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Image for event: First Edition Adult Book Club

First Edition Adult Book Club

2023-04-11 18:00:00 2023-04-11 19:00:00 America/Chicago First Edition Adult Book Club April Discussion of The Vapors by David Hill Bentonville Public Library - McGaugh Family Literacy Area

Tuesday, April 11
6:00pm - 7:00pm

Add to Calendar 2023-04-11 18:00:00 2023-04-11 19:00:00 America/Chicago First Edition Adult Book Club April Discussion of The Vapors by David Hill Bentonville Public Library - McGaugh Family Literacy Area

Bentonville Public Library

McGaugh Family Literacy Area

April Discussion of The Vapors by David Hill

Books available at the front desk while supplies last!

Book Summary:

The incredible true story of America's original—and forgotten—capital of vice

Back in the days before Vegas was big, when the Mob was at its peak and neon lights were but a glimmer on the horizon, a little Southern town styled itself as a premier destination for the American leisure class. Hot Springs, Arkansas was home to healing waters, Art Deco splendor, and America’s original national park—as well as horse racing, nearly a dozen illegal casinos, countless backrooms and brothels, and some of the country’s most bald-faced criminals.

Gangsters, gamblers, and gamines: all once flocked to America’s forgotten capital of vice, a place where small-town hustlers and bigtime high-rollers could make their fortunes, and hide from the law. The Vapors is the extraordinary story of three individuals—spanning the golden decades of Hot Springs, from the 1930s through the 1960s—and the lavish casino whose spectacular rise and fall would bring them together before blowing them apart.

Hazel Hill was still a young girl when legendary mobster Owney Madden rolled into town in his convertible, fresh off a crime spree in New York. He quickly established himself as the gentleman Godfather of Hot Springs, cutting barroom deals and buying stakes in the clubs at which Hazel made her living—and drank away her sorrows. Owney’s protégé was Dane Harris, the son of a Cherokee bootlegger who rose through the town’s ranks to become Boss Gambler. It was his idea to build The Vapors, a pleasure palace more spectacular than any the town had ever seen, and an establishment to rival anything on the Vegas Strip or Broadway in sophistication and supercharged glamour.

In this riveting work of forgotten history, native Arkansan David Hill plots the trajectory of everything from organized crime to America’s fraught racial past, examining how a town synonymous with white gangsters supported a burgeoning black middle class. He reveals how the louche underbelly of the South was also home to veterans hospitals and baseball’s spring training grounds, giving rise to everyone from Babe Ruth to President Bill Clinton. Infused with the sights and sounds of America’s entertainment heyday—jazz orchestras and auctioneers, slot machines and suited comedians—The Vapors is an arresting glimpse into a bygone era of American vice.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Book Clubs |

TAGS: | |

Bentonville Public Library

Phone: 479-271-3192

Hours

Today's hours

We're open 9:00AM to 8:00PM

We're closed Monday May 29 due to Library Closed for Memorial Day
Mon, May 29 Closed
(Library Closed for Memorial Day )
Tue, May 30 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, May 31 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Jun 01 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Jun 02 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Jun 03 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Jun 04 Closed

About the branch

Bentonville Public Library is located just 3 blocks south of the Downtown Square, at 405 S. Main Street in Bentonville, Arkansas. Facility amenities include an engaging adult collection with private study rooms, vibrant children's and teen spaces, community meeting rooms, genealogy research center and café. 

Upcoming events

Thu, Jun 01, All day
The library is taking a two-week storytime break in order to prepare for our Summer Reading Club. Storytime resumes the week of June 5th.

Canceled
Thu, Jun 01, 9:50am - 10:30am
A tummy time workout session designed to help babies develop whole body motor control. Registration is required.

Thu, Jun 01, 9:50am - 10:30am
Walmart Community Room
A tummy time workout session designed to help babies develop whole body motor control. Registration is required.
This event is full

Thu, Jun 01, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Walmart Community Room
Join an educator from the Ozark Highlands Nature Center to learn all about snakes - and even see one in person! For kids entering PK - 12th grade. Registration is required.
This event is full

Thu, Jun 01, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Teen Zone,Rotary Conference Room
Rising 7th - 12th graders are invited to join D&D @BPL!

Thu, Jun 01, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Bentonville Public Library is hosting a Neighbor Night at For The Love NWA Food Truck on Thursday, June 1 at 530PM. The community is invited to attend.

Canceled
Fri, Jun 02, 9:30am - 4:00pm
Join the Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation for songs from all four corners of India. A free ticket is required for each person attending. All ages welcome.

Sat, Jun 03, All day
The library is taking a two-week storytime break in order to prepare for our Summer Reading Club. Storytime resumes the week of June 5th.

Sat, Jun 03, 10:00am - 11:00am
Children's Area
Practice your reading-aloud skills with a non-judgmental audience - a dog! All ages welcome.

Mon, Jun 05, 10:00am - 11:00am
Rotary Conference Room
Friends of the Bentonville Library Monthly Meeting

Tue, Jun 06, 9:30am - 9:50am
Walmart Community Room
Books, songs, movement, and LOTS of fun! Best for ages 18-36 months and their caregiver.

Tue, Jun 06, 10:30am - 11:00am
Walmart Community Room
Come together each Tuesday to read, sing, and play with us. Each week will feature a special guest reader from the City of Bentonville! Best for ages 3-6 and their caregiver.

Tue, Jun 06, 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Walmart Community Room
Rising 7th - 12th graders are invited to this 2-session ACT Boot Camp.

Tue, Jun 06, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Teen Zone
Rising 7th - 12th grade students, come create reading journals with us!

Tue, Jun 06, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Walmart Community Room
Open play chess for all skill levels. For kids entering 1st - 6th grade.

Wed, Jun 07, 9:30am - 9:50am
Walmart Community Room
Books, songs, movement, and LOTS of fun! Best for ages 18-36 months and their caregiver.

Wed, Jun 07, 10:30am - 11:00am
Walmart Community Room
Engaging stories, silly rhymes, interactive music and movement activities, and more! Best for ages 3-6 and their caregiver.

Wed, Jun 07, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Rotary Conference Room
Bi-Weekly lessons about creative writing. For kids entering 4th - 6th grade. Registration is required for each session.

Wed, Jun 07, 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Walmart Community Room
Rising 7th - 12th graders are invited to this 2-session ACT Boot Camp.

Wed, Jun 07, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Rotary Conference Room
Library Advisory Board Meeting

Wed, Jun 07, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
McGaugh Family Literacy Area
June Discussion of Sadie by Courtney Summers

Wed, Jun 07, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Children's Area
Books, songs, movement activities, and more! All ages welcome.

Thu, Jun 08, 9:30am - 9:45am
Walmart Community Room
Books, songs, lap bounces, and more! Best for ages 0-18 months and their caregiver.

Thu, Jun 08, 10:30am - 11:00am
Walmart Community Room
Engaging stories, silly rhymes, interactive music and movement activities, and more! Best for ages 3-6 and their caregiver.

Thu, Jun 08, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Walmart Community Room
Amazeum needs your help to build the coolest chain reaction! How many obstacles can we create? How many reactions can we cause? For kids entering 1st - 6th grade. Registration is required.

Thu, Jun 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Teen Zone
Rising 7th - 12th graders, come learn from the best and find inspiration to start your own business!

Canceled
Fri, Jun 09, 9:30am - 4:00pm
Join the Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation for songs from all four corners of India. A free ticket is required for each person attending. All ages welcome.

Fri, Jun 09, 10:30am - 11:15am
Walmart Community Room
This forty-five minute program focuses on teaching children about character development through the use of circus arts. A free ticket is required for each person attending. All ages welcome.

Sat, Jun 10, 10:00am - 11:00am
Children's Area
Practice your reading-aloud skills with a non-judgmental audience - a dog! All ages welcome.

Sat, Jun 10, 11:15am - 11:45am
Children's Area
Books, songs, movement activities, and more! All ages welcome.

Mon, Jun 12, 10:30am - 11:15am
Walmart Community Room
Calling all builders! Gear up for this STEAM challenge that showcases all different kinds of making, from cardboard to recyclables and more. For children ages 3 - 5. Registration is required.

Canceled
Mon, Jun 12, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Listen to a great book and share your opinions on the text, illustrations, and main ideas. A project inspired by the book will follow! For kids entering 1st - 3rd grade.

Mon, Jun 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Walmart Community Room
Listen to a great book and share your opinions on the text, illustrations, and main ideas. A project inspired by the book will follow! For kids entering 1st - 3rd grade.

Mon, Jun 12, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
McGaugh Family Literacy Area
Read, think, and share ideas about great books! This month, we're talking about Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly. For children entering 4th - 6th grade.

Tue, Jun 13, 9:30am - 9:50am
Walmart Community Room
Books, songs, movement, and LOTS of fun! Best for ages 18-36 months and their caregiver.

Tue, Jun 13, 10:30am - 11:00am
Walmart Community Room
Come together each Tuesday to read, sing, and play with us. Each week will feature a special guest reader from the City of Bentonville! Best for ages 3-6 and their caregiver.

Tue, Jun 13, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Teen Zone
Rising 7th - 12th grade students, come create with us!

Tue, Jun 13, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Walmart Community Room
Join Ms. Hannah each month to explore a variety of craft materials and techniques. Check back for project information! For kids entering K - 6th grade.

Tue, Jun 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
McGaugh Family Literacy Area
June Discussion of The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop by Fannie Flagg

Wed, Jun 14, 9:30am - 9:50am
Walmart Community Room
Books, songs, movement, and LOTS of fun! Best for ages 18-36 months and their caregiver.

Wed, Jun 14, 10:30am - 11:00am
Walmart Community Room
Engaging stories, silly rhymes, interactive music and movement activities, and more! Best for ages 3-6 and their caregiver.

Wed, Jun 14, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Walmart Community Room
Family-friendly movies on the big screen! All ages welcome.

Wed, Jun 14, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Teen Zone
June Discussion of The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera

Wed, Jun 14, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Children's Area
Books, songs, movement activities, and more! All ages welcome.

Thu, Jun 15, 9:30am - 9:45am
Walmart Community Room
Books, songs, lap bounces, and more! Best for ages 0-18 months and their caregiver.

Thu, Jun 15, 10:30am - 11:00am
Walmart Community Room
Engaging stories, silly rhymes, interactive music and movement activities, and more! Best for ages 3-6 and their caregiver.

Thu, Jun 15, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Walmart Community Room
Habitat Helpers will focus on fostering an appreciation for nature through books and activities. For kids entering 1st - 6th grade. Registration is required.
Registration opens Sunday, June 4 2023 at 9:00am

Thu, Jun 15, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Walmart Community Room
Enjoy this free movie screening on BPL's big screen!

Fri, Jun 16, 10:30am - 11:15am
Walmart Community Room
In Tommy Terrific’s new Peace Magic Show, magic tricks are presented using symbols of peace throughout the world. A free ticket is required for each person attending. All ages welcome.

Fri, Jun 16, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Walmart Community Room
In Tommy Terrific’s new Peace Magic Show, magic tricks are presented using symbols of peace throughout the world. A free ticket is required for each person attending. All ages welcome.

Sat, Jun 17, 10:00am - 11:00am
Children's Area
Practice your reading-aloud skills with a non-judgmental audience - a dog! All ages welcome.

Sat, Jun 17, 11:15am - 11:45am
Children's Area
Books, songs, movement activities, and more! All ages welcome.

Canceled
Sat, Jun 17, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
A space where Pokémon enthusiasts can hang out and play the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Please bring your own cards. For kids in 3rd grade and up. No registration required.

Mon, Jun 19, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Walmart Community Room
The Bentonville Police Department presents this workshop featuring important topics for new drivers.
Registration opens Monday, June 5 2023 at 9:00am

Mon, Jun 19, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
McGaugh Family Literacy Area
June Discussion of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Tue, Jun 20, 9:30am - 9:50am
Walmart Community Room
Books, songs, movement, and LOTS of fun! Best for ages 18-36 months and their caregiver.

Tue, Jun 20, 10:30am - 11:00am
Walmart Community Room
Come together each Tuesday to read, sing, and play with us. Each week will feature a special guest reader from the City of Bentonville! Best for ages 3-6 and their caregiver.

Tue, Jun 20, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Teen Zone
Rising 7th - 12th grade students, come create with us!

Tue, Jun 20, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Walmart Community Room
Practice the art of origami with our volunteer instructors. All skill levels welcome! For kids entering 1st - 6th grade.

Wed, Jun 21, 9:30am - 9:50am
Walmart Community Room
Books, songs, movement, and LOTS of fun! Best for ages 18-36 months and their caregiver.

Wed, Jun 21, 10:00am - 11:00am
McGaugh Family Literacy Area
Enjoy coffee and conversations with other book lovers!

Wed, Jun 21, 10:30am - 11:00am
Walmart Community Room
Engaging stories, silly rhymes, interactive music and movement activities, and more! Best for ages 3-6 and their caregiver.

Wed, Jun 21, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Rotary Conference Room
Bi-Weekly lessons about creative writing. For kids entering 4th - 6th grade. Registration is required for each session.
Registration opens Wednesday, June 7 2023 at 9:00am

Wed, Jun 21, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Walmart Community Room
Family-friendly movies on the big screen! All ages welcome.

Wed, Jun 21, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Children's Area
Books, songs, movement activities, and more! All ages welcome.

Thu, Jun 22, 9:30am - 9:45am
Walmart Community Room
Books, songs, lap bounces, and more! Best for ages 0-18 months and their caregiver.

Thu, Jun 22, 10:30am - 11:00am
Walmart Community Room
Engaging stories, silly rhymes, interactive music and movement activities, and more! Best for ages 3-6 and their caregiver.

Thu, Jun 22, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Walmart Community Room
Let’s connect and create together! This week, we're learning about yawning. For kids entering 1st - 6th grade. Registration is required.
Registration opens Thursday, June 8 2023 at 9:00am

Thu, Jun 22, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
McGaugh Family Literacy Area
Join us for an hour of quiet reading with fellow book lovers!

Thu, Jun 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Teen Zone
Rising 7th - 12th graders, come learn from the best and find inspiration to start your own business!

Fri, Jun 23, 10:30am - 11:30am
Walmart Community Room
Join the Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation for songs from all four corners of India. A free ticket is required for each person attending. All ages welcome.

Fri, Jun 23, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Walmart Community Room
Join the Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation for an afternoon of Bharatanatyam; an Indian classical dance form. A free ticket is required for each person attending. All ages welcome.

Sat, Jun 24, 10:00am - 11:00am
Walmart Community Room
A space where Pokémon enthusiasts can hang out and play the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Please bring your own cards. For kids in 3rd grade and up. No registration required.

Sat, Jun 24, 11:15am - 11:45am
Children's Area
Books, songs, movement activities, and more! All ages welcome.

Mon, Jun 26, 9:30am - 1:00pm
Walmart Community Room
7th - 12th grade students, register to take a free Mock ACT Exam!

Canceled
Mon, Jun 26, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Listen to a great book and share your opinions on the text, illustrations, and main ideas. A project inspired by the book will follow! For kids entering 1st - 3rd grade.

Mon, Jun 26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Listen to a great book and share your opinions on the text, illustrations, and main ideas. A project inspired by the book will follow! For kids entering 1st - 3rd grade.

Mon, Jun 26, 6:00pm - 7:45pm
Rotary Conference Room
Northwest Arkansas Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting

Tue, Jun 27, 9:30am - 9:50am
Walmart Community Room
Books, songs, movement, and LOTS of fun! Best for ages 18-36 months and their caregiver.

Tue, Jun 27, 10:30am - 11:00am
Walmart Community Room
Come together each Tuesday to read, sing, and play with us. Each week will feature a special guest reader from the City of Bentonville! Best for ages 3-6 and their caregiver.

Tue, Jun 27, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Teen Zone
Rising 7th - 12th grade students, come create with us!

Tue, Jun 27, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Walmart Community Room
Build a LEGO® model based on the monthly challenge. For kids entering K - 6th grade.

Tue, Jun 27, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Rotary Conference Room
Rated chess play for adults of all skill levels.

Wed, Jun 28, 9:30am - 9:50am
Walmart Community Room
Books, songs, movement, and LOTS of fun! Best for ages 18-36 months and their caregiver.

Wed, Jun 28, 10:30am - 11:00am
Walmart Community Room
Engaging stories, silly rhymes, interactive music and movement activities, and more! Best for ages 3-6 and their caregiver.

Wed, Jun 28, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Walmart Community Room
All aspiring teen authors are invited!

Canceled
Wed, Jun 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Join us to craft your own punch needle creation!

Wed, Jun 28, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Children's Area
Books, songs, movement activities, and more! All ages welcome.

Thu, Jun 29, 9:30am - 9:45am
Walmart Community Room
Books, songs, lap bounces, and more! Best for ages 0-18 months and their caregiver.

Thu, Jun 29, 10:30am - 11:00am
Walmart Community Room
Engaging stories, silly rhymes, interactive music and movement activities, and more! Best for ages 3-6 and their caregiver.

Thu, Jun 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Walmart Community Room
Habitat Helpers will focus on fostering an appreciation for nature through books and activities. This week, we're learning about birds! For kids entering 1st - 6th grade. Registration is required.
Registration opens Thursday, June 15 2023 at 9:00am

Thu, Jun 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Teen Zone
Rising 7th - 12th graders, come learn from the best and find inspiration to start your own business!

Canceled
Fri, Jun 30, 9:30am - 4:00pm
Join the Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation for songs from all four corners of India. A free ticket is required for each person attending. All ages welcome.

Sat, Jul 01, 10:00am - 11:00am
Children's Area
Practice your reading-aloud skills with a non-judgmental audience - a dog! All ages welcome.

Sat, Jul 01, 11:15am - 11:45am
Children's Area
Books, songs, movement activities, and more! All ages welcome.