ASC takes part in the Big Read Initiative

(06-26-2007)

Imagine a world where reading is prohibited and firemen burn books. This is the world of the classic novel "Fahrenheit 451." As part of a national literacy project, residents of the San Luis Valley will participate in a community reading project that will celebrate the popular science fiction book written by noted author Ray Bradbury.

The National Endowment for the Arts announced June 25 that Adams State College and the San Luis Valley were one of 117 organizations and communities selected to take part in the Big Read initiative. From October through April, the Adams State College Fahrenheit 451 Project will explore the book with a full calendar of events including a banned book film series, book clubs, art exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and a theater production.

"This is such an exciting opportunity for our valley," said John Taylor, associate professor of theatre and director Adams State's Fahrenheit 451 Project. "After the tremendous experience our community had with the Dead Man Walking Theatre Project, I didn't want to see all of the book clubs and partnerships be just a one-time thing. With the Big Read, we have the chance to come together again as a Valley-wide community to share a great book and creatively explore issues that are of the utmost importance to our lives as citizens in a free society."

The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The NEA presents the Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Service and in cooperation with Arts Midwest.

The program was created in response to the NEA's report "Reading at Risk: A Survey of Literary Reading in America," which identified a critical decline in reading among American adults. By awarding grants to communities across the country and improving access to literature, the Arts Endowment is working toward reversing the decline in reading.

The Adams State College Big Read is funded by an $11,000 NEA grant with additional matching funds from the college for a total budget of $25,000. "With these funds, we are planning a wide variety of exciting events and activities including distributing nearly 3,000 free copies of the book throughout the Valley," Taylor said.

The Adams State Fahrenheit 451 Project will begin Oct. 12 with a 24-hour celebration of literature where people will sign up for 15 minute slots to read from their favorite works of literature. The first hour will be broadcast live on KRZA Community Radio and will feature celebrated guests to help kickoff the project. From the Main Stage of the Adams State's Theatre building to local libraries, selections from novels, plays, poems, and more will be heard as people gather to share their favorite works.

The Adams State Fahrenheit 451 Project is presented in partnership with KRZA Community Radio, Southern Peaks Public Library, Conejos Public Library, Carnegie Public Library, and the Boys and Girl's Club of Alamosa. Multiple academic departments at Adams State including the Nielsen Library will be offering programming. Additionally, English classes at Alamosa High School, Centauri High School, Antonito High School, and Monte Vista High School will read the book and take part in events. Through all of its events, project hopes to reach more than 5,000 people.

"I hope many of the Dead Man Walking book clubs will choose to take on this book and join with us in this community book read," Taylor said. "While we are still planning the project, I can promise everyone that from the opening event to the Adams State Theatre Program's production of the play, we will create programming that will make the Big Read something you won't want to miss."

For more information, or to inquire about participation please contact John Taylor at 587-7382 or jhtaylor@adams.edu.