Branigan Library hosts 'Wicked'-themed film and book discussions in January

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - The Thomas Branigan Memorial Library will host a series of events in January exploring the themes of Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, Gregory Maguire’s revisionist take on The Wizard of Oz.

The programming begins with a screening of the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz from 2–4:45 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 6, in the library’s staff conference room. The screening coincides with the release of the movie Wicked: Part 1, directed by Jon M. Chu, adapted from the Broadway musical based on Maguire’s 1995 novel.

The Banned Books Club will follow up with a discussion of Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30, in the library’s conference room. Participants can also join the discussion via Zoom. Details and the Zoom link are available on the library’s event calendar.

About the novel

Maguire’s novel reimagines the story of Oz, examining the nature of evil and how societies identify villains. The book explores themes of political power, social scapegoating and moral ambiguity, which have sparked its inclusion on banned book lists. The discussion will compare the novel to its stage and screen adaptations and examine its controversial reception.

How to participate

Physical copies of Wicked are available for checkout at the library’s reference desk on a first-come, first-served basis. E-book and audiobook versions can be accessed through the library’s Hoopla app.

For more information, contact Librarian Mindy Del Campo at 575-528-4024 or by email at adelcampo@lascruces.gov.