Multi-library literacy program honors Martin Luther King all February with multi-media events
By Laura Katauskas
Staff Reporter
Bringing communities together not only through literacy but in celebrating diversity, local libraries and community organizations are set to begin, “The Great Read, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. — A Life, A Legacy.”
In a program that crosses several communities, bringing together residents throughout Will County, The Great Read will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s death by focusing on his life and lasting legacy.
The Great Read Kickoff begins at 6 p.m., Feb. 1, at the White Oak Library, Romeoville, 201 Normantown Road with a performance by professional storyteller Linda Gorham. She will introduce listeners to Martin, a young boy growing up in the South, who would one day become the most visible spokesperson and activist of the Civil Rights Movement.
In the spirit of giving, the Great Read committee is asking patrons to bring canned goods or supplies to the kick off and finale events. Donations will benefit Bags of Hope, Morningstar Mission of Joliet, and St. John Food Pantry.
The Great Read started in 2004 as a one-time, roundtable discussion about censorship between the Plainfield Public Library and School District 202, around the Ray Bradbury classic, “Fahrenheit 451.” In 2008, Reading Across Plainfield became The Great Read when new partners from Joliet and Bolingbrook joined the program to encourage broader community participation, better reflect the areas served and emphasize the program’s literary focus.
Its members now include the Plainfield, Joliet, Fountaindale, Lemont, and White Oak public library systems, and Joliet Junior College.
The White Oak Library in conjunction with the 2018 Great Read community literacy program will honor Dr. King’s life and legacy with a series of programs and special events in February. The next event at the Romeoville branch, History of the Chicago Race Riots with Author Claire Harfield will take place at 7 p.m., February 7. For a full list of events at the White Oak Library district check out the calendar of events at www.whiteoaklibrary.org.
“The Great Read is important because it allows libraries to come together to provide in-depth programming on topics that have impacted our culture and literary heritage,” said Patricia Jarog, Great Read committee member and White Oak Library, Lockport Branch Manager. “This year’s theme examines the indelible mark left by Dr. King, and whether or not we were alive during the Civil Rights Movement, it’s a great time to examine this important time in American history and he man who defined it.”
For a complete list of activities at all participating libraries, check the Great Read website at www.greatread.org.
In addition, area artists of all ages are invited and encouraged to take part in the Great Read Art Contest. Winners in three age groups from pre-kindergarten to adult will win a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card, and could win additional prizes through their home libraries. The deadline to submit artwork is Feb. 14.
The 2018 Great Read Finale Gala will feature an evening with Maggie Brown, at 6 pm. Feb. 28 at the Joliet Black Road Library. The Great Read Art Contest winners will also be announced and awarded at the finale.
The 2018 Great Read is also supported by generous grants and in-kind donations from the Plainfield Foundation for Excellence, the Friends of the Plainfield Public Library, Plainfield Township, the Joliet Barnes & Noble, Voyager Media, WDCB Jazz Radio (90.9 FM) and participating libraries.
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Logo and artwork