George Orwell’s classic dystopian novel, “1984,” is the focus of a three-part program hosted by Cal State San Bernardino’s John M. Pfau Library and the University Diversity Committee’s Yotie Talks council.

The program began on March 10 with a campus-wide invitation to read the novel. Fifty new copies of the book were acquired, and the library is making it available for extended checkout.

In the second part, a film screening of “1984,” the award-winning version filmed in the year 1984, starring John Hurt and Richard Burton, will be presented on April 19, from 2 to 4 p.m., in the Pfau Library’s Blue Ray and surround sound theatre room, located in PL 5005.

The program will continue on April 26 with an interactive Yotie Talk, featuring faculty panelists Chris Naticcia (philosophy), Rod Metts (communication), J. Logan Clark (English), and Cherstin Lyon (history).

As part of the Yotie Talk discussion, which will take place from noon to 1 p.m. in PL 4005, the panelists will analyze and critically review the novel, offering insight and perspective, with a focus on parallels between the current political atmosphere and motifs and symbols in “1984.”

And on April 28 at 1 p.m., a final follow-up talk will be held in PL-5005, during which students can view a recorded version of the April 26 panel discussion, then participate in a conversation facilitated by Jeremy Murray, assistant professor of history.

“On behalf of the Pfau Library and University Diversity Committee, we encourage members of the campus community to read — or, in some cases, reread — ‘1984’ and to participate in the film screening and panel discussion,” said Dean Cesar Caballero, university librarian. “This program offers a valuable — and quite timely — opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about truth, accountability, and citizen trust in government.”

Said Gina Schlesselman-Tarango, instructional services and initiatives librarian: “In our current political climate, we've seen an alarming rise in fake news, a chilling acceptance of ‘alternative facts,’ and an increase in ‘post-truth’ sentiment. Folks are rightfully alarmed, and more and more people are taking a fresh look at George Orwell's ‘1984.’ This book touches on themes that are relevant to libraries and universities, including intellectual freedom, privacy, access to accurate information, freedom of the press, etc. We are excited to host a series of events where these issues and more can be explored as a campus community.'

Orwell’s “1984” is considered one of the most important novels of the 20th century. Published to critical acclaim in 1949, it tells the story of Winston Smith, the book’s protagonist, who works in the Ministry of Truth, where he and numerous other workers are responsible for ensuring that the Party’s ever-changing “truth” always corresponds exactly to the “facts” by rewriting, then destroying, past newspaper articles.

For more information about the program, contact Robie Madrigal, communications specialist at the John M. Pfau Library, at rmadriga@csusb.edu or (909) 537-5104.