Expanding Awareness of the Stories Behind the Rise of the HIV/AIDS Crisis 

DeLaCerda House, Rock Island Public Library Present Movie Screenings in February and June 

A free showing of “The Normal Heart” is scheduled for 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm, Thursday, February 6 at the Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19^th Street. In the movie, based on Larry Kramer’s 1985 play, gay activist Ned Weeks attempts to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in the New York City of 1981 to 1985. He and allies in the medical community battle disinterest and inaction while fighting to expose the truth of the growing epidemic to a city and nation in denial.

The film’s tagline “To Win a War, You Have to Start One,” resonates with DeLaCerda House. “Our agency was founded on "starting a war to ensure respect and dignity" when creating supportive housing for people who were literally dying on the streets in our community from AIDS. I am really excited to have this screening partnership and to reach out to our community to ignite new discussions of how stigmatization and discrimination affect those living with HIV now," said Cathy Jordan, Executive Director.

A second movie, 5B, will be shown on June 18 at 5:30 pm, also at the Downtown Library. The 2018 documentary covers stories of courage and compassion from San Francisco General Hospital’s Ward 5B, the first in the US designed specifically for the needs of AIDS patients.

“Libraries are natural partners as sources of factual information. We were happy to work with DeLaCerda House to help raise awareness of this important issue through community discussion and education,” said Amy Sisul, Reference and Adult Services for the Rock Island Public Library.

Both movies are free and open to the public. They contain mature themes and may not be suitable for all audiences.

For more information about Rock Island Public Library events and services, visit the library website or call 309-732-READ. Rock Island Library events are also listed on Facebook and at the Burbio website and app.