By Jan Cook
LAKEPORT >> The Lake County Library along with the Lake County Office of Education’s Literacy Task Force will present the “Lake County Big Read” during the program month of October 2015. The Big Read is a community-wide reading program that promotes literature and brings people together through reading and discussing a common book. Harper Lee’s classic novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” has been selected and community book discussions will be held around the county all month long.
The Big Read will kick off with the Lake County Lit-Fest on Oct. 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Mendocino College Lake Center 2565 Parallel Drive in Lakeport. The Lake County Lit-Fest is a reading festival featuring local authors, artists and organizations gathered in celebration of reading and literature. Lit-Fest attendees will be able to receive a copy of this year’s Big Read novel selection while supplies last.
There will be space available for local authors to meet the public and sell their books. Booths will also be available to organizations interested in promoting literacy and celebrating the written word.
During Lit-Fest local authors will have the opportunity to read their own short works based on themes from To Kill a Mockingbird. High School students will read essays they have submitted for the Lake County Big Read Essay Contest and the contest winners will be recognized at the Lit-Fest Kick-off. An exhibit of local art works inspired by To Kill a Mockingbird will be on display. Local authors Alethea Eason and Casey Carney, Lake County’s poet laureate, will conduct free writing workshops.
For more information about the Lake County Big Read and Lit-Fest or to sign up to participate as an author or organization call the Lake County Library at 263-8817. The Lake County Big Read is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lakecountybigread.
