Program Highlights
Adult Programs
Author Simon Wood Meets Dashiell Hammett
Author Simon Wood will speak on what The Maltese Falcon means to him and how it inspired him as a writer.
Author Todd Borg
Todd Borg’s mystery series features the private eye of today, Owen McKenna, a detective in California's Lake Tahoe area.
Social History of the 1930s/40s
Dr. Jennifer Helgren of the University of the Pacific History Department will discuss the social history of the 1930s and 1940s, touching on events (the HUAC hearings) faced by Hammett and playwright Lillian Hellman, his lifelong companion.
Film Noir Nights with Howard Lachtman
Howard Lachtman, a Stockton writer, newsman, book and business editor, and a lifelong film and mystery critic will introduce and lead discussions of the featured films at the Cesar Chavez Central Library. The series will conclude with a screening of The Maltese Falcon (1941) at Cesar Chavez Central Library. Consult the Calendar of Events for other film noir nights in your area.
Big Band Concert
“In the Mood,” a popular Stockton band, will feature songs and sounds of the 1930s and 1940s at Cesar Chavez Central Library. The band will also perform at The Big Read kickoff at Hotel Stockton on April 13.
The Art of the Paperback Cover
Art Scott, a collector of vintage paperbacks for over 30 years, will present his program at the Cesar Chavez Central Library, illustrating cover art in mystery/detective fiction and highlighting stylistic changes, popular motifs, and marketing trends.
Book Discussions
Enjoy time out in the community and participate in The Maltese Falcon book discussions. Be a part of lively exchanges with other intrigued readers.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
A representative of the Stockton Police Department will be visiting branches throughout Stockton and the San Joaquin County demonstrating how real-life crime scenes are processed and describe the duties of an evidence technician.
Teen Programs
Film Noir with Jon Guerzon
Join Jon Guerzon of Jagged Lines of Imagination Academy and explore the dark cinematic content of film noir through the art of drawing.
Mystery Programs
Test your investigative skills, analyze a crime scene, and find the suspect! Join fellow detectives to help solve a mystery at the library.
Book Discussions
The City of Stockton’s Youth Advisory Commission will lead teens in a lively discussion at the Cesar Chavez Central Library of The Maltese Falcon.
Mystery Movies
Movies featuring private detectives and mystery themes will be shown at libraries and community venues. Grab some popcorn and enjoy a few hours of mystery and suspense.
Children's Programs
Detective Humor with Jon Guerzon
Jon Guerzon of Jagged Lines of Imagination Academy uses drawing to explore slapstick humor and puns in Bruce Whatley’s mystery, Detective Donut and the Wild Goose Chase.
Children’s Author Bruce Hale
Meet Bruce Hale, creator of a mystery series featuring Chet Gecko, crime fighting private-eye lizard. Bruce will read his books, including The Malted Falcon, and talk about becoming an author.
Drawing Mystery with Young Rembrandts
Children learn about the basics of drawing in a mystery based program from Young Rembrandts.
Mystery Programs
Is the missing library gerbil Maxie guilty or innocent? Children will be the detectives and solve this crime caper mystery.
Detective Donut and the Wild Goose Chase
Join a mystery party that includes a reading of Detective Donut and the Wild Goose Chase by Bruce Whatley and Rosie Smith. Crafts and activities to follow.
Family Mystery Movies
Bring the family to a movie featuring action, mystery, and comedy.
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