The GDL Presents
The Big Read

Subscribe the The Big Read Events
Entry Form for the Poetry Jam Contest
Entry Form for the Sweet Potato Pie Contest

Genesee District Library Executive Director, Carolyn Nash, announced that the library has received a Big Read grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for $15,000. The NEA announced that it awarded grants totaling $1,598,800 to 127 libraries, municipalities, and arts, culture, higher education, and science organizations to host Big Read celebrations of 16 classic novels from January-June 2008.

The Genesee District Library Big Read selection is about celebrating Zora Neale Hurston’s novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God. Hurston’s vibrant novel written in 1937 presents Janie Mae Crawford's growth from a voiceless teenage girl into a woman who takes charge of her own destiny. It is the brilliant story of a woman taking her place in the world as well as a snapshot of African American life in Florida at that time. It has been called “an African American feminist classic.” Hurston was a prominent member of the Harlem Renaissance period.

Events and activities are planned throughout the month of April celebrating the Their Eyes Were Watching God and the Harlem Renaissance. A Community Open House will take place on April 5 at The Village in Beecher with poetry, dancing, and book discussions led by community leaders. Other events include appearances by Lucy Ann Hurston, the author’s niece, on April 8 at Hamady High School Auditorium. Teen author Marie Bradby will visit the Hamady and Beecher High Schools on April 29. Please refer to the Genesee District Library Event Calendar for more information.

Copies of the book are available to check out from the GDL library system. A Big Bag of Books for book discussion groups will also be available by calling Marilyn Brown at 810-230-3328.

The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The NEA presents The Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest.