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Southern
Maryland
Prepares For 'The
Big Read'
CSM,
Libraries, Schools, Organizations Encourage Community
Conversation on 'A
Lesson Before Dying'
Southern Maryland
is ready to launch a simultaneous conversation among the
region's largest gathering of readers who will focus on
one book, Ernest J. Gaines' "A Lesson Before Dying," as
part of The Big Read. Kick-offs are scheduled in February
for Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's counties followed by a
number of book discussions, movie previews, performances
and writing and art contests.
The
activities are part of The Big Read grant, received by the
College of Southern Maryland (CSM) in partnership with the
public libraries, the public schools and the literacy
councils of Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's counties, as
well as with the Office of Aging in St. Mary's County, the
Charles County Arts Alliance, Naval Surface Warfare
Center-Indian Head, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southern
Maryland, Southern Maryland Newspapers and the Tri-County
Council for Southern Maryland.
"It's
absolutely fantastic that the college has experienced such overwhelming
support from our partners for engaging the
Southern Maryland
community in The Big Read of 'A Lesson Before Dying.'
During the next several weeks, the residents of Calvert,
Charles and St. Mary's counties have a wide
selection of programs and events happening close
to their own homes in support of The Big Read, from
book and film discussions, to live performances.
Our hope is that everyone engages in this
conversation," said CSM Library Director Tom
Repenning.
The
program is part of a nationwide effort of the National
Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with the
Institute
of
Museum
and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest.
The Big Read is designed to restore reading to the center
of American culture by bringing together partners across
the country to encourage reading for pleasure and
enlightenment.
"The
Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland supports the Big
Read program because it engages our citizens in the joy of
reading, in advancing mutual understanding and insight
from book discussion, and in promoting a literate workforce
of lifetime learners," said Wayne E. Clark, executive
director of Tri-County Council for
Southern Maryland
.
The
latest Big Read grantees represent 38 states, the
District of Columbia
and the
U.S.
Virgin Islands. The NEA inaugurated The Big Read as a
pilot project with 10 communities in 2006. By 2009,
approximately 400 communities in the
U.S.
will have hosted a Big Read since the program's launch.
"The
Calvert Library is always on board when there is a project
to promote reading, literacy and lifelong learning. The
Big Read is an especially exciting opportunity for
collaboration among the three counties and various
outstanding partners. Wouldn't it be wonderful for every
citizen of
Southern Maryland
to have the same book in common?" said Patricia
Hofmann, director, Calvert Library.
"The
St. Mary's
County
Library
is proud to be a Big Read partner, especially when the
book is as powerful and thought-provoking as 'A Lesson
Before Dying.' I know our community will be a better place
after we all have read and discussed this work of art,"
said Kathleen Reif, director of St. Mary's
County
Library
.
Through
the grant, books are available at each county's public
library, the libraries at CSM's campuses in
La Plata
, Leonardtown and Prince Frederick, the library at St.
Mary's
College
of
Maryland
, and at local bookstores, Bay Books,
California
; Fenwick Street Used Books and Music, Leonardtown; and
Second Looks Books, Prince Frederick. Free reader's guides
are also available for the public at locations throughout
the region as well at all public libraries.
"We
hope to reawaken the excitement, power and life lessons
that a good book can hold," said Charles County
Public Library Reference Supervisor Alison Sherwell, who
added that books will be distributed during the library's
kick-off.
Selected
high school classes at Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's
public schools will participate in reading and discussion
of the book as will several English courses at CSM.
Parents will be included in a Saturday seminar for high
school students in
Charles
County
, and various Big Brothers/Big Sisters partners will be
reading and participating in book discussions.
"The
Big Read project will expand the horizons of reading for
our students," said Jane Hobbs, content specialist for
reading for Charles County Public Schools. "They will be
involved in reading a novel with their peers, parents and
other adult readers. They will see the context and
effect of the book on our society, and thanks to The
Foundation for Public School Children of Charles County,
they will get to keep a novel of their own."
Other
groups participating with programs involving The Big Read
include Nuran Miller Book Club, St. Mary's
College
of
Maryland
, St. Mary's County Department of Social Services and St.
Mary's
Ryken
High School
.
"The
Big Read is a great opportunity to bring together several
generations to read and discuss the valuable lessons they
find in this moving story that transcends time. NSWC-Indian
Head Division is pleased to participate and support such
an effort of community unity," said Johnna Robinson,
deputy EEO officer, NSWC-Indian Head Division.
Poets
and young artists are also encouraged to be part of the
action through an art contest for high school students and
poetry contest for all ages that is being coordinated by
CSM.
Art
contestants will design a front book cover for "A Lesson
Before Dying," with a winner to be selected from each
county. The book cover should be no larger than 11-by-14
inches and can be in the medium of choice. The deadline
for entering is March 22.
The
Big Read in Southern Maryland writing contests invites
poetry and essays in two age categories: youth, 17 and
younger; and adult, 18 and older. Poems should reflect a
personal journey that may start or end with a lesson
before dying. Poems that spring from reading the novel are
especially welcome.
Poets
may submit one to three poems, each 24 lines or less. In
the essay contest, entrants should submit a single essay.
Youth entries should be 400-600 words and adults, 750-100
words, with the essay highlighting the writer's individual
emotional growth as a result of reading "A Lesson Before
Dying." The deadline for entry is March 17.
Specific
details for the art and writing contests are available on
the Southern Maryland Big Read web site www.csmd.edu/bigread/contests.html.
Performances
April 4-6 will culminate the region's program, with the
Charles County Arts Alliance sponsoring these in each
county at which time winners of the writing and art
contests will be announced. A dramatic staged reading of
the play, based on the novel, will be directed by David
Thomas.
The
Big Read locally includes the following events, listed
chronologically. Visit www.csmd.edu/bigread
for information on local events or links to the NEA web
site which provides additional resources and information
about the initiative and book.
(For ease in locating Charles County events, they
are color-coded in red, but
note that everyone is welcome to attend public events in
any of the three counties)
The Big Read Book Discussion. Feb. 4, 7 p.m., Calvert Library,
850 Costley Way
, Prince Frederick. This is a library-sponsored book
discussion of Ernest J. Gaines' book, "A Lesson Before
Dying," open to the public. Free. 410-535-0291.
Charles
County
Big Read Kick-Off.
Feb. 10, 2 p.m., Charles County Public Library, La Plata
Branch, 2 Garrett Avenue, La Plata. Launch will include
excerpts from the book read by Marcia Keeth, acting
director, Department of Economic Development,
Charles
County
; stage set by Charles County Arts Alliance; light
refreshments. Free. Emily Ferren, 301-934-9001.
The Big Read Kick-off. Feb. 12, 1:15 p.m.,
Leonardtown Library
,
23250
Hollywood
Road, Leonardtown. The Big Read kicks off in St. Mary's
County as CSM Board of Trustee Janice Walthour reads
excerpts from the selected book, "A Lesson Before Dying"
by Ernest J. Gaines. Free. 301-475-2846, Ext.
1007.
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The Big Read Community
Talk. Feb. 12, 8 p.m., St. Mary's College
of Maryland, Campus Center, Cole Cinema, St. Mary's City.
Discussion on race relations tied to the Ernest Gaines'
book, "A Lesson Before Dying" with Dr. James
Early, director of Cultural Studies and Communication,
Center for Folklife Programs and Cultural Studies,
Smithsonian Institution, Washington. Prior to his work
with the Smithsonian, Early was a humanist administrator
at the National Endowment for the Humanities, Washington,
D.C., a producer, writer and host of "Ten Minutes
Left," a weekly radio segment of cultural,
educational and political interviews and commentary at
WHUR FM radio at Howard University, and a research
associate for programs and documentation. Free.
240-895-4381.
The Big Read Film & Discussion. Feb. 12, 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Waldorf
Jaycees
Senior
Center
,
3090 Crain Highway
, Waldorf. Showing of film based on the Ernest J. Gaines'
book, "A Lesson Before Dying," followed by
discussion. Natasha Miller, 301-934-9001.
The Big Read Book Discussion. Feb. 21, 11:30 a.m., Naval Surface
Warfare Center-Indian Head, Auditorium. Command-sponsored
book discussion of Ernest J. Gaines' book, "A Lesson
Before Dying." Open to Command employees, civilian
and military families. Free.
301-744-4673.
The Big Read Book Discussion. Feb. 27, 11 a.m.,
Indian
Head
Senior
Center
,
100 Cornwallis Square
, Indian Head. This is a library-sponsored book discussion
of Ernest J. Gaines' book, "A Lesson Before Dying," open
to the public. Free.
Lena
Cox, 301-375-7375.
Calvert
County
Big Read Kick-Off.
Feb. 27, 7 p.m., Calvert Library,
850 Costley Way
, Prince Frederick. Launch will include excerpts read from
the book "A Lesson Before Dying" and light refreshments.
Free. 410-535-0291.
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The Big Read Book Discussion. March 3, 7 p.m., Charlotte Hall
Library, 37600 New
Market Road
,
Charlotte
Hall. This is a library-sponsored book discussion of
Ernest J. Gaines' book, "A Lesson Before Dying," open to
the public. Free. 301-884-2211.
The Big Read Book Discussion. March 3, 7 p.m.
Charles
County
Public Library,
Potomac
Branch,
3225 Ruth B. Swann Drive
, Indian Head. This is a
library-sponsored book discussion of Ernest J. Gaines'
book, "A Lesson Before Dying," open to the public. Free.
Lena
Cox, 301-375-7375.
The Big Read Movie Matinee. March 5, 12:30 p.m.
Charles
County
Public Library,
La Plata
Branch,
2 Garrett Avenue
,
La Plata
. Showing of movie based on the book "A Lesson Before
Dying" by Ernest Gaines. Free. Megan Burroughs,
301-934-9001.
The Big Read Book Discussion. March 6, 1 p.m.
Richard
R.
Clark
Senior
Center
, 1210 Charles Street, La Plata. This is a
library-sponsored book discussion of Ernest J. Gaines'
book, "A Lesson Before Dying," open to the public. Jessica
Austin, 301-934-9001.
The Big Read Movie. March 6, 6:30 p.m. Calvert Library,
850 Costley Way
, Prince Frederick. Showing of movie based on the book "A
Lesson Before Dying" by Ernest J. Gaines. Free.
410-535-0291.
The Big Read Book Discussion. March 8, 9:30 a.m., Charles County
Public Library, P.D. Brown Memorial Branch, 50 Village
Street, Waldorf. This is a library-sponsored book
discussion of Ernest J. Gaines' book, "A Lesson Before
Dying," open to the public. Free. Phyllis Frere,
301-645-2864.
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The Big Read Book Discussion. March 10, 6 p.m.,
Lexington
Park
Library,
21677 FDR Boulevard
,
Lexington
Park. This is a library-sponsored book discussion of
Ernest J. Gaines' book, "A Lesson Before Dying," open to
the public. Free. 301-863-8188
The Big Read Book Discussion. March 10, 7 p.m., Calvert Library,
Twin Beaches Branch. Call for location. This is a
library-sponsored book discussion of Ernest J. Gaines'
book, "A Lesson Before Dying," open to the
public. Free. 410-257-2411.
The Big Read Book Discussion. March 13, 7 p.m.,
Charles
County
Public Library, La Plata Branch.,
2 Garrett Avenue
,
La Plata
. This is a library-sponsored book discussion of Ernest J.
Gaines' book, "A Lesson Before Dying," open to the public.
Free. Jessica Austin, 301-934-9001.
The Big Read Movie Showing. March 14, 3 p.m.,
Lexington
Park
Library,
21677 FDR Boulevard
,
Lexington
Park. Showing of movie based on the book, "A Lesson Before
Dying." Free. 301-863-8188.
The Big Read Movie Showing. March 14, 6:30 p.m., Charlotte Hall
Library, 37600 New
Market Road
,
Charlotte
Hall. Showing of movie based on the book, "A Lesson
Before Dying." Free. 301-884-2211.
Deadline: The Big Read Writing Contests. March 17,
College
of
Southern Maryland
, La Plata Campus,
Library
Resources
Building
,
8730 Mitchell Road
, P.O.
Box 910
,
La Plata
,
Md.
Deadline to enter The Big Read in
Southern Maryland
writing contests. Poetry and essays in two age categories:
youth, 17 and younger; and adult, 18 and older. Poems
should reflect a personal journey that may start or end
with a lesson before dying. Poems that spring from reading
the novel are especially welcome. Poets may submit one to
three poems, each 24 lines or less. Essays limited to one
entry per person. Youth entries should be 400-600 words
and adults, 750-100 words, with the essay highlighting the
writer's individual emotional growth as a result of
reading "A Lesson Before Dying." Winners will be
announced the first weekend in April. 301-934-7626. www.csmd.edu/bigread/contests.html
.
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The Big Read Movie Showing. March 18, 6:30 p.m.,
Leonardtown Library
,
23250
Hollywood
Road, Leonardtown. Showing of the movie based on the book,
"A Lesson Before Dying." Free. 301-475-2846.
The Big Read Movie Matinee. March 19, 12:30 p.m., Charles County
Public Library, Potomac Branch, 3225 Ruth B. Swann Drive,
Indian Head. Preview of movie based on the book "A Lesson
Before Dying" by Ernest Gaines. Free. Megan Burroughs,
301-934-9001.
The Big Read Book Discussion. March 19, 2 p.m., Calvert Library
Fairview
Branch, 8120 Southern
Maryland Boulevard
, Owings. This is a library-sponsored book discussion of
Ernest J. Gaines' book, "A Lesson Before Dying," open to
the public. Free. 410-257-2101.
The Big Read Book Discussion. March 20, 2 p.m., Calvert Library
Southern Branch,
20 Appeal Way
, Lusby. This is a library-sponsored book discussion of
Ernest J. Gaines' book, "A Lesson Before Dying," open to
the public. Free. 410-326-5289.
The Big Read Book Discussion. March 20, 7 p.m.,
Leonardtown Library
,
23250
Hollywood Rd Leonardtown. This is a library-sponsored book
discussion of Ernest J. Gaines' book, "A Lesson Before
Dying," open to the public. It is led by St. Mary's
College
of
Maryland English Professor Robin Bates
. Free. 301-884-2211
Deadline: Art Contest for The Big Read. March 22, College of
Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, Library Resources
Building, 8730 Mitchell Road, P.O. Box 910, La
Plata, Md. Deadline for high school students in Calvert,
Charles, and St. Mary's counties to submit designs of
front book cover for "A Lesson Before Dying". The book
cover should be no larger than 11-by-14 inches and can be
in the medium of choice. Entries will be displayed and the
winner in each county will be announced at the performance
of the play in each county during the first weekend in
April. 301-934-7626. www.csmd.edu/bigread/contests.html.
The Big Read Movie Discussion. March 24, 7 p.m.,
Leonardtown Library
,
23250
Hollywood
Road, Leonardtown. St. Mary's
College
of Maryland English Professor Dr. Robin Bates will lead a
discussion on the movie based on the novel, "A Lesson
Before Dying." The movie will not be shown. Free. 301-475-2846.
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The Big Read Movie Showing. March 25, 11:30 a.m., Naval Surface
Warfare Center-Indian Head Division, Auditorium. Showing
of the movie based on the book, "A Lesson Before
Dying." Open to Command employees, civilian and
military families. Free. 301-744-4673.
Building Houses with Chicken Legs: Black Women, Food and Power,
April 1, 7 p.m.,
Lexington
Park
Library,
21677 FDR Boulevard
,
Lexington
Park. Several references are made to fried chicken in
Ernest J. Gaines' book "A Lesson Before Dying" such as
when Miss Emma brings fried chicken to Jefferson in jail
saying "I knowed how much you like my fried chicken."
Psyche Williams-Forson, assistant professor of
American Studies at
University
of
Maryland
, will examine the complex role of the chicken in African
American life, paying special attention to the connection
between chickens and African American women. Program
funded by the Maryland Humanities Council. Free.
301-475-2846, Ext. 1007.
The Big Read Performance. April 4, 7:30 p.m.,
Westlake
High School
, Auditorium,
3300 Middletown Road
, Waldorf. Dramatic staged reading of the play, based on
the book "A Lesson Before Dying" by Ernest J. Gaines.
Presented by
Charles
County
Arts
Alliance
. Free. 301-392-5900.
The Big Read Performance. April 5, 7:30 p.m.,
College
of
Southern Maryland
, Leonardtown Campus, Building A, Auditorium,
22950 Hollywood Road
, Leonardtown. Dramatic staged reading of the play, based
on the book "A Lesson Before Dying" by Ernest J. Gaines.
Presented by
Charles
County
Arts
Alliance
. Free. 301-392-5900.
The Big Read Performance. April 6, 7:30 p.m.,
Calvert
High School
, Auditorium, 600 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick.
Dramatic staged reading of the play, based on the book "A
Lesson Before Dying" by Ernest J. Gaines. Presented by
Charles
County
Arts
Alliance
. Free. 301-392-5900.
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The Big Read Book Discussion. April 17, 11:30 a.m. Naval Surface
Warfare Center-Indian Head Division, Auditorium. Command
-sponsored discussion of the book by Ernest J. Gaines'
book, "A Lesson Before Dying" and the movie
based on the novel. Open
to Command employees, civilian and military families.
Free. 301-744-4673.
Poetry Open Mic Night. April 28, 6-8 p.m.,
Lexington
Park
Library,
21677 FDR Boulevard
,
Lexington
Park. The evening will feature original poetry based
on individual reactions to the book. "A Lesson Before
Dying." Poetry does not need to be entered into the
writing contest to be read. Bring your poetry or just
come and listen. Free. 301-475-2846, Ext.1007.
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During
2008, the
College
of
Southern Maryland
will celebrate its 50th anniversary. A regionally
accredited community college that provides programs and
services with a special focus on local workforce
development to maintain and grow a healthy economy and
community, CSM has been recognized as the 2007 Employer of
the Year by the Maryland Department of Aging and is a
four-time recipient of the Workplace Excellence Award by
the Alliance for Workplace Excellence. For information
about CSM, call 301-934-7765 or 301-870-2309, 240-725-5499
or 443-550-6199, Ext. 7765 or visit www.csmd.edu.
The National
Endowment for the Arts is a public agency dedicated to
supporting excellence in the arts—both new and
established—bringing the arts to all Americans, and
providing leadership in arts education. Established by
Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal
government, the Arts Endowment is the nation's
largest annual funder of the arts, bringing great art to
all 50 states, including rural areas, inner cities, and
military bases. For more information, please visit
www.arts.gov.
The Institute
of Museum and Library Services is the primary source
of federal support for the nation's
122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's
mission is to create strong libraries and museums that
connect people to information and ideas. The Institute
works at the national level and in coordination with state
and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and
knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support
professional development. For more information, please
visit www.imls.gov.
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The Big Read Press Release
The College of Southern Maryland and the
Charles County 350th Celebration Committee, in cooperation
with the Charles County Heritage Commission, present three
lectures on the history of Charles County as part of the
college's Friday Lecture Series. 
