Background info via this July 2007 posting titled Toledo-Lucas County Public Library 'The Big Read' Grant :
The Big Read was created to address the national decline in literary reading as documented in the NEA’s 2004 landmark survey, Reading At Risk and is a partnership among the NEA, the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest encouraging communities to read and discuss a single book.
The Library’s major partner for The Big Read is the Toledo Community Foundation (TCF), which has contributed an additional $20,000 for the community-based program.
The book selected for Lucas County is Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird. For a complete list of other communities participating in the Big Read, a list of the Big Read novels, program application guidelines, or more information on the program, please visit www.neabigread.org For more on To Kill A Mockingbird, please visit http://neabigread.org/books/mockingbird
Starting the week of Sep 10, 2007 and going through October, libraries in Lucas County, Rossford, and Perrysburg along with Owens Community College will hold discussions about the novel To Kill a Mockingbird.
Here are a few of the events occurring this fall related to the novel:
- Kick-Off - 6:00 p.m., Sep 24, 2007, McMaster Center at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library - Main Library, P. J. O'Rourke will be the speaker for this Event.
- 1930's Historic Photo Exhibit
- Southern Cuisine Lunch and Discussion
- To Kill A Mockingbird, The Movie
- 'The Big Read' Teen Book
- Toledo Repertoire Theatre performs To Kill a Mockingbird this November.
