Hannah Palmer "Drive-About" Screening
CL RECOMMENDS
CRITIC’S PICK
Fri.,, Aug. 29
I haven’t yet seen the film or read the book, so here is acclaimed documentarian Hal Jacobs ('Northside Tavern,' 'Common Good Atlanta,' 'Saving the Chattahoochee') describing the short doc about Hannah Palmer’s book 'The Pool is Closed,' which will be screened at Sycamore Place Gallery on Friday:
"Palmer’s book poses a simple question — Why doesn’t my community have a public swimming pool where my children can learn to swim? — and then takes us on a journey that looks at the history, politics, economic and environmental issues on top of the personal and family dynamics involved in searching out public pools. The book feels like an extended New Yorker piece — well-crafted, observant, witty and at times disarmingly funny, like Hannah herself.”
Palmer will be on hand for the screening, reading from 'The Pool is Closed' and signing copies for sale.
Hey, let’s all jump in the pool at Sylvia’s place! – Doug DeLoach
From the venue:
Start the Labor Day weekend with a screening — and book talk — featuring local writer Hannah Palmer and her book "The Pool Is Closed." In mid-June, Hannah and filmmaker Hal Jacobs drove to several pools in her community of southwest Atlanta and talked about the importance of public swimming pools and the issues — historic, social, economic and environmental — surrounding them. Of course, they're also sites of great joy and community building.
In addition to the 30-minute video, Hannah will read a selection from the book and sign copies for sale.
Hannah Palmer "Drive-About" Screening | 08/29/2025 8:00 PM