This is our 13th year for Wyoming County Reads. So many good books. So many acclaimed movies. So many spirited discussions. A free program first inspired by the Pennsylvania Humanities Council. One of their board members visited the Dietrich 13 years ago in an effort to engage rural communities with humanities programs, and she told us about a program at the James V. Brown Library in Williamsport that gave us an idea. Why not start a county-wide program in partnership with the Tunkhannock Public Library and call it Wyoming County Reads: One County, One Book, One Movie. And the rest is history.

In 2017, it is Wyoming County Reads: One County, Two Books, Two Movies, featuring “A River Runs Through It” by Norman Maclean and “Out of Africa” by Isak Dinesen. Discussions are at the library and movies at the Dietrich.

How can you participate in Wyoming County Reads? You can read one book. You can read two books. You can come to one discussion. You can come to all discussions. You can come to one movie. You can come to two movies. Any kind of participation is welcome and it is all free.

Bill Chapla is the discussion leader, guaranteed to make you want to share your thoughts or perhaps just listen to the points of view of others. To help encourage the conversation, coffee and cookies will be served at the library. All are welcome. So give it a try. Discussions are at 7 p.m. on Feb. 1 and 15 and March 1 at the Tunkhannock Public Library. Movies are on Feb. 8 (“A River Runs Through It”) and Feb. 22 (“Out of Africa”) at the Dietrich.

We also have a reading program for the Tunkhannock Middle School children. It was launched last week: the second year of Readers Meeting Writers. Fifth, sixth and seventh-graders met author Cindy Noonan at an assembly last Friday. She told how she researched the history of the Underground Railroad for three years before she was ready to write her book “Dark Enough to See the Stars,” the story of a slave boy’s escape on the Underground Railroad. Those interested in meeting three times after school with Cindy Noonan can sign up with an up close and personal experience with an author. This program is sponsored by the Tunkhannock Rotary Club.

Did you forget to reserve your seats for opening night of Winter Fest? Two films, beer, wine, light hors d’oeuvres and a Dietrich signature brownie dessert. Or have you checked off which of the 14 foreign and independent films you want to see in the two weeks of Winter Fest, Feb. 17 through March 2? You can check off two of them on opening night – the movie based on the best-selling book “A Man Called Ove” and “Loving” will be shown on opening night Friday, Feb. 17. A curmudgeon who finds unexpected friendship. And a couple who just want to be married even though they are different races. Two very engaging films.

Make your reservations by calling 570-996-1500. It’s not too late and we would love to see you there.

If all this is too hard to remember, pick up a brochure at the Dietrich. Or call and request one be mailed to you. Or go to dietrichtheater.com. Or call us for movie times at 570-836-1022 or program details at 570-996-1500. We don’t want you to miss out. It is all here right in downtown Tunkhannock just waiting for you.

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More Than Movies

Margie Young

Reach the Abington Journal newsroom at 570-587-1148 or news@s24528.p831.sites.pressdns.com.