PCPL offers Big Read, other events

GREENCASTLE -- The Putnam County Public Library will participate with the Vigo County Public Library to read "My 聲tonia" in this year's Big Read.

The VCPL received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest and extended their program regionally to include other libraries and schools.

Copies of the book are available at PCPL for loan to readers in Putnam County. Local book groups that wish to read and discuss "My 聲tonia," a beloved American classic first published in 1918, can request book-group-to-go kits that include discussion guides.

The character of 聲tonia Shimerda, a Bohemian immigrant, "embodied all Cather's feelings about the early immigrants to the prairie country." Area high schools and students are encouraged to read this work by one of America's best-loved writers. Interested teachers can obtain a teacher's guide from the library.

The library has two programs planned. On April 1, there will be a brown bag discussion of "My 聲tonia" at noon in the Kiwanis Room of the library. The discussion will begin with an introduction to the novel and Cather by Joe Heithaus, professor of English at DePauw University. Dessert and drinks will be provided.

In keeping with the goal of the Big Read, to partner with other organizations to revitalize the role of reading, the library is working with the Putnam County Museum to offer "A Taste of Heritage" as a way to focus on the immigrant theme -- central to Cather's novel.

This program will take place at 7 p.m. April 6 at the museum.

The Big Read is designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. Join the library in the Big Read to read and discuss "My 聲tonia" and to come together as a community to celebrate this amazing book and writer from American literature.

All programs are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Margot Payne at 653-2755, ex 118 or e-mail margot@putnam.lib.in.us.