Wicked Programming

“Follow the Yellow Brick Road” to Thomas Branigan Memorial Library for “Wicked” programming.

“Are people born wicked?” Glinda, the Good Witch of Oz, asks. “Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?”

Las Cruces Public Libraries invites you to find out by joining in for Banned Books on FILM to view the movie “The Wizard of OZ” from 2-4:45 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025, in the Staff Conference Room at the Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Street,

“The Wizard of Oz” movie is timely because of its relationship to the newly released movie “Wicked: Part 1”, directed by Jon M. Chu, adapted from the Stephen Schwartz Broadway musical, Wicked. The musical was adapted from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, a revisionist twist on “The Wizard of Oz” (originally written by L. Frank Baum).

A companion meeting of the Banned Books Club to discuss the book “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” will take place from noon – 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at the Branigan Library conference room. Patrons can also join the discussion via Zoom. Click Here for calendar details and Zoom link.

Maguire’s novel is deeply political and addresses how governments, religions and communities seek out villains: scapegoats to redirect popular anger, or to compel loyalty to a truly wicked leader. The Banned Books Club will also be discussing why the book is very different from its screen and stage portrayals, leading to its controversy.

Physical copies of the book Wicked can be checked out on a first come first served basis at the reference desk and is now available. You can access e-reader and audiobook copies through the libraries Hoopla app. Call the reference desk for assistance 575-528-4005.

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

This document can be made available in alternative formats by calling (575) 528-4102 (Voice). If you require accommodation for a disability to participate in this event, call the library at (575) 528-4102 (Voice) at least 48 hours in advance.