From Dayton to Oz: Imagination, Innovation, and the Yellow Brick Road

Travel from Dayton to the Land of Oz in this all-ages program, merging local history with nothing less than The Wizard of Oz. As part of our local history collection, the library has recently added The Shaggy Man of Oz and Magical Mimics in Oz, authored Dayton-based author Jack Snow. Jack Snow was born in Piqua and became a radio personality for Dayton-based radio station WSMK (later renamed WING). While working for WING, he wrote announcements, scripts, and copy, and later had his own show, "The Old Reporter," which ran Monday through Saturdays. As we follow the Shaggy Man's journey, we'll connect themes of imagination and resilience to Dayton's history of innovation - from the flights of the Wright Brothers to the city's ongoing spirit of creativity and reinvention. We'll also explore how transformation in Magical Mimics in Oz mirrors the way communities like Dayton evolve over time. Participants will embellish their own "yellow bricks," inspired by the road to Oz, and reflect on how pathways shape journeys of discovery. We'll also highlight local landmarks such as Carillon Historical Park, connecting Dayton's inventive past with the ritzy world of Oz. Please come as we explore these fantastic texts that we've recently added to our local history collection and vibe with all things Oz.