Media Contacts: Leanne Ingle, Communications Specialist, 360-704-4508, or Tim Mallory, Adult Services Coordinator, 360-704-4502.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has awarded Timberland Regional Library (TRL) a $20,000 "Big Read" partnership grant to expand and build on the successes of the library system’s previous "Timberland Reads Together" community-wide reading programs.

The Big Read is a new national program of the NEA that encourages reading by asking communities to come together to read and discuss one book. TRL’s Timberland Reads Together programs promote reading and community through the districtwide reading and discussion of a single book throughout Thurston, Mason, Lewis, Grays Harbor and Pacific counties. The first two Timberland Reads Together programs revolved around The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd, and The Highest Tide, by Jim Lynch. The book for the 2007 program is My Ántonia, by Willa Cather.

"Timberland Reads Together programs have really resonated in our communities. Talking about good books with friends and neighbors and enjoying all the presentations brings communities together and adds richness and depth to the experience of reading," said Timberland Director, Jodi Reng.

This March through May, the library system encourages adults and teens to read Cather’s classic novel of American migration and settlement and to participate in a variety of related events. Copies of the book are available at libraries and bookstores. Some local bookstores will offer a discount on the book to customers who show their Timberland library cards.

Originally published in 1918, My Ántonia chronicles the life of Ántonia, a Bohemian immigrant woman, as seen through the eyes of her friend Jim Burden. Jim, now a successful New York lawyer, reminiscences about his boyhood in Nebraska, particularly the spirited young Ántonia Shimerda. Even after 20 years, Ántonia continues to live in his imagination. When Jim eventually returns to Nebraska, he finds Ántonia has lived a hard life but she remains strong and full of courage. The prairie setting is a crucial part of the novel. For Jim, as for Willa Cather herself, the land is timeless, both a formative influence and a haunting memory.

"If you’ve already read this wonderful book, read it again. It’ll be a new and richer experience", said Tim Mallory, Timberland’s Adult Services Coordinator.

This year’s program includes over 65 events. They include group book discussions; dramatic portrayals of Willa Cather by nationally recognized scholar, Betty Jean Steinshouer, in period costume; professional reader’s theater performances; and live musical performances in the Bohemian immigrant styles of Ántonia’s era.

The Big Read is a partnership of the NEA and the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest. The purpose of the initiative is to restore reading to the center of American culture. In addition to the $20,000 grant, the NEA is also providing free materials for the library to distribute, including reader’s guides illustrated with photos, timelines and other images, and teacher’s guides for high school teachers who request them. The materials are also available online at www.neabigread.org.

For more information about The Big Read: Timberland Reads Together My Ántonia, contact your local library or call Timberland Central Reference librarians. If you live in the Olympia calling area, call 704-4636. From all other areas call 1-800-562-6022 toll free.

Timberland Regional Library serves the information, reading and lifelong learning needs of the Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston county public at 27 community libraries and 7 library service partner locations. The library system is funded by local property taxes. For information on any subject, the public can telephone Timberland’s Central Reference Service librarians at 704-4636 in the Olympia calling area or from all other areas, toll-free, at 1-800-562-6022. Or they can "Ask a Librarian" online at www.trlib.org. Anyone needing special accommodations to participate in a library’s program may contact the library a week in advance.

Revised 02/27/07