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The Big Read
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.
Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya is the selection for the Roaring Fork Valley's 2008 Big Read. It is a classic coming-of-age story and a groundbreaking Chicano novel. Published in both English and Spanish, the book offers opportunities for cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.
From April 4 through May 5, 2008, a variety of events will be held up and down the valley. The Pitkin County Library will be hosting the following activities.
Mon., April 7, 7:00 pm: Ultima’s Secrets Online: Getting Background Information on Bless Me, Ultima
The library’s new database, The Literature Resource Center, offers a wealth of biographical information on Anaya and information on the book that can enhance your appreciation of this classic. Librarians will give a demonstration and answer questions. For sources from Literature Resource Center on Bless Me, Ultima click here. For information about Rudolfo Anaya from Literature Resource Center click here.
Wed., April 16, 4:30 pm: Young Adult Book Club Discussion - The Book Thieves is a book discussion group for middle schoolers and their “favorite adults” that meets monthly at the library. For April, they will be discussing Bless Me, Ultima. If you’re interested in joining the group for this discussion, contact JB at 970-429-1900.
Wed., April 16, 7:00 pm: Listening to Bless Me, Ultima: How to Use the Library’s Downloadable Audio Service. The audio format can provide a useful complement to the book and an alternative for those who for are unable to read it. Learn how to use the library’s Downloadable Audio service to listen to the book on your MP3 player.
Wed., April 23, 5:30 pm: Tapas and Talk: Bilingual Book Discussion, with Appetizers! Come and share your thoughts about the book and sample some “small plate” fare!
Wed., April 30, 10:15-10:45 am: Little Read: The Roadrunner’s Dance by Rudolfo Anaya. (For Preschoolers) Celebrate this children’s tale of the creation of the first roadrunner written by Big Read author, Rudolfo Anaya.
For a complete listing of all Big Read events, check out the Calendar of Events at:
http://www.neabigread.org/events.php
Click on the link and select:
Book: Bless Me, Ultima
Communities: CO -"Aspen Writers’ Foundation"
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. The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with the