The Big Read in Memphis
Rhodes College is one of 117 organizations that received a grant to support The Big Read programs that address the national decline in literary reading. The Big Read, launched nationally in 2006 by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest, asks communities to come together to read and discuss a single book.
The Big Read in Memphis will take place from October 2 - November 15, 2007 as we read Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. Several events that are free and open to the public will explore the novel’s themes and how they connect to our lives today. We will have free copies of To Kill a Mockingbird to distribute to individuals who wish to participate. We will also have supplemental materials provided by the NEA including bookmarks, reading guides, teacher guides and audio CDs.
Calendar of events
The Big Read Kick-Off
October 2, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Crain Reception Hall, Bryan Camus Life Center, Rhodes College
Join us at Rhodes College as Shelby County Mayor A.C. Wharton helps Memphis kick off The Big Read. Participants are encouraged to pick up a complementary copy of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and reading guides and sign up for a community book discussion group.
Panel Discussion: Race Relations and To Kill a Mockingbird
October 9, 7:00 p.m., Cypress Middle School Auditorium
The focus of the event will be on connections between the book’s themes of justice and tolerance and their relation to the civil rights era and Memphis today.
Family Night and Parenting
October 25, 6:00 p.m., Hollywood Community Center
Join us for a fun night of activities! We will have family activities in connection with To Kill a Mockingbird for all ages. For adults, we will have a discussion about parenting issues in the book and in their own lives. For everyone, we will have the community center′s annual Haunted House!
Theatre Night
November 8, 7:00 p.m., Theatre Memphis
Join members of the cast from Theatre Memphis’ 2007 production of To Kill a Mockingbird. Cast members will perform scenes from the play, followed by an interactive panel discussion.
*All events are free and open to the public.
Book Discussion Groups
Book discussion groups will be held are various times and locations in Memphis. Free copies of To Kill a Mockingbird are available for book groups while supplies last. Rhodes will also have volunteers available to help lead book groups if desired.
If you would like more information about The Big Read events, joining a book club, hosting a new book group, or volunteering to facilitate a book group, please contact Cathy Palmer at (901) 843-3958 or at palmerc@rhodes.edu.
The NEA presents The Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest.
Rhodes College presents The Big Read in partnership with the Memphis Public Library, Cypress Middle School, Theatre Memphis, Mid South Reads, and the Hollywood Community Center.
More information about The Big Read can be found at www.neabigread.org.
