Winchester Public Library will be hosting an In Cold Blood book discussion, but with a inside view of the book's conclusion. Local resident Arnold Seifert, who was directly involved in the execution of the killers, will speak to us about his experiences. Mr. Seifert will bring along his well used copy of I. C.B., with notes of his comparing/contrasting experiences in the margins. All are encouraged and welcome to join us February 29th, 5:00 p.m. - Winchester Public Library Main Area- Light refreshments will be provided.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Kansas Reads In Cold Blood in Pittsburg
The following is from the February 11th edition of The Morning Sun & is reprinted with permission of the author:
Ill wind and In Cold Blood
By JT Knoll THE MORNING SUN
An ill wind blows nobody any good.
— Proverb
I've just finished reading "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote.
Most people reading this likely know it's about murder. Multiple murder.
Four people, Herb and Bonnie Clutter and their two teenage children — Nancy and Kenyon — executed in mid-November, 1959, in their farmhouse on the far western Kansas plains just outside the small town of Holcomb.
Killed for money. Just under fifty dollars.
It's a compelling book. I discovered that on my first reading as a sophomore in high school in 1965. Which is why I accepted the invitation from Carol Ann Robb, Adult Services Librarian at Pittsburg Public Library, to read it again and lead a discussion about it as part of Kansas Reads, a statewide project that encourages Kansas adults to read, discuss, and experience the same book.
I found this reading as gripping as I remembered. But I had forgotten how painful a book it is.
Full of evil.
Evil appears to be undeniable if you look around much. Unaccountable suffering prevails over the planet. Some, however, deny its existence because they don't care to deal with the problem of explaining how evil can exist in a world created and governed by a God who is supposed to be perfectly good.
Christian Scientists are among those that teach that evil is an illusion. The movement's founder, Mary Baker Eddy, wrote, "Evil is a negation, because it is the absence of truth. It is nothing, because it is the absence of something. It is unreal, because it presupposes the absence of God, the omnipotent and omnipresent. Every mortal must learn that there is neither power nor reality in evil."
I don't have much use for Christian leaders who assign everything good that happens to them – or their kind – as attributable to God and everything bad to Satan (I'm thinking here of the dynamic duo, Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, who attribute catastrophes like Hurricane Katrina, Global Warming and 9-11 to Satan — personified in the ACLU, gays, civil libertarians, etc. — and all that's positive and joyful to God — embodied in them and their followers who live "good" Christian lives.)
Still, I can't quite buy the view that all evil is illusory.
If the malevolence of the senseless, brutal Clutter murders is an illusion, it's an excruciating one. So much so that it makes little difference to me either way; whether in the flesh or by some trick of the mind, it's still evil.
Besides the subject of evil, the book discussion I will be leading at the library February 19 at 6:30 p.m., will cover a range of other topics. Not the least of which will be the killers, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock, whom Capote got to know quite well while on death row and about whom he provides detailed biographical and psychological profiles.
There's also detailed background on the Clutter family gleaned by Capote in interviews with farmers, ranchers and townspeople. According to Paul Fecteau, professor of English at Washburn University, K.B.I. Agent Harold Nye speculated that Capote spoke to more people connected to the murder of the Clutters than did the Bureau. Capote spent the better part of four years tromping around western Kansas, amassing thousands of pages of notes.
Of course we'll talk about the author and his writing style. Capote wrote what he termed a non-fiction novel, a combination intended to achieve historical accuracy but also use fictional devices to shed creative light on actual events.
Just by chance, a couple of days after I finished the book, I happened upon the movie "Infamous" on one of the cable channels. The movie, based on the 1997 book Truman Capote by George Plimpton, details the way Capote charmed his way into the homes of Holcomb residents and bonded with killer Perry Smith on death row.
The scene that I found most moving of many emotional scenes in the movie was one in which Capote and his close friend, Harper Lee, author of "To Kill A Mockingbird," were talking, in a barren field, to a farmer about Herb Clutter. The farmer's reflective monologue on the cunning nature of evil, delivered in slow, western Kansas, rhythm, made me think of soliloquies from Shakespeare's "Hamlet."
The man said Herb Clutter was a good man; one of the most respected farmers in the state. A man, who when he went to church, didn't just punch the clock. He listened. In trying to make some sense of the it, he uneasily described how Herb Clutter's murder affected him, saying that no matter how good a man is, sometimes an ill wind comes along — could be drink, could be a woman, or something else. That ill wind will just blow in out of nowhere, raise him up and carry him away. And there's nothing he can do about it.
J.T. Knoll is a writer, speaker and prevention and wellness coordinator at Pittsburg State University. He also operates Knoll Training, Consulting & Counseling Services in Pittsburg. He can be reached at 231-1852 or jtknoll@swbell.net
Ill wind and In Cold Blood
By JT Knoll THE MORNING SUN
An ill wind blows nobody any good.
— Proverb
I've just finished reading "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote.
Most people reading this likely know it's about murder. Multiple murder.
Four people, Herb and Bonnie Clutter and their two teenage children — Nancy and Kenyon — executed in mid-November, 1959, in their farmhouse on the far western Kansas plains just outside the small town of Holcomb.
Killed for money. Just under fifty dollars.
It's a compelling book. I discovered that on my first reading as a sophomore in high school in 1965. Which is why I accepted the invitation from Carol Ann Robb, Adult Services Librarian at Pittsburg Public Library, to read it again and lead a discussion about it as part of Kansas Reads, a statewide project that encourages Kansas adults to read, discuss, and experience the same book.
I found this reading as gripping as I remembered. But I had forgotten how painful a book it is.
Full of evil.
Evil appears to be undeniable if you look around much. Unaccountable suffering prevails over the planet. Some, however, deny its existence because they don't care to deal with the problem of explaining how evil can exist in a world created and governed by a God who is supposed to be perfectly good.
Christian Scientists are among those that teach that evil is an illusion. The movement's founder, Mary Baker Eddy, wrote, "Evil is a negation, because it is the absence of truth. It is nothing, because it is the absence of something. It is unreal, because it presupposes the absence of God, the omnipotent and omnipresent. Every mortal must learn that there is neither power nor reality in evil."
I don't have much use for Christian leaders who assign everything good that happens to them – or their kind – as attributable to God and everything bad to Satan (I'm thinking here of the dynamic duo, Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, who attribute catastrophes like Hurricane Katrina, Global Warming and 9-11 to Satan — personified in the ACLU, gays, civil libertarians, etc. — and all that's positive and joyful to God — embodied in them and their followers who live "good" Christian lives.)
Still, I can't quite buy the view that all evil is illusory.
If the malevolence of the senseless, brutal Clutter murders is an illusion, it's an excruciating one. So much so that it makes little difference to me either way; whether in the flesh or by some trick of the mind, it's still evil.
Besides the subject of evil, the book discussion I will be leading at the library February 19 at 6:30 p.m., will cover a range of other topics. Not the least of which will be the killers, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock, whom Capote got to know quite well while on death row and about whom he provides detailed biographical and psychological profiles.
There's also detailed background on the Clutter family gleaned by Capote in interviews with farmers, ranchers and townspeople. According to Paul Fecteau, professor of English at Washburn University, K.B.I. Agent Harold Nye speculated that Capote spoke to more people connected to the murder of the Clutters than did the Bureau. Capote spent the better part of four years tromping around western Kansas, amassing thousands of pages of notes.
Of course we'll talk about the author and his writing style. Capote wrote what he termed a non-fiction novel, a combination intended to achieve historical accuracy but also use fictional devices to shed creative light on actual events.
Just by chance, a couple of days after I finished the book, I happened upon the movie "Infamous" on one of the cable channels. The movie, based on the 1997 book Truman Capote by George Plimpton, details the way Capote charmed his way into the homes of Holcomb residents and bonded with killer Perry Smith on death row.
The scene that I found most moving of many emotional scenes in the movie was one in which Capote and his close friend, Harper Lee, author of "To Kill A Mockingbird," were talking, in a barren field, to a farmer about Herb Clutter. The farmer's reflective monologue on the cunning nature of evil, delivered in slow, western Kansas, rhythm, made me think of soliloquies from Shakespeare's "Hamlet."
The man said Herb Clutter was a good man; one of the most respected farmers in the state. A man, who when he went to church, didn't just punch the clock. He listened. In trying to make some sense of the it, he uneasily described how Herb Clutter's murder affected him, saying that no matter how good a man is, sometimes an ill wind comes along — could be drink, could be a woman, or something else. That ill wind will just blow in out of nowhere, raise him up and carry him away. And there's nothing he can do about it.
J.T. Knoll is a writer, speaker and prevention and wellness coordinator at Pittsburg State University. He also operates Knoll Training, Consulting & Counseling Services in Pittsburg. He can be reached at 231-1852 or jtknoll@swbell.net
Other activities at the Pittsburg Public Library include handing out 100 copies of In Cold Blood which were purchased by our Friends of the Library, presentation by Tom Averill on "Why Kansas Still Reads In Cold Blood", book discussion, presentation by KBI agents on "Forensic Science Then & Now", and showings of In Cold Blood related movies.
Carol Ann Robb, Reference & Adult Services Librarian
Kansas Reads at Dodge City Public Library
Dodge City Public Library had two events which involved the Kansas Reads: In Cold Blood. On Tuesday, February 5th we showed the movie In Cold Blood for our monthly "Coffee, Donuts & a Movie." There were about 16 at the showing. Then on Thursday, February 7th, Professor Clark Killion from Dodge City Community College discussed the book to 18 individuals plus about 11 from Norton who participated via ELMeR. Professor Killion's presentation was part of the grant from the Kansas Humanities Council. During January and the first part of February we also had a display of books and videos/DVDs dealing with Capote and In Cold Blood.
Kansas Reads Events at Pott-Wab - Speaker Discussion
The first public discussion of Truman Capote's book In Cold Blood, being conducted as part of our 2008 Kansas Reads programs, is scheduled for tonight at our Alma Branch Library.
Additional opportunities to participate in the discussion will be offered at the locations and times below. Please Plan to Join Us.
PWRL - Alma Branch Library - Speaker / Book Discussion lead by Paul Fecteau (6:00 - 7:00 p.m.)
PWRL - Onaga Branch Library - Speaker / Book Discussion lead by Paul Fecteau (6:00 - 7:00 p.m.)
PWRL - St. Marys Headquarters Library - Speaker / Book Discussion lead by Paul Fecteau (6:00 - 7:00 p.m.)
Kansas Reads Activites at Pott-Wab - Movie Screenings
Our First Kansas Reads Event was held Monday at our Eskridge Branch Library. The 1967 Movie In Cold Blood was shown to a small, but interested and enthusiastic audience.This version of the In Cold Blood story was filmed on location in Kansas, and the community of Holcomb, at a time when the events were still very fresh in the public mind. The film is black & white and features music by Quincy Jones. This movie is perhaps not as visually graphic as some are today, but as a package it has a tremendous psychological impact.
Additional screenings of the movie are planned at the following locations and times. Please plan to join us.
Alma Branch Library - February 19th (6:00 - 8:15)
St. Marys Headquarters Library - February 21st (6:00 - 8:15)
Onaga Branch Library - February 26th (6:00 - 8:15)
Kansas Reads Events at Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library
The Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library is hosting several events in conjunction with the One-Book / One-State Program being conducted this month featuring the book In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. Please plan to join us to learn and discuss during this 2008 One-Book / One-State Kansas Reads adult programming series.
Programs will be held at the four Branch location of the Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library. At each site we will be showing the 1967 movie based upon Truman Capote’s book. The Library will also be hosting a special guest speaker to facilitate a discussion of the book itself during the month of February. The public is invited to attend any and all of these planned activities. Copies of the book In Cold Blood are also available for patrons to check out from the Library and join thousands of other Kansans as they read all about it.
A discussion of the Kansas Reads selection will be conducted at the Library’s Alma, Onaga, and St. Marys Branch locations. Paul Fecteau will be speaking about the book as well as highlighting the impact In Cold Bloods had on journalism and the true crimenovel. Mr. Fecteau is one of the scholars working this month with the Kansas Center for the Book under a grant from the Kansas Humanities Council to facilitate the Kansas Reads program. He teaches in the English Department at Washburn University and serves as a board member of Woodley Press. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Wichita State and has written a nonfiction novel about Wichita’s infamous Butterworth trial.
The Eskridge Branch library will be hosting an alternate presentation addressing a theme that commonly surfaces in discussions of Capote’s book. At this location the Wabaunsee County Sheriff Department will present a special program offering suggestions of ways to keep your family safe in today’s modern world.
A complete Listing of PWRL sponsored Kansas Reads events for the month of February are listed below.
February 11th - Eskridge - In Cold Blood, Screening of 1967 movie (6:00-8:15 p.m.)
February 13th - Alma - Speaker / Book Discussion - Paul Fecteau - (6:00 - 7:00 p.m.)
February 19th - Alma - In Cold Blood, Screening of 1967 movie (6:00-8:15 p.m.)
February 20th - Eskridge - Home Safety Presentation - WB Co. Sheriff Dept. (6:00-7:00 p.m.)
February 20th - Onaga - Speaker / Book Discussion - Paul Fecteau - (6:30 – 7:30 p.m.)
February 21st - St. Marys - In Cold Blood, Screening of 1967 movie (6:00-8:15 p.m.)
February 26th - Onaga Branch - In Cold Blood, Screening of 1967 movie (6:00-8:15 p.m.)
February 28th - St. Marys - Speaker / Book Discussion - Paul Fecteau - (6:00 - 7:00 p.m.)
For additional information about the Kansas Reads program at the state level, please go to the Kansas Center for the Book website at: http://skyways.lib.ks.us/orgs/kcfb/incoldblood.htm
Questions about the programs scheduled at PWRL can be addressed using the contact information for the Pott-Wab Headquarters Library at St. Marys as below.
Judith Cremer, Director
Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library
306 N. 5th StreetSt. Marys, KS 66536
PH/FAX: 785-437-2778
E-Mail: cremerj@oct.net
Programs will be held at the four Branch location of the Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library. At each site we will be showing the 1967 movie based upon Truman Capote’s book. The Library will also be hosting a special guest speaker to facilitate a discussion of the book itself during the month of February. The public is invited to attend any and all of these planned activities. Copies of the book In Cold Blood are also available for patrons to check out from the Library and join thousands of other Kansans as they read all about it.
A discussion of the Kansas Reads selection will be conducted at the Library’s Alma, Onaga, and St. Marys Branch locations. Paul Fecteau will be speaking about the book as well as highlighting the impact In Cold Bloods had on journalism and the true crimenovel. Mr. Fecteau is one of the scholars working this month with the Kansas Center for the Book under a grant from the Kansas Humanities Council to facilitate the Kansas Reads program. He teaches in the English Department at Washburn University and serves as a board member of Woodley Press. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Wichita State and has written a nonfiction novel about Wichita’s infamous Butterworth trial.
The Eskridge Branch library will be hosting an alternate presentation addressing a theme that commonly surfaces in discussions of Capote’s book. At this location the Wabaunsee County Sheriff Department will present a special program offering suggestions of ways to keep your family safe in today’s modern world.
A complete Listing of PWRL sponsored Kansas Reads events for the month of February are listed below.
February 11th - Eskridge - In Cold Blood, Screening of 1967 movie (6:00-8:15 p.m.)
February 13th - Alma - Speaker / Book Discussion - Paul Fecteau - (6:00 - 7:00 p.m.)
February 19th - Alma - In Cold Blood, Screening of 1967 movie (6:00-8:15 p.m.)
February 20th - Eskridge - Home Safety Presentation - WB Co. Sheriff Dept. (6:00-7:00 p.m.)
February 20th - Onaga - Speaker / Book Discussion - Paul Fecteau - (6:30 – 7:30 p.m.)
February 21st - St. Marys - In Cold Blood, Screening of 1967 movie (6:00-8:15 p.m.)
February 26th - Onaga Branch - In Cold Blood, Screening of 1967 movie (6:00-8:15 p.m.)
February 28th - St. Marys - Speaker / Book Discussion - Paul Fecteau - (6:00 - 7:00 p.m.)
For additional information about the Kansas Reads program at the state level, please go to the Kansas Center for the Book website at: http://skyways.lib.ks.us/orgs/kcfb/incoldblood.htm
Questions about the programs scheduled at PWRL can be addressed using the contact information for the Pott-Wab Headquarters Library at St. Marys as below.
Judith Cremer, Director
Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library
306 N. 5th StreetSt. Marys, KS 66536
PH/FAX: 785-437-2778
E-Mail: cremerj@oct.net
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Kansas Reads Events at Lawrence Public Library
Lawrence is reading In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, and events are planned at the Lawrence Public Library to expand and enhance our patrons' experience of the book.
A Capote film series is scheduled for Friday nights in February. All of the films will be shown on the big screen in the Auditorium at 7 pm, and popcorn will be provided. Attendees may bring a beverage. Here's the schedule:
Feb 8 Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Based on the Capote novella, with Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly.
Feb 15 In Cold Blood (1967)
Lawrence attorney Martin Miller will provide an introduction and lead a discussion following the film. Co-sponsored with the Douglas County Law Library.
Feb 22 The Grass Harp (1996)
Charming story of a company of free spirits who take refuge from meddling relatives in a tree house.
Feb 29 Infamous (2006)
Biopic based on George Plimpton’s book Truman Capote: In Which Various Friends, Enemies, Acquaintances, and Detractors Recall his Turbulent Career. Lawrence resident Ann Blackhurst, who worked for Capote’s editor at Random House in New York in 1966 and attended the premiere of In Cold Blood, will share reminiscences of Truman.
On Monday, February 25, at 7 pm, Thomas Fox Averill, professor of English at Washburn University, will talk about In Cold Blood's place in Kansas literature and lead a discussion of the book. Through a grant from the Kansas Humanities Council, this session will be made available to other Kansas libraries that have ELMeR rooms.
We also have a book display, and have been drawing names for free books. Finally, the Last Wednesday Book Club, which meets on the last Wednesday of each month, will discuss the book on February 27.
Maria Butler
Community Relations Coordinator
Lawrence Public Library
A Capote film series is scheduled for Friday nights in February. All of the films will be shown on the big screen in the Auditorium at 7 pm, and popcorn will be provided. Attendees may bring a beverage. Here's the schedule:
Feb 8 Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Based on the Capote novella, with Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly.
Feb 15 In Cold Blood (1967)
Lawrence attorney Martin Miller will provide an introduction and lead a discussion following the film. Co-sponsored with the Douglas County Law Library.
Feb 22 The Grass Harp (1996)
Charming story of a company of free spirits who take refuge from meddling relatives in a tree house.
Feb 29 Infamous (2006)
Biopic based on George Plimpton’s book Truman Capote: In Which Various Friends, Enemies, Acquaintances, and Detractors Recall his Turbulent Career. Lawrence resident Ann Blackhurst, who worked for Capote’s editor at Random House in New York in 1966 and attended the premiere of In Cold Blood, will share reminiscences of Truman.
On Monday, February 25, at 7 pm, Thomas Fox Averill, professor of English at Washburn University, will talk about In Cold Blood's place in Kansas literature and lead a discussion of the book. Through a grant from the Kansas Humanities Council, this session will be made available to other Kansas libraries that have ELMeR rooms.
We also have a book display, and have been drawing names for free books. Finally, the Last Wednesday Book Club, which meets on the last Wednesday of each month, will discuss the book on February 27.
Maria Butler
Community Relations Coordinator
Lawrence Public Library
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Kansas Reads events at Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library
We are really pleased to be hosting several events in coordination with the statewide reading of In Cold Blood. If you are in the area and want to participate here is our listing:
KBI Presents: Investigating a Crime SceneKansas Bureau of Investigation crime lab experts explain the types of forensic examinations used during criminal investigations.Saturday, February 9, 2008, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Literature with Lunch Book DiscussionDiscuss In Cold Blood at the library.Registration required. Call 580-4540.Monday, February 11, 2008, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Book Discussion: In Cold BloodDiscuss In Cold Blood at the library.Registration required. Call 580-4540.Friday, February 29, 2008, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Fatal Lives Film SeriesFilms to Die For in FebruaryFriday nights 6:30-8:45 p.m, call 580-4427 for listing of movies
Book kits are also available for groups who want to lead their own book discussions.
Finally the TSCPL staff have their own opportunity to learn more about In Cold Blood and Truman Capote at our annual Staff Day with a wonderful multi-media presentation prepare by two of our librarians.
Marie Pyko
TSCPL
KBI Presents: Investigating a Crime SceneKansas Bureau of Investigation crime lab experts explain the types of forensic examinations used during criminal investigations.Saturday, February 9, 2008, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Literature with Lunch Book DiscussionDiscuss In Cold Blood at the library.Registration required. Call 580-4540.Monday, February 11, 2008, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Book Discussion: In Cold BloodDiscuss In Cold Blood at the library.Registration required. Call 580-4540.Friday, February 29, 2008, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Fatal Lives Film SeriesFilms to Die For in FebruaryFriday nights 6:30-8:45 p.m, call 580-4427 for listing of movies
Book kits are also available for groups who want to lead their own book discussions.
Finally the TSCPL staff have their own opportunity to learn more about In Cold Blood and Truman Capote at our annual Staff Day with a wonderful multi-media presentation prepare by two of our librarians.
Marie Pyko
TSCPL
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