Big Read 2011 Past Titles Shop

The Big Read

The Big Read is the Library District's annual program to enhance literacy. Each April the Library offers a variety of programs to motivate the community to read and discuss issues raised in the books. Programs range from book discussions, movies that support the titles or themes, author visits and activities for young people. The Library works with community partners to enrich the Big Read program and experience.

How do I participate?

Businesses, schools and nonprofits: Join the Library to support the Big Read. Contact Kathleen O'Dell, Community Relations Director, 417-616-0564.

Readers: Anyone can participate! Get a copy of any of the books in print, audio or electronic format, and start reading. Encourage others to read, discuss the books and their themes and attend the Library Big Read programs in April.

EVENTS

Join us for Library programs and events to motivate the community to read and discuss issues raised in Big Read 2010's "A Long Way from Chicago".

Edible Book Festival
Friday, April 2
Park Central Branch Library
Local bakers will show off their creativity in a competition to kick off the Big Read for 2010. June's Cakery, Cameo Cakes, Party Pizazz and AmyCakes will design "edible books" for display during First Friday Art Walk. Winners will be announced at 7 p.m., then we'll eat the "books".

Big Read Dessert Competition
Friday, April 2, 7 p.m.
Park Central Branch Library
Students from the Victory Trade School will compete to create desserts that best represent the Big Read book. The students, under the direction of Executive Chef/Instructor Chadwick Isom, will hit the stage at 7:10 p.m. to assemble and present delicious representations of Mr. Peck's book. Mark Gideon will emcee with commentary about the book. Stick around for a taste of these special treats.

Big Read Game Day
Saturday, April 3, 11 a.m.
Fair Grove Branch Library
Take a trip on a time machine--celebrate the Big Read book, "A Long Way from Chicago" with games, music and more from the 1930s.

A Grand Storytime
Thursday, April 8, 11 a.m.
Library Station
For ages 2-5. Hear stories and sing songs about those special people in our lives--grandmothers and grandfathers, and make a craft to take home and give to your special person.

Big Read Big Movie Night
Friday, April 9, 4:30 p.m.
Library Station
Experience Disney animation as it was back in the old days! Watch Walt Disney's "Timeless Tales," not rated, a collection of cartoon shorts originally produced and shown in 1930s movie theaters. Savor the flavors, sights and sounds of this pivotal time in film history with retro snacks, intermission entertainment and a glimpse into what kids were watching when they went to the movies during this time period. Bring a grown-up friend or relative with you and take a step back in time to discover the wonder and excitement of going to the movies!

Relive Hollywood's "Golden Age"
Friday, April 9, 6:30 p.m.
Library Station
Experience a big-screen event as it was during "The Golden Age of Hollywood," when Americans sought diversions from the Great Depression. The Library Station will show the 1933 classic, "King Kong," not rated. Enjoy intermission entertainment and retro concessions. John Sellars, with The History Museum for Springfield-Greene County, will discuss the movie-going experience during this pivotal time.

Big Read Game Day
Saturday, April 10, 1 p.m.
Brentwood Branch Library
Get your game on as we celebrate the Big Read with games, music and snacks from the 1930s. We'll be having a book swap too, so bring a book to pass on.

Chapter & Verse: Music of the 30s
Sunday, April 11, 2 p.m.
Library Center
Join Christopher Lair, Evangel University music instructor, and local musicians. Learn about how popular music of the Great Depression moved from subdued Jazz Age dance bands to the Swing Era.

Big Read, Big Fun
Sunday, April 11, 2 p.m.
Library Station
Bring the whole family and listen to some of the hilarious adventures of Grandma Dowdel and her grandchildren as we read aloud excerpts from this year's Big Read title, "A Long Way from Chicago." Afterwards make a craft and play games that celebrate a simpler time.

Join the Big Read
Thursday, April 15, 4 p.m.
Willard Branch Library
For grades 3-5. Take part in the Big Read 2010 as we discuss "A Long Way from Chicago" by Richard Peck. We'll read aloud, make crafts and play games from the Depression era.

Stories and Tales of the Ozarks
Friday, April 16, 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Brentwood Branch Library
Ozarks native Marideth Sisco spins tales and shares memories of Ozarks people and places. The long-time West Plains journalist is featured on the KSMU show, "These Ozarks Hills."

Silver Screen Tuesday
Tuesday, April 20, 6:30 p.m.
Library Station
"Annie," rated PG.

Big Read Book Chat
Wednesday, April 21, 4 p.m.
Brentwood Branch Library
For grades 3-6. Read and share your favorite moments from "A Long Way from Chicago" by Richard Peck while enjoying a Chicago-style hot dog.

Games of the Great Depression
Wednesday, April 21, 4 p.m.
Republic Branch Library
For grades K-5. Play games that were played during the Great Depression to celebrate this year's Big Read book "A Long Way from Chicago." We'll have board games and fun jump rope rhyme games.

A Chautauqua - Doing the Best They Could:
National & Local Voices from the 1930s

A chautauqua was a popular venue for entertainment and education during the early 1900s when teachers, musicians and preachers performed under a tent.

Echoing Big Read themes, this chautauqua will feature scholars of history and music "under the tent" at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave. If it rains, events will move inside. All events are free and open to the public.

The Music of Woody Guthrie
Thursday, April 22, 7 p.m.
Library Center
Mark Bilyeu of Big Smith will perform and talk about the life and music of legendary American folk musician Woody Guthrie, the "Dust Bowl Troubadour".

"Henry Ford"
Friday, April 23, 6:30 p.m.
Library Center
Portrayed by scholar/actor Paul Vickery, Ford will discuss labor and economic recovery. Evangel University music instructor Christopher Lair will open the evening with a lecture about period music, accompanied by local musicians.

Radio in the 1930s
Saturday, April 24, 2 p.m.
Brentwood Branch Library
History teacher and chautauqua actor Tonia Compton talks about the important role radio played during the Great Depression, from FDR's famous "Fireside Chats" to radio comedies and the advent of the soap opera.

 

"Franklin D. Roosevelt"
Saturday, April 24, 6:30 p.m.
Library Center
Actor/scholar Patrick McGinnis will portray FDR reflecting on how he faced the daunting task of alleviating widespread suffering and began restoration of the nation's economy. Will Rogers, portrayed by actor/scholar Doug Watson, will join FDR on stage to reflect on the president's politics. Evangel University music instructor Christopher Lair will open the evening with a lecture about period music, accompanied by local musicians.

Revival Sunday
Sunday, April 25, 2 p.m.
Library Center
Enjoy gospel music from the 1930s by local performers, then noted evangelist Aimee Sample McPherson, played by Tonia Compton, will set the revival tent on fire with her sermon on practical faith in action. The program will be moderated by Will Rogers, played by Doug Watson.

"Will Rogers' Film Career"
Monday, April 26, 2 p.m.
Library Center
Actor/scholar Doug Watson will feature pieces of Rogers' film career of the 20s and 30s illustrating his social/economic awareness.

The Springfield-Greene County Library District is sponsoring the chautauqua in partnership with the Missouri Humanities Council and with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities and Friends of the Springfield-Greene County Library District.

Meet Author Richard Peck

Thursday, April 29, 6 p.m.
Library Center
Meet and hear Richard Peck, author of "A Long Way from Chicago," the Big Read 2010 selection, and other young adult books. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for ages 6 through 18 and are available April 1 at any Library branch or by calling 616-0586. Proceeds will benefit the Big Read.

Big Read Celebration with Richard Peck

Friday, April 30, 5-9 p.m.
Library Center
Enjoy an evening celebration with Richard Peck in honor of his book, "A Long Way from Chicago," the Big Read 2010 selection.

5 p.m. The History Museum for Springfield-Greene County will display school items from the 1930s.

6 p.m. Learn what Springfield was like in the 1930s from Local History librarian John Rutherford.

6:30 p.m. Enjoy a reader's theatre performance of an excerpt from "A Long Way from Chicago" by the Willard South Elementary After School Actors.

7 p.m. Richard Peck presents, "From Grapes of Wrath to Grapes of Mirth", followed by book signing.

8 p.m. Queen City Sound Chorus of Sweet Adeline's International performs.