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The Big Read
NEA making its way to communities for both adults and children
WESLACO — Mid-Valley booklovers and avid readers should brace themselves, because The Big Read is coming.
The annual event which is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, makes its way into communities each year, bringing with it a number of events that are hosted throughout the Valley. This year, the Weslaco Public Library will celebrate the event this Saturday with reading slots for both adults and children.
The NEA created the Big Read so attract avid readers who would pick up books solely for pleasure and enlightenment purposes. There are eight public libraries and six school districts in the Valley involved with the event.
Sonya I. Miller, Programs and Public Outreach Librarian for the Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library in Edinburg, said the book “Sun, Stone and Shadows” was chosen for the event.
“This book was chosen because it is the 100 anniversary of the Mexican Revolution and it honors the first story called, ‘My Life with the Wave,’” Miller said. “The author (Octavio Paz) is the only Mexican author to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature.”
The book has a set of 20 short stories that can be found in both English and Spanish. At the Weslaco Public Library those who would like to participate can sign up for Adult English, Adult Spanish or Youth English discussion groups.
After readers sign up they receive a copy of the book as well as a study guide to use while reading the book. Mari Carmen Garcia, Public Services Supervisor for the Weslaco Public Library, said that all of the materials for the discussion group are provided by the NEA.
“In our discussions we will talk about whether they liked the stories, what they didn’t like and if they could relate to some of the situations,” Garcia said.
With this book specifically chosen for the area, 25 groups have been started in the Valley to discuss the cultural collection of stories including groups in San Miguel and Reynosa, Mexico.
Garcia hopes that the cause brings people together, that the community will look to books as a source of enjoyment and entertainment more often.
“Hopefully we can generate enough interest that will keep everyone coming back, and wanting to read more books that we offer here in the library,” she said.
