Leslie Goddard as Jacqueline Kennedy

The Big Read followers at the Indian Prairie Public Library on March 23 were taken back to 1964. Leslie Goddard posed as Jacqueline Kennedy recounting the events her highly public life as wife and widow of a president. She describes her short years in the White House, directing restoration of the historic rooms and furniture, supporting arts funding, and representing her husband in America and abroad. She also told about her personal battle to protect her children and cope with the aftermath of her husband’s assassination.

Instant Karma in Concert

Playing Music of the 1960s

Celebrating The Big Read

Kim & Reggie Harris sing songs of the Civil Right Movement in a program open to members from all The Big Read libraries.

WEDNESDAY,  March 17th at 7 p.m. at the Lisle Library District

Music is often a unifying element in a political movement, succinctly and emphatically reminding people of what they are fighting for, while providing inspiration and hope.  The Civil Rights Movement was no exception. Drawing on traditional folk songs and incorporating the music from the American Folk Music Revival, the songs of the Civil Rights Movement helped bring a societal change to America that may never be equaled in importance.

Singers, songwriters, storytellers, educators, interpreters of history, and cultural advocates, Kim and Reggie Harris have spent two decades showcasing the music of  social change. Hear them and sing with them.

Register on-line or by calling (630) 971-1675
Lisle Library District / 777 Front Street / Lisle IL 60532

Kathryn Stockett’s The Help is the featured book for The Big Read, an annual community reading event sponsored by ten local libraries. First-time novelist Stockett captures life in the South in 1962, from country clubs and servants to cruelty and segregation. The story brings three women together as each of them battles the oppressive forces of racism and sexism during the heart of the civil rights movement.

The Big Read is a cooperative project of the Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Indian Prairie, La Grange, La Grange Park, Lisle, Thomas Ford, Westmont, and Woodridge public libraries that seeks to connect communities through literature. The Big Read encourages patrons at all libraries to read the same book with the goal of promoting reading, sparking discussion, and building community.

Take part in The Big Read by visiting one of the participating libraries to borrow a copy of The Help or by purchasing the book at Anderson’s Bookshops in Downers Grove or Naperville for a 10 percent discount. Anderson’s Book Club members get a 20 percent discount. Frugal Muse in Darien is offering 25 percent off copies of The Help ordered there.

Read and discuss this year’s book together with your family and friends with Book Club in a Bag kits. Everything you need is included in these kits—we even provide the questions. Each of the kits contains copies of The Help and a list of questions. Downers Grove, Indian Prairie, and La Grange libraries have kits available. Patrons from other libraries can visit these libraries to pick up a kit.

Sign up for The Big Read updates at twitter.com/bigread2010, become a Facebook “friend” of the event, or find further information on the pages of this website. The Big Read resource guide will be available at all libraries in early February. The guide will include information about all programs and book discussions as well as reading resources.

The bestselling novel The Help by Kathryn Stockett is the 2010 choice for The Big Read. Some libraries in the western Cook and eastern DuPage counties of Illinois will conduct book discussions and present programs around The Help during March and April 2010. Detailed listings are forthcoming.

The Big Read is a cooperative project of the Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Indian Prairie, La Grange, La Grange Park, Lisle, Thomas Ford, Westmont, and Woodridge public libraries that seeks to connect communities through literature. The Big Read encourages patrons at all ten libraries to read the same book with the goal of promoting reading, sparking discussion, and building community.