Clinton County Reads 2025
Programming for the 20th year of Clinton County Reads begins on Monday, March 24, with a panel discussion, “101 Reasons to Read Children’s Literature,” set for 6:30 p.m., at the Wilmington Public Library.
The opening program kicks off a month-long slate of events inspired by this year’s CCReads book, Dodie Smith’s classic children’s novel, “The Hundred and One Dalmatians,” published in 1956 and the inspiration for numerous animated and live-action screen adaptations.
Blanchester Public Library director and Clinton County Reads chairman Chris Owens says, “The book-to-film theme this year, combined with the fact that ‘The Hundred and One Dalmatians’ is the first children’s book we have ever done for Clinton County Reads, really provided us with a lot of programming options.
“This gives us a chance to reach an entirely new audience of young readers. At the same time, I think our long-time adult participants will find revisiting this classic book and movie, or experiencing them for the first time, a rewarding experience.”
The New Vienna Library will offer “Preventing Animal Cruelty,” featuring speakers Bryana Williamson and Jessica Long, at 6 p.m., on April 1.
On April 6, from 1-3 p.m., the Wilmington Public Library will host a Pet Picnic.
On April 11, the Murphy Theatre’s Movies at the Murphy will screen “Cruella,” the 2021 PG-13 movie, starring Emma Stone and Emma Thompson, in the story of young fashion designer Estella Miller, who becomes the notorious Cruella de Vil, the puppy-stealing villain in Smith’s novel.
The box office will open at 6 p.m., prior to the 7 p.m. movie. Single tickets are $7, and family tickets are $12.
Book discussions, all open to the public, are scheduled as follows: Sabina Public Library, 10:30 a.m., March 21; Blanchester Public Library, 7 p.m., April 3; Wilmington Public Library, 1 p.m., April 10; and Books and Brews Book Club, 6 p.m., April 16, at TinCap.
Information about children’s programming and animated movie screenings will be on the libraries’ websites.
Chef Jen Purkey will cater the closing dinner, on Thursday, April 24, in the Wilmington Municipal Building Moyer Community Room. The 6:30 p.m. dinner and keynote address, “Finding Families for Thousands Like Perdita,” by Katie Cox, from the Clinton County Humane Society, will be preceded by a 5 p.m. social hour at Olde Town Tavern.
Cost of the dinner, which includes salad, entree, dessert, beverage, and gratuity is $20. Pre-paid reservations should be made by April 21 by calling 937-475-0681.
Copies of “The Hundred and One Dalmatians” are available at all public libraries in the county and through Books ’n’ More at booksnmore.indielite.com.
Clinton County Reads is sponsored by the Blanchester Public Library, the Sabina Public Library and its New Vienna Branch, the Wilmington Public Library and its Clinton-Massie Branch, and Books ’n’ More.
In addition to Owens, members of the 2025 CCReads Steering Committee are Eileen Brady, Peggy Dunn, Joe Knueven, Bonnie Starcher, Marla Stewart, Esther Sorg, and Mary Thomas Watts.
Article by Mary Thomas Watts
