Mystery, Graphic Novels and the Civil War: The Week Ahead

Colbert Shines (Not THAT One)

Who can resist Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable? The Oak Park Public Library is launching a series of films honoring Colbert's long career by presenting "It Happened One Night." The 1934 film features Colbert as a runaway heiress who meets up with Gable, a wise-cracking reporter on the hunt for a good news story. Director Frank Capra’s charming romantic comedy won Oscars in all major categories, including best actress and best actor; it was the first film to do so. Oak Park film historian Doug Deuchler will introduce the film and conduct a discussion following each screening. The movie will be shown at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the main branch, 834 Lake St. It is free.

It's a Mystery

William Kent Krueger will lead a discussion of his new book "Trickster's Point" at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2, at Centuries & Sleuths, 7419 Madison St., in Forest Park. This is part of a series of novels featuring Cork O’Connor, a former Chicago cop turned sleuth in the north Minnesota woods. A autograph session will follow. The program starts at 7 p.m. For more information, call 708-771-7243.

It's First Tuesday

And that means the showing of an independent or foreign film at the Lake Theatre, 1022 Lake St., Oak Park. This month's feature is "First Position." With unprecedented access to the Youth America Grand Prix, the largest competition that awards full scholarships to top ballet schools, the film takes audiences on a year-long journey around the world. This award-winning documentary reveals the struggles and success, pain and beauty of the ballet, an art form that so many children across the globe are determined to dedicate their lives to - despite the odds. The movie will be shown at noon and 7 p.m. Tickets are $6 for the first show; $8.50 for the evening performance. Seniors 60 and older get in all day for $6. Call 708-848-9088 for more information.

Civil War Fascinates

Even though it took place 150 years ago, the Civil War still capture's the public's attention. As part of its celebration of the sesquicentennial celebration of the great event, the River Forest Public Library will sponsor "Exploring the Civil War," at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2 at Roosevelt Middle School, 7560 Oak Ave., River Forest. Using artifacts and soldiers' recollections, author and historian Robert Girardi discusses the nature of the conflict, what soldiers experienced, and why the war still holds a place in the public's mind. The program, which is free, will be held in the school's auditorium. For more information, contact the library at 708-366-5205.

Foreign Policy on Table

In the context of the upcoming presidential election, Dominican University’s St. Catherine of Siena Center will host Gerard Powers professor of Catholic peacebuilding at the University of Notre Dame, in a discussion of the impact of U.S. foreign policy on the development of peace and human rights around the world.

Powers also serves as a coordinator of the Catholic Peacebuilding Network, which links scholars with Catholic leaders from war-torn countries in an effort to enhance the study and practice of conflict prevention, conflict resolution, and post-conflict reconciliation.

The lecture will be presented on Tuesday, October 2, at 7 p.m. at Dominican University’s Priory Campus, 7200 West Division Street, River Forest. The cost is $10. Call 708-714-9105 or email the center at siena@­dom.­edu.

It's Graphic

Oak Park's own Chris Ware unveils his newest work, Building Stories as part of the Writers at Wright series, Thursday Oct. 4 at Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park. Admission is $10. Tickets available at The Book Table, 1045 Lake St., or online at booktable.net. Tickets may be redeemed for $10 off the cover price of Building Stories at the event. Ten percent of all book sales at this event will be donated to the Unity Temple Restoration Foundation. Ware will be available for signing books following his presentation. The event is sponsored by Writers at Wright. Call the Book Table at 708-386-9800 for more information.

The End

This is the last week Forest Parkers can head to the Grove to pick up fresh produce, eggs and more. The Farmers' Market close its 2012 season on Friday, Oct. 5. Hours are 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Grove, 7824 W. Madison St. Call 708-771-7737 for details.