The Big Read 2010

Spokane Public Library and Spokane County Library District are pleased to once again co-host The Big Read. This year, The Big Read highlights Harper Lee's classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird, the story of lawyer Atticus Finch defending a black man accused of raping a white woman in 1930s Alabama. The book is widely regarded as one of the greatest novels of all time and has long been required reading in many classrooms.

The Big Read will feature the following events. All events are free.

Feature Event

Opening Gala, February 16, 5 p.m. - This event will feature Mary Badham, the actress who played Scout in the award-winning film version of the novel. Lincoln Center, 1316 N. Lincoln St.

Special Events

Warning! Dangerous Books! - display in the Northwest Room, Downtown Library. To Kill a Mockingbird ranks high on the American Library Association's list of frequently banned classic books. This display highlights other famous, banned books. Click here for more details.

February-April, Northwest Room, Downtown Library (click here for hours & information)

Social Justice: Then & Now - presented by Dean George Critchlow, School of Law, Gonzaga University.

February 4, 6 p.m., Eastern Washington University, Cheney Campus, Showalter 109

Atticus and Ethics - presented by Mary Patricia Treuthart, professor of law at Gonzaga University. This interesting program is open and appropriate for general public attendance and is also pending approval for CLE credit. For CLE information, please call Gonzaga.

February 17, 5:30 p.m.,  Moot Court, Gonzaga Law School

Carl Maxey: Spokane's Fighter for civil Rights - presented by Jim Kershner, columnist at the Spokesman-Review and author of Carl Maxey: A Fighting Life. Carl Maxey's fight for civil rights in Spokane has many parallels with the civil rights issues in To Kill a Mockingbird. This presentation highlights this nationwide struggle.

                                     February 20, 2 p.m., Shadle Library

                                     February 24, 7 p.m., Moran Prairie Library

Atticus Finch Sharpshooting Contest with the Spokane Rifle Club - Field is limited to 150 people. Eye and ear protection required. Minimum age is 10.

March 6, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Spokane Rifle Club, 6411 Aubrey L. White Parkway

Reader's Theater

Gonzaga Law School Mock Trial - The trial scene will be presented in a reader's theater format with a discussion by a panel of lawyers and law professors to follow.

February 23, 7:30 p.m., Moot Court, Gonzaga Law School

Gonzaga University Reader's Theater Performances - Reader's Theater production of To Kill a Mockingbird performed by students of the Gonzaga University Theater Department.

February 25 & 26, 7:30 p.m.,  Jepson Auditorium on Gonzaga University Campus

March 1, 6:30 p.m.,  South Hill Library

March 3, 7:30 p.m., Barnes & Noble in the Valley

Radio

Begins February 1, 6:30 p.m. and runs Mondays through Thursdays  - Spokane Public Library's own Susan Creed will read To Kill a Mockingbird on KPBX, 91.1 on your FM dial.

Film Showings

February 1, 6 p.m., Eastern Washington University, Cheney Campus, Showalter Auditorium

February 27, 2 p.m., Otis Orchards Library

March 3, 6:30 p.m., Deer Park Library

March 5, 7 p.m., Eastern Washington University, Riverpoint Campus, Phase I Bldg

March 10, 5:30 p.m., Downtown Library (part of Downtown Library's Gregory Peck Series - second Wednesday of each month, January-June 2010)

March 13, 9:30 a.m., Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland

Book Discussions

February 17, 2 p.m., Spokane Valley Library

February 18, 2 p.m. - Book Discussion and Coffee Break - Enjoy a cup of coffee, tea or cocoa with the book discussion (discounted for participants). Atticus Coffee & Gifts, 222 N. Howard St.

February 23, 2 p.m., Argonne Library

February 24, noon, Deer Park Library

March 9, 4 p.m., Airway Heights Library

March 10, 7 p.m., North Spokane Library

March 11, 2 p.m., Fairfield Library

The Big Read is funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.  It aims to address a decline in literary reading among all age groups, particularly young people. If you have any questions about The Big Read please call 444-5342.