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Movies for Grownups - The Public

A library is more that just a library.

Join us for a new movie each month. Light refreshments provided.

In "the public" an unusually bitter Arctic blast has made its way to downtown Cincinnati and the front doors of the public library where the action of the film takes place. The story revolves around the library patrons, many of whom are homeless, mentally ill and marginalized, as well as an exhausted and overwhelmed staff of librarians who often build emotional connections and a sense of obligation to care for those regular patrons. At odds with library officials over how to handle the extreme weather event, the Patrons turn the building into a homeless shelter for the night by staging an "Occupy" sit in. What begins as an act of civil disobedience becomes a stand off with police and a rush-to-judgment media constantly speculating about what's really happening. This David versus Goliath story tackles some of our nation's most challenging issues, homelessness and mental illness and sets the drama inside one of the last bastions of democracy-in-action: your public library.

Director Emilio Estevez did a superb job of balancing many societal issues, homelessness, societal loneliness, the importance of libraries, all while interjecting humor & surprises.  There is a fine stellar cast to support Estevez including Alec Baldwin, Jeffrey Wright, Christian Slater and MK Williams, and they all play their roles well.  This amazing movie shows you the tip of the iceberg of the heart of libraries and why they are the most important organizations in our communities.

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