George Orwell’s 1984 is one of the most popular and critically-acclaimed books of the last century. The story of Winston Smith and his struggles living under the totalitarian regime of Big Brother and “The Party” was included in Time Magazine’s 100 Best Novels, Modern Library’s 100 Best Novels, the BBC’s 100 Most Inspiring Novels, and the third most-popular book in the New York Public Library’s list of “Top Check Outs of All Time”.

Our Classic Book Discussion Group will read and discuss 1984 during their next meeting in June 2026.

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BOOK DESCRIPTION

In 1984, London is a grim city in the totalitarian state of Oceania where Big Brother is always watching you and the Thought Police can practically read your mind. Winston Smith is a man in grave danger for the simple reason that his memory still functions. Drawn into a forbidden love affair, Winston finds the courage to join a secret revolutionary organization called The Brotherhood, dedicated to the destruction of the Party. Together with his beloved Julia, he hazards his life in a deadly match against the powers that be.

Though the year 1984 now exists in the past, Orwell’s dystopian classic remains an urgent call for the individual willing to speak truth to power.

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Copies of 1984 can be picked up from the Book Discussion Shelf on our first floor. You can also download a copy of 1984 through Overdrive/Libby as an ebook or as an audiobook.

An in-person discussion of 1984 will be held at the library on Thursday, June 25, at 6:00 PM. No registration is required to attend.


Published on May 28, 2026.


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