12 Aug Bloomsday 2024 – For the Books and the Foundation!
For many, June 16th comes and goes like any other day. For classic literary enthusiasts, however, it symbolizes one of the most remarkable books of the early 20th century. 120 years ago, James Joyce’s “Ulysses” chronicles the adventures of Irishman Leopold Bloom as he navigates Dublin in a single day—June 16th, 1904. With the novel’s raging success, June 16th became Bloomsday, a commemoration and celebration of Joyce.
Santa Barbara’s annual Bloomsday event consists of live spoken-word readings from “Ulysses” and other Joyce works performed by our thespians and literary lovers. Local authors James Buckley Jr. and DJ Palladino, host the Bloomsday event at our very own James Joyce pub. Although the event is free, The Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation accepts donations to keep books accessible for all. This year, with the helpful incentive of “Ulysses” collectibles up for raffle, the Foundation received $240 in donations!
It is important to note that “Ulysses”, now a revolutionary classic, was initially censored and banned for 13 years due to its perceived obscenity. Like Joyce, many authors and works are facing harsh censorship today. Therefore, Bloomsday is a reminder of the importance of celebrating great and daring work, rather than shying away from it.
We humbly thank James Buckley Jr., DJ Palladino, and the Santa Barbara community for keeping the Public Library in their hearts every June 16th.
Header image courtesy of Ingrid Bostrom.
