"The Big Read" discussions set for St. Croix and St. Thomas

"The Big Read", an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, will be hosting discussions on A Wizard of Earthsea on St. Croix at the Florence Williams Public Library on Saturday March 21 2009 from 4-6pm, and on St. Thomas at the Enid M. Baa Public Library on Saturday March 28, from 4-6pm at both locations.

Last year, the VI Council on the Arts (VICA) was awarded a Big Read grant for 2009, and created and implemented programs centered on the book A Wizard of Earthsea, including a fan fiction contest. On St. Croix, the group discussions will be led by Ms. Laurie Christian, Program Director, LSS Teen Line; Honorable Francis D'Eramo, Superior Court Judge; and Mr. Carnell Troutman, Director, Men's Coalition Rites of Passage. Their St. Thomas counterparts will be Mr. Delvin Fleming, Police Officer, School Security Bureau; Ms. Bonita Roy, Therapist, Family Resource Center, Inc.; and Mrs. Janet Turnbull-Krigger, Administrator, Children, and Family Services.

Ged, the main character in A Wizard of Earthsea, makes decisions based on arrogance, hate and impatience. The Discussion Leaders will draw references to Ged's choice and show similarities between some of the young adult decisions being made in the Virgin Islands. Big Read materials will be made available at each discussion.

Big Read Committee member Annice Canton encourages all to take part: "We are targeting young adults and readers, even if they have not read Earthsea. These events are intended to encourage discussion as it relates to coming-of-age experiences found in A Wizard of Earthsea. I hope that you and young adults that you know will be able to attend."

*Please download the appropriate flyer for discussions being held on St. Croix and St. Thomas.
*STX flyer: http://www.fostpl.org/Big_Read_FLYERSTX.doc
*STT flyer: http://www.fostpl.org/Big_Read_FLYERSTT.docer

*Visit the official web site: http://www.neabigread.org