This September, the Library Foundation of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Public Library will focus on Herman Melville’s classic, “Moby Dick,” through the lens of the modern and equally mythical Southern California state of mind.
A month-long citywide adventure into the minds of Melville, Ahab and the great white whale itself, the project will consider whether a 500-page novel published in 1851 can speak across the ages to a person living here in the 21st Century.
“As the cultural hub of our city, the Los Angeles Public Library is the ideal place to pose this question and explore its answers,” said City Librarian John F. Szabo. “We are excited to discover and investigate ‘Moby Dick’ together as a community in our libraries, from film screenings in Hollywood to nautical rope knots in San Pedro and sea shanties in Hancock Park to navigating by the stars in Studio City.”
Special events will be held at the Palisades Branch Library, 861 Alma Real Drive.
All September: The Teen Council has put together an ocean display with suggested titles to check out throughout September.
September 10 at 4 p.m.: September’s Game Time will feature ocean games. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
September 24 at 4 p.m.: The Palisades Branch Library will host a “Moby Dick” book discussion for teens and adults, moderated by Mary Tyler and Mary Hopf. Participants will be invited to share their experiences of reading parts or the whole of “Moby Dick.” Refreshments will be provided.
September 25 at 4 p.m.: There will be a “Moby Dick”-related puppet show for children.
September 28 at 1 p.m.: A film screening of “Moby Dick,” starring Gregory Peck as Captain Ahab.
September 28 at 4 p.m.: An ocean puppet show and storytime featuring “Moby Dick” stories, rhymes, songs, a craft and more.
An art contest will be held through September 13. Participants are invited to create a collage or sculpture that celebrates the theme of “Moby Dick.” The materials must be items that are recycled or repurposed for the art piece, to help celebrate conservatism. Groups will be divided according to age: grades K-2; 3-5; 6-8; 9-12; and ages 18 and up. Entries must be received by September 13, and an awards ceremony will be held on September 27 at 3:30 p.m.
On October 5, the project will culminate with “My Moby Dick,” an unpredictable evening of theatrical performance, quotes, misquotes and cutting-edge science at The Broad Stage. The multimedia event will take a uniquely Los Angeles look at the literary masterpiece with a community of actors, thinkers and scientists, and include a specially-commissioned film component created by the award-winning team of Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton. For tickets, visit thebroadstage.com.
For more information, call the Palisades Branch Library at (310) 459-2754 or visit whateverhappenedtomobydick.org.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
