Take a closer look at the powerful themes of this year’s citywide Big Read. Explore the topics of censorship, individuality, mass media, action vs inaction, distraction vs happiness, and more.
Meet us at the Wilson Branch on Tuesday, April 1, from 5:30-7:30 pm for activities, grab your complimentary copy of the book, and mingle with our partners. It’s an evening of community, literature, and camaraderie!
Fahrenheit 451 is a 1953 dystopian fiction novel by Ray Bradbury about a future American society where books have become outlawed.
Fahrenheit 451 explores themes of censorship, individuality, identity, control, and the importance of books. Through book discussions, film, storytelling, conversation, and more, the International Festival of Arts & Ideas along with its partners will create interactive and thought-provoking programming.
You can check out a copy of Fahrenheit 451 in person at one of our library locations or through the Hoopla app as an audio book.
If you are looking to read books with related subjects, be sure to check out our micro branches. Click the links below to discover titles that can be checked out in person or a selection of e-books available online 24/7.
Young Minds and Teen Picks
Our Young Minds micro branch includes a selection of books for children and teens that dive into the themes of censorship and individuality.
This Book is Banned by Raj Haldar is this year’s companion read. It is a silly and irreverent picture book all about sharing ideas.
You can borrow This Book is Banned in-person or as an e-book.
Our teen pick is the graphic novel adaption of Fahrenheit 451, which you can borrow in-person.
Events at NHFPL
Tuesday, April 1, 5-7:30 pm | Wilson Branch
Join Library staff and our friends from the International Festival of Arts and Ideas as we celebrate the kickoff of the 2025 NEA Big Read with a panel discussion about parallels between the book and current events, activities, snacks, and more! Grab a free copy of this year’s book, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury or browse titles from our microbranch of related reads.
Sister City Film Series: Hi, Mom / 你好，李焕英
Ives Main Library | Monday, April 7, 5-7:30 pm
Join our friends from the International Festival of Arts & Ideas for a free screening of Hi, Mom / 你好，李焕英 in Mandarin with traditional Chinese and English subtitles. A comic and deeply touching fantasy about a young Chinese woman who time-travels from 2001 to 1981 and becomes friends with her late mother.
Sister City Film Series: Cinema Sabaya
Ives Main Library | Tuesday, April 8, 5-7:30 pm
A group of Palestinian and Israeli women attends a video workshop at a small town community center run by Rona, a young filmmaker from Tel Aviv, who teaches them to document their lives.
Sister City Film Series: Amistad (Rated: R)
Mitchell Branch Library | Monday, April 14, 5-7:45 pm
In 1839, the revolt of Mende captives aboard a Spanish owned ship causes a major controversy in the United States when the ship is captured off the coast of Long Island. The courts must decide whether the Mende are slaves or legally free.
Big Read: Who Am I?
Ives Main Library | Monday, April 21, 6-7:30 pm
New Haven Poet Laurate Sharmont “Influence” Little will lead a writing workshop that encourages attendees to introspectively think about and share who they are.
Big Read Intergenerational Conversation About Book Bans
Stetson Branch | Wednesday, April 23, 6-7 pm
Join a discussion with our Adult and Teen Services Librarians regarding censorship and book banning, one of the themes in the Big Read selection for 2025. This conversation will include discussing this year’s book, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, but also many other controversial titles. Open to ages 13 and up, including adults. Pizza will be provided.
Burning Bright: A Writing & Drawing Workshop with KC Councilor
Wilson Branch | Saturday, April 26, 3-4 pm
Join us for a workshop designed to spark creativity through the themes of Ray Bradbury’s iconic novel, Fahrenheit 451. Participants will explore the transformative power of storytelling and visual expression while reflecting on themes like censorship, individuality, and the enduring value of books. All skill levels are welcome to join this inspiring exploration of art and literature.
Sister City Film Series: Camarista / The Chambermaid
Ives Main Library | Thursday, May 1, 5-7:45 pm
A look at the working environment of a chambermaid in one of Mexico City’s most luxurious hotels. This minimalist yet sumptuous movie brings to the fore Eve’s hopes, dreams, and desires.
The Big Read Event: Book Discussion and Short Film Presentation
Mitchell Branch | Saturday, May 3, 2-4 pm
Join us to view the short documentary The ABCs of Book Banning and discuss the film along with Ray Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451.
Big Read: AI: Creativity, Privacy, & Collaboration
Ives Main Library | Saturday, May 10, 2 pm
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is a growing technology in many sectors, especially production and design. Join Yale Professor, Sean O’Brien, as he unpacks both the promise and the inherent challenges of AI-generated content, offering a balanced look at how individuals, communities, and institutions can navigate this new frontier responsibly.
Fair Haven Book Club
Fair Haven Branch | Monday, May 12, 2-3 pm
Join the club for a discussion of “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury. Copies available from the library.
Sister City Film Series: Don’t Burn (Not Rated)
Mitchell Branch | Monday, May 12, 5-8 pm
Don’t Burn follows an American soldier positioned in Vietnam during the Vietnam war. While attacking a village, he finds a diary in an abandoned field hospital. With the help of a fellow soldier, he starts translating the diary.
Sensation vs. Thinking
Stetson Branch | Wednesday, May 21, 6 pm
Join Mercy Quaye for an insightful discussion on the overwhelming nature of mass media. In a world flooded with information, media often evokes strong emotions but doesn’t always leave room for critical thinking and deeper analysis. This conversation will explore how we process media, its impact on our perceptions, and strategies to engage with information more thoughtfully.
Make Your Own Miniature Book
Fair Haven Branch | Thursday, May 22, 4-5 pm
Join us for this craft for adults and learn how to make your own miniature book from scratch. Learn too, a bit about the history of the micro-book which stretches back hundreds of years.
Science Fiction: The Truth Telling Genre
Fair Haven Branch | Thursday, May 22, 6-7:30 pm
Join Juanita Sunday and New London Poet Laureate AnUrbanNerd for an insightful conversation on how science-fiction serves as a powerful tool for warning signs of potential futures. Through discussions of novels like Fahrenheit 451, Parable of the Sower, 1984, and others, they will explore how these works challenge us to confront pressing issues and shape a better, more equitable future. This discussion will inspire critical thinking about the world we are creating and the futures we want to avoid.
Sister City Film Series: La Yuma (Rated: R)
Ives Main Library | Tuesday, May 27, 6-7:45 pm
La Yuma is a girl who lives in a poor Nicaraguan barrio who dreams of being a boxer. She wants to spend her days practicing boxing, but her mother makes her go to a job at a second-hand clothing store with manager Scarlett.
Sister City Film Series: The Hand of God (Rated: R)
Ives Main Library | Thursday, May 29, 5-7:30 pm
Set in 1980s Naples, Italy, the film follows Fabietto Schisa, a teenager who is passionate about cinema and football.
Fahrenheit 451: Film Screening and Community Discussion
Ives Main Library | Wednesday, June 4, 5:30-7:45 pm
Fahrenheit 451 (Not Rated) is a 1966 British dystopian drama film directed by François Truffaut based on the 1953 novel of the same name by Ray Bradbury. Community discussion to follow with lovely refreshments.
Dear Banned Author Letter-Writing Campaign!
Fair Haven Branch
Monday, June 9 through Thursday, June 12
What banned book do you love? Let the author know by joining in the campaign created by the American Library Association. Write a postcard to your favorite author. Let them know what you love about their book, how the title inspires you, or relates to your life. We will provide the postcards, pens, and stamps, along with a list of Banned and Challenged Authors Addresses provided by ALA. Stop by the letter writing table this week to take part. (Families and Children 6-12; Young Adults)
NHFPL Teens Book Club – Fahrenheit 451
Ives Main Library | Teen Center
Wednesday, April 16, 5-6 pm
Join NHFPL Teens for our all new Book Club! We meet once a month, and books are available for checkout for one month prior. Our next book is Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. Open to teens age 13-19. Snacks will be provided.
Big Read Intergenerational Conversation About Book Bans
Stetson Branch
Wednesday, April 23, 6-7 pm
Join a discussion regarding censorship and book banning, including this year’s book but also many other controversial titles. Open to ages 13 and up. Pizza will be provided.
Burning Bright: A Writing & Drawing Workshop with KC Councilor
Wilson Branch
Saturday, April 26, 3-4 pm
Join us for a workshop designed to spark creativity through the themes of Ray Bradbury’s iconic novel, Fahrenheit 451. Participants will explore the transformative power of storytelling and visual expression while reflecting on themes like censorship, individuality, and the enduring value of books. All skill levels are welcome to join this inspiring exploration of art and literature.
Storytime: Featuring a Banned Book!
Wilson Branch
Thursday, April 3, 10:30-11:30 am
We’ll be celebrating tough topics at story time all of April. We will feature a book that has been a target for a book ban! As always, we’ll have stories, songs, and playtime for children with parent/caregiver. (Ages 0-5)
Big Read Stay and Play
Stetson Branch
Monday, April 21, 10-11:30 am
What does it mean when a book is censored? Join us for an age-appropriate story time highlighting beloved books that have been banned from bookshelves. A free of copy of Derrick Barnes, I Am Every Good Thing will be provided for each family while supplies last. Brought to you in partnership with The East Rock Lodge & Pocahontas Temple of I.B.P.O.E. W of Elks.
Whimsical Wonders: A Storytime Adventure- Freedom to Read
Ives Main Library
Thursday, April 24, 4:30-5:15 pm
Celebrate your freedom to read! This week we’ll read This Book is Banned by Raj Haldar. Then, design your own book cover for one of your favorite books! Recommended for ages 5-8, with caregiver.
Stay and Play: Banned Books Storytime
Mitchell Branch
Tuesday, May 6, 10 am AND 11:30 am
Stories, songs, puppets and bubbles! (For ages 0-4)
Crafternoon presents Fun with Bookmaking
Fair Haven Branch
Thursday, May 8, 3-4 pm
Let’s combine art and literacy to create a one-of-a-kind book! Your books could serve as a journal, a space for your own work of fiction, a recipe book or so much more! (Families and Children 6-12)
Dear Banned Author Letter-Writing Campaign!
Fair Haven Branch
Monday, June 9 through Thursday, June 12
What banned book do you love? Let the author know by joining in the campaign created by the American Library Association. Write a postcard to your favorite author. Let them know what you love about their book, how the title inspires you, or relates to your life. We will provide the postcards, pens, and stamps, along with a list of Banned and Challenged Authors Addresses provided by ALA. Stop by the letter writing table this week to take part. (Families and Children 6-12; Young Adults)
Don’t Miss any of the Big Read Events Happening Across New Haven!
Be sure to check out the Arts & Ideas website for a calendar of the Big Read events relating to Fahrenheit 451 happening from April to June! Presented with support from Connecticut Humanities.
