The Big Read is a time to share a favorite or important book, to explore ideas, themes and topics of local interest, to dust off the bookshelf and visit an old classic, or to enjoy new discoveries in contemporary writing. Celebrated in the spring, the program brings numerous community events and activities to the Treasure Valley and other Idaho locations.
What’s your Big Read this year?
The Cabin's Big Read selection for 2008 is My Ántonia by Willa Cather.
Calendar of Events
March 15, 2008
Kick-off Press Conference 2:00 PM
Location: The Cabin 801 S. Capitol Blvd
City of Boise Councilwoman, Maryanne Jordan, presents the Mayor's Proclamation
opening the Big Read for Idaho
March 15, 2008
The Ides of March 2:00 PM
Location: The Cabin 801 S. Capitol Blvd
Stacy Guill and other speakers will introduce My Ántonia and Willa
Cather's work to the Treasure Valley Book Discussion groups.
Read and Release packets will be distributed.
March 20, 2008
Facilitators Training 7:00 PM
Location: The Cabin 801 S. Capitol Blvd
Designed for individuals interested in leading discussions for area book
clubs and libraries and led by Cheri Rendler of the Boise Public Library.
March 10 - April 28, 2008
Western Diaries the Immigrants
Location: Boise Public Library
An exhibition of books, photos, and a concise bibliography about the Immigrant
Experience presented by the Boise Public Library.
April 5, 2008
Film Screening 1:00 PM
Location: The Flicks Boise 646 Fulton Street
"Heartland", a film about immigrant diarist Elinore Pruitt Stewart
starring Rip Torn and Conchatta Ferrell. A discussion follows the film.
April 12, 2008
"What's Your Big Read?" 12:00 PM
Location: Boise Towne Square
Give us your 15 seconds on video to use on our website that describes your
latest "Big Read". Read and Release packets will be distributed.
April 24, 2008
City Club of Boise 12:00 PM
Location: Boise Centre on the Grove
Speaker Dr. Robert Thacker of St. Lawrence University presents "Willa
Cather's Inside Inspiration" on My Ántonia. This presentation
will be rebroadcast on Boise State Radio.
May 2, 2008
Closing Event 4:00 PM
An ice cream social on the "back forty" at The Cabin with a discussion
of My Ántonia.
Book Discussion Groups
March 11, 2008
5:30 PM -- Twin Falls Public Library
7:oo PM -- Lewiston Public Library
March 17, 2008
7:00 PM -- Caldwell Public Library
March 26, 2008
7:00 PM -- Boise Public Library
April 1, 2008
7:00 PM -- Notus Public Library
April 2, 2008
7:00 PM -- Mountain Home Public Library
April 8, 2008
6:30 PM -- Collister Branch (BPL)
April 9, 2008
6:30 PM -- Meridian Library District
7:00 PM -- Eagle Public Library
April 11, 2008
2:00 PM -- Hillcrest Branch (BPL)
April 12, 2008
10:30 AM -- Ada Community Library
April 17, 2008
6:00 PM -- Garden City Public Library
7:00 PM -- Middleton Civic Center
April 18, 2008
6:30 PM -- Elk City Library
April 21, 2008
6:30 PM -- Stanley Library
April 23, 2008
5:30 PM -- Hidden Springs Branch (ACL)
May 17, 2008
11:00 AM -- Star Branch (ACL)
This year's events will develop the theme of immigration and a love affair with America's landscape. Boise, as a stop on the Oregon Trail, was steeped in the immigrant experience. Wallace Stegner described the West as the ‘native home of hope,' a new land where lives could begin again. Boise today is home to refugees emigrating from trouble spots around the world. Boise and Idaho also have seen their Hispanic population grow and new cultural traditions become part of local communities. From many perspectives, immigration remains central to our lives. Discussions also will explore Willa Cather’s place in literature. The community will be invited to identify the book they consider their Big Read. Most Big Read events are free to the public.
The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest. The Big Read in the Pacific Northwest is supported, in part, by a grant from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. To learn more about The Big Read, visit www.NEABigRead.org.
