Mini Mystery Contest Winners

October 15, 2021 Leave a comment

OR21-Mini-Mystery-Writing-Contest-BlogAs part of this year’s One Read program, we invited you to take inspiration from “Furious Hours” and tell us a tale of another crime using the line “It began with a bang” as a springboard for — and the first sentence of — a mini mystery of your own. The stories could have been based on a historic crime or completely imagined, we just asked that you tell of a crime or of its aftermath.

Thank you to everyone who entered and shared your mysterious tale.

Our two winners are Claire Dooley and Jana Stephens. Honorable mentions go to Tina M. Hines and Andy Brouder.

We are excited to share these stories with you! Read More →

Thank You for Taking Part in One Read 2021!

October 12, 2021 Leave a comment

A huge thank you to everyone who read or listened to “Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee” by Casey Cep and participated in any of the excellent One Read events this year. In the month of September, we explored a wide variety of topics that ranged from true crime and Voodoo to insurance fraud and the justice system. We learned about the elusive Harper Lee and her struggle to write her book of nonfiction. We listened to author Casey Cep talk about her research and her writing process to complete “Furious Hours” and had the opportunity to ask her questions. As a community, we investigated the topics and themes of this book through discussions, arts, films and lectures. We want to express our appreciation to all of you who attended these events, read the book and shared it with your friends, family, coworkers and book clubs.

Thank you for being a part of this year’s One Read!

Do you have an idea for what book our community should read next? Visit this site or any library branch in November to suggest a book for next year.

One Read Author Talk With Casey Cep

September 24, 2021 Leave a comment

Thursday, September 30, 7-8 p.m.

Casey Cep with One Read 20th anniversary logo

Live Event via Zoom

We are excited to present author Casey Cep for a live online conversation with KFRU’s David Lile. Ms. Cep will discuss the research and writing of her bestselling book “Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee.” She will also be answering questions submitted by reader in the community. KOPN will broadcast the author talk live on 89.5 KOPN, and this also be recorded for later viewing through October 15.

Please register to get a link to this Zoom event.

Bearing Witness: Art Exhibit Winners

September 9, 2021 Leave a comment

For this year’s One Read art exhibit, we asked artists from Mid-Missouri to submit works that that explore the experience of careful observation, investigation or the revelation of something previously unknown. We thank all of the contributing artists and we extend a special congratulations to the winners listed below. Thanks also to our judges for their careful consideration of the entries and for providing us with comments on the winning pieces.

You can view the entire exhibit virtually at www.orrstreetstudios.com.

First Place
Ancestral Revelation
Sharyn Hyatt
Pastel and gouache
Judge’s comments: There is a real depth to this work. It reveals layers and encourages you to investigate. The shadowed, hard edge around the figure’s face suggests that something has been peeled away to reveal what’s underneath.
Ancestral Revelation Saryn Hyatt

Read More →

Bearing Witness: One Read Art Exhibit Call for Submissions

July 1, 2021 Leave a comment

close-up of a person's eye with the words "Bearing Witness"

Bearing Witness
A One Read Art Exhibit
Orr Street Studios (106 Orr Street, Columbia and orrstreetstudios.com)

“History isn’t what happens, but what gets written down.”

~Casey Cep, “Furious Hours”

Inspired by this year’s One Read book “Furious Hours,” we invite Mid-Missouri artists ages 16 and older to contribute works that explore the experience of careful observation, investigation or the revelation of something previously unknown.

Cash prizes will be awarded for three winners, sponsored by Columbia’s Office of Cultural Affairs. The third place winner will receive $50, second place $75 and first place $125 plus a one-year membership to the Columbia Art League.

The exhibit will take place September 1-24, and can be viewed in person at the September 3 First Friday reception or virtually at orrstreetstudios.com.

Submission Details Read More →