Frankenstein coming to Northwest Regional Library
A classic literary monster is coming to the Northwest Regional Library. But he’s not going to terrorize — this time he’s coming to teach.
“Frankenstein: Penetrating the Secrets of Nature” uses Mary Shelley’s 200-year-old novel as a jumping off point to examine profound questions about science and the human condition.
The exhibit explores how Shelley’s creation was used by other storytellers to create one of the world’s most enduring myths, and how that myth provides the framework for discussions of contemporary biomedical advances such as cloning, and where that technology means to mankind.
The exhibit premiers today, July 13, at the the library.
“I do think this will capture people’s attention,” said Joan O’Brien, the library’s director. “The average person will learn a lot … the information is laid out in a truthful way.”
O’Brien admitted the exhibit has potential to be polarizing, especially when topics like cloning are discussed.
But she feels the information contained within the exhibit is all based on fact, and takes the exhibit out of the realm of pure fiction into the land of science.
“I feel everything they’ve put out there is factual,” she said.
On the heels of last month’s Abraham Lincoln Exhibit, “Frankenstein: Penetrating Secrets of Nature” combines exhibits, movies, lectures and community outreach with a blood drive.
Also like the Lincoln exhibit, Frankenstein was made possible through grants.
The Northwest Regional Library is one of only three in the state to feature the exhibit, which was made possible in conjunction with LCEC and Lee County medical Supply.
“We’re very fortunate to get this,” Joan O’Brien added.
The exhibit is free and open to the public.
It runs through Aug. 22, at 519 Chiquita Blvd. Hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; noon – 8 p.m., Tuesday; and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
Call 533-4700.