ASC Fahrenheit 451 Project Announces (08-28-07)
Theatre students label over 3000 Fahrenheit 451 books for free distribution throughout the community, with 1200 being sent to public schools in the San Luis Valley.
The Adams State College Fahrenheit 451 Project announced a valley-wide book club program as part of its participation in the National Endowment for the Arts' Big Read. Partnering with area libraries, public schools, community groups, and its own campus academic programs, Adams State is among 117 organizations selected to participate in the national literacy program.
From Oct. 2007 through April 2008, many events and special programming will revolve around Ray Bradbury's classic book Fahrenheit 451. The book tells the story of a future in which books are banned and burned while a few fight to protect our literary heritage. "It is powerful reminder that such basic human rights as freedom of speech must not only be protected but celebrated," Dr. John Taylor, associate professor and director of the project, said.
The NEA's Big Read Project allocates grant money to communities to adopt a book and create programming to encourage its reading. With part of its grant, the Adams State project has purchased over 3,000 copies of the book to distribute free throughout the valley. From San Luis to Creede, book clubs will take place in libraries, homes, and other meeting places.
The following public libraries are establishing book clubs: Southern Peaks Library, Costillo County Public Library, Carnegie Library in Monte Vista, and Conejos Public Library. If you are interested in participating, please contact your local library for more information.
In addition to the book clubs, classes at Adams State, Alamosa High School, Antonito High School, Monte Vista High School, Centauri High School, Del Norte High School, Centennial High School, and Creede Middle and High School will study the book.
All individuals and organizations are invited to participate in this unique effort. If you belong to a book club and want to adopt Fahrenheit 451, please contact Taylor at 719-587-7382 or email at Dr. John Taylor. Individuals not in a book club are also welcome to pick-up a free copy of the book.
"In the end, this project and the Big Read are about promoting reading, exploring issues that are central to lives as citizens, and coming together as a community. Stay tuned as we announce some pretty exciting events including a forum with Ray Bradbury," Taylor said.
