Kevin Sixbey introduced our newest member, Tom Vitale. In addition to being inducted as a new member, Tom visited us today to talk about the Big Read! The Big Read is grant that is associated with the National Endowment for the Arts. The public library system administers the grant.
The grant will support activities from March to May, 2018, focusing on The Round House by Louise Erdrich.
Adult literacy is down throughout the county and the Big Read aims to engage more of the community. This was the reason for choosing this book. It is a little less academic and more mainstream reading.
Liselotte “Lise” Erdrich, sister of Louise Erdrich will be our keynote speaker for our public kickoff event on Wednesday March 14, 2018 from 6 PM – 8 PM at the Seneca-Allegany Casino Events Center in Salamanca. There will be all sorts of wonderful food, including Native American specialties. This is free and open to the public!
James Thomas Stevens will serve as our Academic Keynote and Kickoff Speaker at two venues! On Friday April 13, 2018 James will speak at SUNY College at Fredonia, The Garden at Daniel A. Reed Library from 10 AM – 11 AM, with a reception from 11 AM – 11:30 AM. Then he will travel to St. Bonaventure University, and speak at the Walsh Auditorium in the Walsh Science Center from 2 PM – 3 PM, with a reception being held from 3 PM – 3:30 PM.
Tom entertained a few questions. It is noteworthy that he gave a great answer to a question about how brick and mortar libraries survive currently. Tom’s answer, “Never trust google, trust a librarian.”
To learn more about the Big Read locally please visit the library system web site at: http://www.libraries.cc/