The Library hosting 'Public' screening

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Library will host a free screening of “The Public,” a new feature film that sheds light on the timely and sensitive subject of homelessness. Written and directed by Emilio Estevez, who also stars in the film, “The Public” raises questions about the challenges public libraries face respecting social issues, which will be addressed in a community discussion following the screening.

A David-versus-Goliath story for our times, “The Public” tackles some of the nation’s most challenging issues: homelessness, mental illness, addiction, and the militarization of law enforcement, all set inside one of the last bastions of democracy-in-action — your public library.

When an unusually bitter Arctic blast makes its way to downtown Cincinnati and lands at the front doors of the public library, the patrons turn the building into an emergency homeless shelter for the night by staging a sit-in. What begins as an act of civil disobedience becomes a stand-off with police and the news media eager to criminalize the occupiers to boost their ratings.

“The public” stars Alec Baldwin, Emilio Estevez, Jeffrey Wright, Jena Malone, Christian Slater, Gabrielle Union, Taylor Schilling, Michael K. Williams, Che “Rhymefest” Smith and Jacob Vargas.

Estevez, a strong advocate for public libraries, refers to this film as a “love letter” to libraries.

“Librarians have become de facto social workers, first responders, and the unsung heroes of our day,” Estevez commented in a public service announcement.

Following the screening, Library Director Ann Nichols will lead a discussion examining the impacts of social issues at our local libraries joined by Joanne Barlow of Bonner County Homeless Transitions and Cathy Pomeroy, Co-Director of Helping Hands, Healing Hearts.

The event takes place on Thursday, Sept. 26, at the East Bonner County Library District’s Sandpoint branch, 1407 Cedar St., in the Community Room at 5:30 p.m. The film is rated PG-13. In the event that attendance exceeds capacity, a secondary screening may be scheduled.

Information: Mike Bauer, Library Adult Programs coordinator, 208-265-2665 or mike@ebonnerlibrary.org