(March 9, 2017 – Baltimore, MD) – Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) is inviting the public to take part in a community viewing of Ava DuVernay’s Oscar-nominated documentary 13TH on March 27. The movie, which explores the ties between slavery, the current mass incarceration of African Americans and the profits of the prison-industrial complex, will be followed by a guided discussion.
The movie will be screened on Monday, March 27 at 6 p.m. at the following branches: Arbutus; Loch Raven; North Point; Pikesville; Reisterstown; Rosedale; Towson and Woodlawn. BCPL’s Facebook event reminder is HERE and all BCPL events are free-of-charge.
13TH, which was was written by Ava DuVernay and Spencer Averick, was released worldwide in October 2016 and distributed by Netflix. It was critically acclaimed and won several awards including (but not limited to) the African American Film Critics Association Awards, British Academy Film Awards, several Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards, NAACP Image Awards, several Women Film Critics Circle Awards and more. 13TH was also nominated for an Academy Award.
Manohla Dargis of The New York Times wrote that 13TH is “powerful, infuriating and at times overwhelming,” and “will get your blood boiling and tear ducts leaking.” Roger Ebert wrote that “the final takeaway of “13TH” is that change must come not from politicians, but from the hearts and minds of the American people.”
“Public libraries are a safe space for conversation and thoughtful discourse on the most challenging topics,” said Adult Services/Programs Administrator Julie Brophy. “Providing the opportunity for our community to view Ava DuVernay’s 13TH and then talk about issues that impact our county, state and country is an essential function of Baltimore County Public Library’s mission.
Baltimore County Public Library has served the citizens of Baltimore County since 1948. With 19 branches throughout Baltimore County, BCPL empowers and engages individuals for a more inclusive and connected Baltimore County community, and provides opportunities to explore, learn, create and connect. In addition to loaning books, library card holders may borrow DVDs, music, e-books and gain access to our research databases. Branches provide computer and Internet access, job search assistance and offer a multitude of daily learning programs for adults and children. For more information about branches and services, visit bcpl.info or follow BCPL on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.