The Putnam County Public Library District is delighted to announce a screening of the documentary Ruthless: Monopoly’s Secret History on Tuesday, July 15th at 1:00 p.m. at the Granville Branch.

Think you know the story behind Monopoly? Think again. This eye-opening 52-minute PG-rated film uncovers the unexpected and often untold history behind one of America’s most beloved board games. Far from the tidy origin story marketed by Parker Brothers, Ruthless reveals a dramatic tale of invention, theft, obsession, and corporate manipulation. Viewers will learn about the radical feminist who designed the original concept, the Quaker community in Atlantic City who helped shape its evolution, a struggling Depression-era engineer, and the corporate giant that ultimately took control.

Part detective story, part cultural critique, and part pop-culture exposé, the documentary sheds new light on the true origins of Monopoly, brought to the surface by a determined economics professor and advocate against monopolies. The film is made available to libraries through public performance rights by Kanopy. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the Putnam County Public Library District at 815-339-2038. The Granville Branch is located at 214 S. McCoy Street, Granville.