CU Big Read Events
Try solving a crime, travel back to the golden days of radio, and enjoy The Maltese Falcon on the big screen. The Urbana and Champaign libraries hosted free Big Read events for all ages, from March 28 to April 30.
Print our event flier for a handy list of Big Read activities.
CU Big Read Kickoff:
Dashiell Hammett, from Book to Screen
Hear mystery author Michael A. Black talk about the life of Dashiell Hammett, author of The Maltese Falcon. Hammett gained his detective expertise, as well as his crisp writing style, preparing case reports for the famed Pinkerton’s detective agency. Check out a copy of the book and enjoy refreshments, too. Barnes & Noble will have copies of The Maltese Falcon, as well as books by our speaker, available for sale.
March 29 | Sunday | 2–4 pm
Robeson Pavilion Room A & B, Champaign Public Library
Crime Scene Investigation
Roll up your sleeves and help solve a fun murder mystery at the library, led by real-life crime scene experts Michael A. Black (above, left) and Dave Case, both of whom are police officers who also write mysteries.
March 30 | Monday | 7–8:30 pm
Robeson Pavilion Room A & B, Champaign Public Library
Film Noir Series: “Murder My Sweet”
See four classics of film noir at this Wednesday evening series, alternating between the Urbana and Champaign libraries. In our first film, private eye Philip Marlowe searches for a missing woman in a 1944 adaptation of Raymond Chandler’s Farewell, My Lovely. P. Gregory Springer, film critic and columnist for Smile Politely, will provide an introduction; see his related Smile Politely column. 95 min.
April 1 | Wednesday | 7 pm
Lewis Auditorium, The Urbana Free Library
WCAT Presents: “The Maltese Falcon”
The Charleston Alley Theatre revisits the golden years of radio drama through this unique production, complete with costumes, sound effects, and commercials.
April 5 | Sunday | 2–4 pm
Robeson Pavilion Room A & B, Champaign Public Library
Lifelong Learners @ the Library:
“The Maltese Falcon:” Its Impact on Crime Noir
Rich Morris, Parkland College professor of English, will provide perspective on the impact of Dashiell Hammett’s groundbreaking detective novel. All are welcome. Come for coffee at 9:30 am, followed by the presentation at 10 am.
April 8 | Wednesday | 9:30 — 11 am
Robeson Pavilion Room A & B, Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green St.
Film Noir Series: “They Live By Night”
In this picture from the director of Rebel Without a Cause, ill-fated young lovers spiral into a life of crime. Join freelance writer P. Gregory Springer to view and talk about this 1948 film. 95 min.
April 8 | Wednesday | 7 pm
Robeson Pavilion Room A & B, Champaign Public Library
Book Discussions
Dig deeper into our Big Read title! Book discussions will be held starting April 9. See details about locations and times.
Film Noir Series: “Gun Crazy”
When a gun-crazy young man teams up with a greedy, sharpshooting female, the crime spree begins. P. Gregory Springer will join us again to discuss this 1950 film. 86 min.
April 15 | Wednesday | 7 pm
Lewis Auditorium, The Urbana Free Library
Keynote Address: Film Noir: Dangerous Men and Deadly Dames
Professor Pat Gill from the University of Illinois will speak on the film noir genre in general and the film adaptation of the The Maltese Falcon. Gill studies gender and film and is an associate professor in the Department of Communication and the Gender & Women’s Studies Program. Enjoy this special after-hours event at The Urbana Free Library.
April 17 | Friday | 6:30 — 8:30 pm
Busey-Mills Reading Room (First Floor), The Urbana Free Library
The Big Read and UFLive! Present
The Boneyard Jazz Quintet
Drop by The Urbana Free Library for a live concert featuring the Boneyard Jazz Quintet. This acclaimed group features seasoned players whose repertoire includes tunes from the era of The Maltese Falcon and more. Band members are Armand Beaudoin (bass and cello), Jeff Magby (drums), Morgan Powell (trombone), Tom (Shab) Wirtel (trumpet and flugelhorn), and Woody Woodward (piano).
April 19 | Sunday | 2–3 pm
Front Reading Rooms, The Urbana Free Library
Film Noir Series: “Kiss Me Deadly”
This 1955 film features iconic private eye Mike Hammer and Cloris Leachman in her film debut as the desperate woman found by the roadside. No discussion this week. 106 minutes.
April 22 | Wednesday | 7 pm
Robeson Pavilion Room A & B, Champaign Public Library
Grand Finale: “The Maltese Falcon” Film
See director John Huston’s 1941 film of The Maltese Falcon, starring Humphrey Bogart, on the big screen at the Virginia Theatre in downtown Champaign. P. Gregory Springer will introduce the film; see his related Smile Politely column. Admission is free. Seating is not reserved. 101 minutes; rated PG. (Image: Photofest)
April 30 | Thursday | 7 pm; doors open at 6 pm
The Virginia Theatre, 203 W. Park Street, Champaign, IL
Pistol and other friends at the U of I’s Wildlife Medical Clinic have the falcon! Send us your photo with the book. Bring it to our Information Desk, or e-mail it to cufalcon@gmail.com.
For Kids
Meet Children’s Author Kristiana Gregory
Popular children’s author Kristiana Gregory will share the secrets of writing books kids love. Gregory has written titles in the bestselling Dear America, Royal Diaries, and My America series, plus the award-winning Jenny of the Tetons. Gregory will sign copies of her books, which will be available for purchase, after the program.
March 28 | Sat. | 2–3 pm
Robeson Pavilion A & B
Champaign Public Library
The Case of the
Pilfered Prize
Calling all detectives in grades 2 to 5! An heirloom of immeasurable value can be found only if a team of intrepid sleuths steps forward to unravel the clues left by the thieves. Can you help?
April 11 | Sat. | 2–3 pm
Robeson Pavilion A & B
Champaign Public Library
For Teens
Tracking Down the
Rich & Famous
Use the Internet to find famous folks like author J.K. Rowling. Middle and high school students can join in this exciting computer hunt for the stars.
April 9 | Thu. | 3–4 pm
Busey Bank Computer Rm.
Champaign Public Library
Find the Falcon
Middle school students can learn about falcons, mysteries, and the library as they search for a missing bird.
April 16 | Thu.| 3–4 pm
Robeson Pavilion Room C
Champaign Public Library
Kick Back & Read: Book Discussion
Join other high school students for snacks and a discussion of The Maltese Falcon.
April 20 | Mon. | 6:45–7:45 pm
Robeson Pavilion Room C
Champaign Public Library
Clue!
Middle school students, play Clue and other board games while watching the movie Clue (1985). Rated PG, 94 minutes.
April 23 | Thu. | 3–4:45 pm
Robeson Pavilion Room C
Champaign Public Library