Through History with the Wizard of Oz
Through History with the Wizard of Oz: 125 Years of Books, Musicals, Movies, and Pop Culture” with guest speaker Carl Rexroad, former proprietor of Bookworm bookstore.
Friday, February 20, 2026 at 2pm, in the Herrin City Library meeting room. This event is free and open to the public.
In this presentation Carl Rexroad will trace the history of the Oz books through their repudiation by early librarians to their acceptance as important children’s literature today, and also all the various symbolism and philosophies that have been attached to the books and movies. And of course, no examination today would be complete without the blockbuster “Wicked” movies.
A fan of “The Wizard of Oz” since childhood, Rexroad’s presentation will also include a display of various books, editions, and spinoffs associated with Oz that he has collected over the years.
The original book of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by Frank L. Baum turned 125 years old recently, and the classic movie just turned 85. Most everybody knows about them–especially the movie–but there is a lot more to the story.
