After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, thousands of Japanese Americans were rounded up and relocated to internment camps. Taken away from their homes, businesses and schools, families, adults and children, tried to find ways to keep the flame of normalcy alive, even in the middle of their camp.

This life is vividly described by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, author of “Farewell to Manzanar,” this year’s selection for Fullerton Reads. During the month of October, Fullerton Public Library will host a variety of events both as an appreciation of Japanese culture, as well as an examination of the forces that came together to create one of the darkest times in American history.

To aid people who might not be able to visit the library, the book discussion for “Farewell to Manzanar” will be electronic. This year, you can join the discussion by participating in the library’s Facebook book club.

Objects created in an internment camp (gaman), a Japanese doll from the 1920s, and other Japanese American arts will be on display in the library’s Community Center throughout the month of October.

List of Events

Sunday, September 30 2:00 p.m. - Ross Moore will talk about the music of Woody Guthrie, as well as the timeframe and American culture surrounding the internment camps.

Sunday, October 7 2:00 p.m. - Author Event with Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston discussing “Farewell to Manzanar”.

Sunday, October 14 2:00 p.m. - Internationally-acclaimed author Delphine Hirsuna will speak about art created in the internment camps.

Saturday, October 27 1:00 p.m. - Screening of the television movie Farewell to Manzanar, followed by a Q&A with Oscar-winning director John Korty.

Sunday, October 28 2:00 p.m. - TAIKOPROJECT will educate and entertain with a demonstration of the Japanese art of taiko drumming.

Film Series - Free Thursday matinees throughout the month of October will focus on internment stories. All movies begin at 1 p.m.

October 4 Come See the Paradise

October 11 American Pastime

October 18 Snow Falling on Cedars

October 26 Manzanar Fishing Club

Further information about the programs may be obtained by calling the Fullerton Public Library at (714) 738-6327.  Persons requiring special accommodations to attend the programs are asked to notify the library staff.