505 North - One Book One Barrington focuses on individuals with special needs

The Barrington Area Library is now into the second month of its One Book One Barrington community reading event. Aware that many of our local readers were already familiar with Unbroken, our main selection, we've also created an off-shoot book club that will read similarly-themed titles. In February, we read the gripping World War II tale Half-Blood Blues. In March, we'll be focusing on those with special needs, inspired by The Story of Beautiful Girl, a best-selling novel by Rachel Simon.

The story begins in 1968. Lynnie and Homan live in an institution called "The School for the Incurable and Feebleminded," but somehow manage to find each other and fall in love. They escape together, Lynnie gives birth to a daughter, but then circumstances tear them apart again. It's a stark reminder of how the world treated those with developmental disabilities just a few decades ago, and it also challenges us to reconsider how we think about those with special needs today. We'll hold two book discussions on this title, at two great spots right in downtown Barrington:

Thursday, Mar 21, 7 PM
Register
The Annex (next door to McGonigal's)
or
Saturday, Mar 23, 2 PM
Register
Cook Street Coffee

We're offering other opportunities this month to learn more about people with special needs. On Wednesday, March 13, 7 PM, join us for a viewing of the HBO bio-pic about Temple Grandin, a woman who overcame the limitations of autism to earn a Ph.D. and become an expert in the field of animal husbandry. Afterwards, you'll also hear some brief commentary from local residents who participate in Barrington Area Special Voices. This event is free and takes place in the Barrington High School Auditorium. Please register.

On Saturday, March 30, 2 PM, we join forces with the National Alliance on Mental Illness to welcome speaker Toni Hoy. Hoy will share her family's experiences in raising two children with mental illness, while looking at the differences between institutional long-term care and the smaller group home option, in a presentation titled, "Resilience in Real Life." Free, please register. Program takes place in the Barrington High School Guidance Resource Center.

Barrington High School is located at 616 W. Main Street (Lake-Cook/County Line Road) in Barrington, IL. All are welcome to these events, you need not be a Barrington Area Library cardholder or Barrington resident. See a complete schedule on the library Web site: balibrary.org/OBOB