The Big Read has begun and you are invited to take part!

Mark Twain once said, “The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them.”

The state of Alabama is taking part in the national endeavor for all communities in the United States to read at the same time one of America’s great classics, “Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain.

The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment of the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest.

The mission for the project is to restore reading to the center of American culture.

“The Big Read encourages us to read for pleasure and enlightenment. It gives us the opportunity to read and discuss a single book with our community,” said Librarian Jane Bailey, Columbiana Public Library.

Bailey has organized a series of events at the Columbiana Public Library to promote The Big Read.

Mark Twain is coming for a visit Thursday March 4, 2010, at 6:00 p.m. Darrel Revel will be performing as the author, a funny night of witticism, perfect for all ages.

Preschoolers have a morning set aside just for them. Ms. Jane will do a themed Storytime on “Tom Sawyer” at 9:30 a. m. on Tuesday, March 9th.

Have you child wear their overalls and straw hats to dress up for the fun-filled party!

School age children have a special day planned for them on Friday, March 19th at 3:15 p. m.

Put on your old clothes and come paint a picket to help decorate the library, just like Tom and his friends.

To reward your painting skills, donuts and lemonade will be served.

Columbiana is invited – young, old, and in between – for a group discussion to discuss “Tom Sawyer”.

Let’s all get together and share THE BIG READ as a community at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 23rd.

The Big Read will culminate on April 8, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. for a family night at the library to see the Disney movie, “Tom and Huck”. Snacks will be provided for a night out for all ages.

The Columbiana Public Library hopes that you will join with all of Alabama and take part in THE BIG READ.

Come to the library, get a copy of Twain’s “Tom Sawyer,” and be part of THE BIG READ, an adventure of reading for the whole family.

Phoebe Robinson is currently resting at home she can be reached by e–mail at phoeberobinson@bellsouth.net.