6 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 10 to demonstrate science concepts found in Frankenstein books and movies, including light, anatomy and electricity. It’s an all-aged, family event at HNPL–Cicero.
Frankenstein Story Time. 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. on Oct 16, 17, and 18, Miss Jane’s Story Time Room. HNPL–Cicero.
Exquisite Corpse Collaborative Writing Event. 5 to 6:30 p.m., Oct. 17. HNPL–Atlanta.
Frankenstein Chocolate-Making Event. Make and eat candy at this family-friendly program from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 25. HNPL–Cicero.
Frankenstein Night. From 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 31, dress like Frankenstein and come to the library for a movie and treats. HNPL–Atlanta.