Help sought from book club members for 'The Big Read'

Help from area book clubs members is sought for an event this fall that aims to bolster interest in literature.

The Big Read will encompass a variety activities around Northern Nevada. It begins Sept. 13 and ends Oct. 31.

The idea is to engage the community in activities that encourage appreciation of literature through reading a single book. "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury is the chosen title.

Discussions, lectures, oral readings and movie screenings in Washoe County and Carson City will focus on the book. Bradbury biographer Sam Weller is expected to participate.

"We welcome ideas and help from book club members," said Andrea Moore, Carson City Library community relations coordinator.

The work was first published in the 1950s and focuses on the dangers of censorship and oppression, according to numerous literary descriptions and Weller. It's often required school reading for teens and was made into a film.

Pulitzer Prize-winner Bradbury, 86, however, has said the story was about how television has destroyed interest in reading literature, according to a recent article in L.A. Weekly.

A 2004 report by the National Endowment for the Arts found that literary reading in America is declining rapidly - especially among the young.

The Big Read is a cooperative project of several organizations, including the Carson City Library, Carson City Arts and Culture Coalition, Washoe County Library System, Northern Nevada Literacy Council, Washoe County School District, Sierra Arts and the city of Reno.

Book club participants interested in this event are asked to contact Moore at 887-2244, ext. 1019.

• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.

You can help

Book club

participants are asked to contact Andrea Moore at the Carson City Library,

887-2244, ext. 1019, for information about helping to put on 'The Big Read.'