On Sunday, January 27, 2008, from 2:00 to 4:00, Finney County Public Library hosted the kick off of Kansas Reads In Cold Blood with a Black & White Tea. This format was chosen because Mr. Capote returned to Kansas in 1966 following the publication of his book for an Author's Tea at the library. He autographed copies of In Cold Blood for attendees. Many residents (and the library) possess autographed copies signed during this event.
More than 100 people attended Sunday's kick off , enjoying tea and cookies, viewing exhibits, and listening to speakers. Concurrent to the presentations, the library ran the 2006 movie, "Infamous", in the Kansas Room.
Dr. Sarah Jane Richter, a professor of literature from Oklahoma Panhandle State University, began the program with an informative and lively discussion of Mr. Capote's early formative life, his literary contributions prior to writing In Cold Blood, and the place of In Cold Blood in American literature. She also talked about the universal themes in the book which have contributed to its timelessness and popularity. Dr. Richter's presentation was made possible through a grant from the Kansas Humanities Council.
Clifford and Dolores Hope, the first Garden City residents to invite Mr. Capote into their home (knowing that he and Ms. Lee would have no where to eat Christmas dinner), related many fascinating personal stories and anecdotes providing insight into the personalities of both Truman Capote and Nelle Harper Lee. Mr. Hope had been the attorney for Mr. Clutter, arranged for him to view the Clutter house, and did legal work for Mr. Capote related to obtaining releases for the movie version of In Cold Blood. The Hopes remained in contact with Mr. Capote for some time after the publication of the book, and correspondwith Harper Lee to this day.
A discussion session covered topics such as the grip of fear felt by residents following the murders and the influence that the book had on public feelings toward capital punishment. Mr. Roy Bird, director of the Kansas Center for the Book, informed attendees about the Kansas Reads program and the reasons for selecting In Cold Blood as the 2008 title.
On exhibit were letters relating to arrangement for the Capote tea, newspaper clippings related to the crime and its investigation and trial, a New Yorker magazine from 1965 with one of the installments of In Cold Blood, and more.
Two more events are planned for Finney County, a double feature of In Cold Blood and a documentary on Truman Capote, to be held on February 22 at 6:00, and a book discussion to be held the following Sunday, February 24, at 2:00.
Denise Galarraga
Finney County Public Library
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