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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 27, 2024
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County Kicks Off 2024 NEA Big Read Featuring Andrew Krivak’s “The Bear” During Family-Friendly Event
| WHO: |
Leon County Government |
| WHAT: |
2024 NEA Big Read Kickoff |
| WHEN: |
Saturday, March 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
| WHERE: |
Outside the LeRoy Collins Leon County Main Library, 200 West Park Ave. |
Celebrate the start of the Leon County 2024 NEA Big Read featuring The Bear by Andrew Krivak during a family-friendly kickoff event on Saturday, March 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the Leon County Main Library, 200 West Park Avenue. Attendees can meet with local organizations and enjoy hands-on activities that connect residents to Leon County’s historical past, local ecology, and sustainability for the future in recognition of the Tallahassee-Leon County Bicentennial year. The event will also include a scavenger hunt, Wander and Wonder story walk, and food trucks.
As part of the NEA Big Read, citizens can pick up a free copy of The Bear at the kickoff event and afterward at all library locations, while supplies last. Audiobook and ebook copies of The Bear are also available through the Libby app using a library card. Register for or check the status of a library card at LeonCountyLibrary.org/LibraryCard.
NEA Big Read continues throughout March with exciting events and exhibits for all ages, including:
- Wild Wonders: A Photographic Journey Through Florida's Big Bend, March 1-31, downtown Main Library – Enjoy an exhibition of nature photographs taken throughout the Big Bend region by local artists. Come see different perspectives of the beautiful flora, fauna, and landscapes found in the place we call home.
- In Every Object: Writing with Memories, Thursday, March 21, at 6:30 p.m., downtown Main Library – Participants will learn the tools and techniques to writing short stories and poems and then put them into practice by selecting a random item to inspire their writing.
- Wilderness Discovery: Explore Nature and Those Who Serve It, Saturday, March 23, from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m., Miccosukee Greenway, 5600 Miccosukee Road – Explore the great outdoors in Leon County while discovering plants, bugs, animals, and professions that take you into nature. Mark Tancig, Extension Agent for UF/IFAS Leon County Extension Office, will take participants through the trail at Miccosukee Greenway and explain our local ecology. A roundup of exhibitors from different outdoor fields will share how they interact with nature in their jobs.
- Author Talk with Andrew Krivak, Monday, March 25, at 6:30 p.m., Virtual – Andrew Krivak, author of The Bear, will discuss the genesis of his novel and explore themes and passages relating to the beauty of our natural environment and the struggle between humanity and nature. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions as part of our follow-up discussion moderated by Chris Coutts, Professor and Chair of the Department of Urban & Regional Planning at Florida State University.
- Library Lecture Series: The Power of Tradition and Storytelling, Saturday, March 30, at 2 p.m., downtown Main Library – Misty Penton, Tradition Keeper and Storyteller for the Muscogee Nation of Florida, will discuss how generational storytelling and oral traditions help guide the people of today. Participants will learn about the importance of keeping history alive and can explore artifacts from the Muscogee Creek Nation.
- Stargazing, multiple dates, times, and locations – Reconnect with the night sky as we explore constellations such as Ursa Major in partnership with the Tallahassee Astronomical Society. Telescopes will be provided.
- Book Clubs, multiple dates, times, and locations – Discuss the mesmerizing world of The Bear by Andrew Krivak with other community members.
For a complete list of events, visit LeonCountyFL.gov/BigRead.
NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. The National Endowment for the Arts Big Read is designed to broaden our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book. The LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library System is one of 60+ nonprofit organizations to receive a grant to host an NEA Big Read project.
For more information, contact Sally Mason, Learning & Workforce Services Manager, at (850) 606-2665 / MasonSa@LeonCountyFL.gov or Leon County Community and Media Relations at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.
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