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The Big Read

THE BIG READ
Roaring Fork Valley
September 28th- October 31st, 2009

In partnership with the Aspen Writers' Foundation, we are participating in the community-based reading campaign known as the Big Read. It is an initiative of the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The goal is to get as many people as possible in a geographic area to read and talk about the same book.

Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is the rare American novel that can be discovered with excitement in adolescence and reread into adulthood without fear of disappointment. Few novels so appealingly evoke the daily world of childhood in a way that seems convincing whether you are sixteen or sixty-six. Lee tells two deftly paired stories set in a small Southern town: one focused on lawyer Atticus Finch's defense of an unjustly accused man, the other on his bright, bratty daughter's gradual discovery of her own goodness. For many young people this novel becomes their first big read, the grown-up story that all later books will be measured against.

A variety of events will be held up and down the valley.
The Pitkin County Library will be hosting the following activities.

"Social Conditions and The Law: Then and Now" Panel Discussion
Join the Pitkin County Library staff and friends for a panel discussion inspired by To Kill A Mockingbird and moderated by Mayor Mick Ireland. The panel will explore the law and social conditions then and now as they relate to our country and our community's history. Southern refreshments will be served! For more information: Audrey Tolle, Pitkin County Library, 970.429.1932
Event Location: Pitkin County Library 120 North Mill Street, Aspen, CO, 81611
Date: Wed, Oct 7, 2009
Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm

Who is Harper Lee?
Come one come all and learn about the elusive author of To Kill A Mockingbird. Biographical information about Harper Lee will be shared, and several clips from the films Capote and Infamous which portray her friendship with Truman Capote will viewed for discussion. Popcorn and old-fashioned Coca Cola will be served. For more information: Audrey Tolle, Pitkin County Library, 970.429.1932
Event Location: Pitkin County Library 120 North Mill Street, Aspen, CO, 81611
Date: Mon, Oct 12, 2009
Time: 4:30pm-5:30pm

The Little Read of Miss Tizzy by Libba Moore Gray
In conjunction with the Raising a Reader Program, Susan will read this delightful story of an elderly woman who cares for those in her multi-cultural neighborhood.
Date: Wed, Oct 21, 2009
Time: 10:15am

"To Kill A Mockingbird" Teen Book Discussion
Join the Young Adult Librarian for a moderated discussion about To Kill A Mockingbird for teenage readers. Refreshments will be served. For more information: Lisa Osur, Pitkin County Library, 970.429.1920
Event Location: Pitkin County Library 120 North Mill Street, Aspen, CO, 81611
Date: Wed, Oct 21, 2009
Time: 4:30pm-6:00pm

"To Kill A Mockingbird": Book to Film Discussion
Join local film enthusiasts as they discuss the adaptation of one of the best books ever written to one of the best films ever made of the classic To Kill A Mockingbird. Popcorn and soda will be served! For more information: Audrey Tolle, Pitkin County Library, 970.429.1932
Event Location: Pitkin County Library 120 North Mill Street, Aspen, CO, 81611
Date: Thurs, Oct 29, 2009
Time: 5:30pm-6:30pm

For a complete listing of all Big Read events,
check out the Calendar of Events at:
www.neabigread.org/communities/?community_id=1809

Additional information on The Big Read is available through the NEA's main website at www.neabigread.org and the Aspen Writers' Foundation site at www.aspenwriters.org.

This event is presented in partnership with
the Aspen Writers' Foundation and
Pitkin County Library, presenters of
The Big Read Roaring Fork Valley.
The Big Read is an initiative of
the National Endowment for the Arts,
in partnership with the
Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest.