Pottsville Free Public Library announced plans for the upcoming John O’Hara Birthday Celebration.
January 31, 2020, would be O’Hara’s 115th birthday. And in the days surrounding it, the Library has some events planned that celebrate the famous Pottsville novelist and short story writer.
John O’Hara 115th Birthday Celebration in Pottsville
(Photo: Coal Region Canary)
Here’s a look at the schedule of events for the John O’Hara 115th Birthday Celebration in Pottsville, starting in late-January.
Dramatic Reading of The Pioneer Hep-Cat
The celebration kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, when Schuylkill County Historical Society presents The Pioneer Hep-Cat. This is a dramatic reading performance followed by discussion.
This event is $10 for the public to attend at the Historical Society’s headquarters on North Centre St. in Pottsville. It’s $5 for Historical Society members.
Appointment in Samarra Book Discussion
The next evening, at 6 p.m. at Pottsville Free Public Library on West Market St., is a discussion of one of O’Hara’s most known works. The public’s invited to this free discussion of O’Hara’s 1934 novel Appointment in Samarra.
O’Hara Birthday Party
On what would be O’Hara’s 115th birthday, the Pottsville Free Public Library will host a birthday party from 1-4 p.m. on Jan. 31.
During the birthday party festivities, the Library will announce the winners of its short story and bookmark contests announced earlier this year.
Dramatic Reading of The Coffee Pot
After the birthday party winds down, head over to Pressed Coffee & Books on Mahantongo Street in Pottsville for a dramatic reading of O’Hara’s short story The Coffee Pot. This reading, along with some jazz music, runs from 5-7 p.m. on Jan. 31.
Trolley Tour
On Saturday morning, Feb. 1, join the Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau and Schuylkill County Historical Society for a John O’Hara Trolley Tour. From 10 a.m. until noon, the trolley tour will visit all the spots around Pottsville that O’Hara made famous. The cost for this event is $10 per rider.
Pal Joey Watch Party with Discussion
At 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, you can head to Majestic Theater on North Centre St. and check out a showing of Pal Joey, a film based on O’Hara’s novel of the same name.
A discussion of the work will be moderated by Cynthia Lucia.
O’Hara Cabaret Celebration
The highlight of the John O’Hara 115th Birthday has to be the Cabaret Celebration on the evening of Feb. 1.
From 6-8 p.m. at the Library, enjoy live music and hors d’oeuvres of the O’Hara time period during the wrap-up of this celebration.
The cost for this event is $25 per person.
More information on these events will be posted at the Library’s Facebook page. When talking about these events online, use the hashtag: #CelebrateOHara.
Call the following locations for more details, too:
- Pottsville Free Public Library at (570) 622-8880
- Schuylkill County Historical Society at (570) 622-7540
- Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau at (570) 622-7700
- Pressed Coffee & Books on Facebook
ALSO READ: Pottsville Library Planning John O’Hara 115th Birthday Celebration
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