The first reference we found to the Charleston in a Davenport newspaper. The Davenport Democrat and Leader. August 2, 1925. Page 18.
Were the roaring twenties really the berries or just all wet (in 1920’s slang)? Maybe it depended on who you were or the people you associated with that would answer that question. Many authors of the time debated the idea in popular novels of the day.
As the majority of us were not reading these novels during their first releases; we are able to explore those ideas again with The Big Read this October. The Big Read is a program through the National Endowment for the Arts. This year, in partnership with Arts Midwest, the Davenport Public Library is reading F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.
First published in 1925, this novel has become an American classic. As the Davenport Public Library is rather keen on the subject we are celebrating this event in grand style. Everyone is invited to participate in reading this book and joining in the many discussions, activities, and programs associated with Gatsby and the 1920’s during the month of October.
This celebration kicks off with Gatsby’s Speakeasy on Friday, October 2 at 6:00 p.m. at the Davenport Public Library – Main Street branch. This family-friendly event is only the start of an amazing month of programming. For more information on this event and other amazing programming, please visit our blog calendar or www.davenportlibrary.com.
The Great Gatsby will be discussed in all regular DPL book and art club meetings in addition in local schools and outreach programs. Not a member of one of our book clubs? Never fear, several Open Discussions have been set up as well.
These programs are supported by FRIENDS of the Davenport Public Library. Additional community partners include the Creative Arts Academy, the Davenport Community Schools, the Figge Museum of Art, the River Music Experience, and St. Ambrose University Library.
These events will be the cat’s meow. We hope to see you there!
