The Big Read returns

The Lewis & Clark Library was again the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts Big Read grant this year, which supports a community-wide reading program.

The $15,000 grant helped purchase copies of the selected book, "Into the Beautiful North" by Luis Alberto Urrea, and fund programs throughout the county.

"Into the Beautiful North" follows the adventures of a 19-year-old Mexican woman and her friends as they travel from Mexico to the United States in search of seven men (à la "The Magnificent Seven") to bring back to Mexico to save their town from bandidos. Community members who would like to read the book can pick up a free copy from any of the Lewis & Clark Libraries, including the Lincoln Branch.

This year, the library has moved the programs online, and they will cover a variety of topics from immigration to art to the meaning of home. The series will culminate in a Zoom conversation with the author.

Through the month of January, programs will include a writing workshop with Virginia Reeves, a documentary screening and conversation about immigration, several book discussions, a program exploring Mexican cuisine, and a community digital art exhibit. This will be the library's first digital art exhibit, and artists, authors, and community members of all ages are invited to create something around the theme of "What does home mean to you." Artworks can include paintings, photographs, crafts, words, and more. Artwork will be showcased on the library website throughout January and February.

The library has selected a Little Read title for kids who want to join in the program. This year's book is "Esperanza Rising" by Pam Muñoz Ryan. This book was written for sixth to eighth grades and will be available along with a craft kit at all Lewis & Clark Libraries.

The program also includes a new month-long challenge to explore the different themes in the book through a variety of activities. Participants can earn badges by attending programs, reading the book, and submitting creations to the digital art exhibit. Completing six activities earns participants an entry in a gift basket drawing.

A full list of events and activities can be found at https://www.lclibrary.org/306/The-Big-Read. All programs are free and open to the public.