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Fahrenheit 451 Month

Ray Bradbury wrote Fahrenheit 451 in the early 1950s, when America was facing the oppressive political climate of McCarthyism and Cold War paranoia. Forty-three years after its publication, his novel—a social criticism of censorship and unchecked governmental power—is every bit as relevant. Besides the national issues of the PATRIOT Act and government spying, regional issues like library closings and reduced or eliminated funding to arts organizations also threaten the creativity and freedom of Western New Yorkers. That’s why Just Buffalo Literary Center chose Fahrenheit 451 as its choice for the annual Big Read, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts, to revitalize the role of literature in American pop culture. Throughout the month of May—to be declared Fahrenheit 451 Month by Mayor Brown—Just Buffalo is organizing several events to engage WNY in a literary and civic discussion. This Wednesday, union members and staff from Local 1199 will read and discuss Fahrenheit 451 from 5 to 7pm at MAFAC. Immediately following, Bruce Jackson and Diane Christian will introduce a screening of the 1966 Francois Truffaut production of Fahrenheit. A discussion will follow.

Wednesday, May 3 at 5pm. Market Arcade Film and Arts Center, 639 Main St. (855-3022)