From the CCPL website:
"Dozens of programs and events are scheduled in September and October to celebrate The Charleston County Big Read – a first-time, community-wide effort to promote literacy, celebrate diversity and recognize the significance of community connections by bringing people together to read and discuss a single book.
The Big Read, created by the National Endowment for the Arts, is being coordinated locally by Charleston County Public Library and runs September 9th-October 14th. This is one of 117 communities nationwide selected by the NEA to launch Big Read projects this fall.
The Charleston County Big Read is Zora Neale Hurston’s 1937 book, Their Eyes Were Watching God, about a young, vivacious African-American woman struggling to find her voice, her identity and the meaning of true love. This powerful and lyrical book is perfect for the Lowcountry with its rich Gullah heritage coupled with the desire to honor and preserve the Gullah traditions.
Schools, colleges, businesses, the military, arts organizations, governments, the news media, civic groups and community organizations are joining together to host events, sponsor programs and hold book discussions focusing on Hurston’s book, her characters and the amazing life of this struggling author of the Harlem Renaissance period."
For more information on The Big Read, click here.
We'll be having special events, displays, and exhibitions at the John's Island library to help celebrate this wonderful event:
Writing Contest for Island High School Students
September 9 through October 1, 2007
High school students from John's, Wadmalaw, Kiawah, and Seabrook Islands are invited to write a paper on Their Eyes Were Watching God with the theme: Love Relationships versus Independence. Entries will be accepted at the Reference Desk. Names of participants and winning papers will be on display at the library from October 8 through October 31. Prizes will be awarded for the top three papers.
Film: Their Eyes Were Watching God
Saturday, September 15 at 2:00 p.m.
Join us as we watch the movie based on Hurston's novel.
Book Discussion: Their Eyes Were Watching God
Monday, September 17 at 2:00 p.m.
Participate in a group discussion of Zora Neale Hurston's beloved 1937 classic novel.
Film: Daughters of the Dust
Thursday, September 27 at 6:00 p.m.
Don't miss this emotionally charged epic drama.
Zora Alive! (All ages)
Wednesday, October 3 at 4:00 p.m.
Get to know Zora Neale Hurston, portrayed by Phyllis McEwen, as she tells the stories and sings the songs that she collected during her work with the Works Progress Administration in Florida in the 1920s and 30s.
Hip Hop with Nikki Hunter (Ages 8 and up)
Thursday, October 4 at 4:00 p.m.
Nikki Hunter, teacher and Hip Hop artist, will discuss the history of Hip Hop and how teachers, parents, and students can use rap music as a learning tool. Nikki will demonstrate with songs from various CDs in her Hip Hop Hooks series. We'll also be announcing the winners of our writing contest for island high school students.
Zora Neale Hurston Storytime (All ages)
Saturday, October 6 at 11:00 a.m.
Enjoy short stories by Zora Neale Hurston adapted for children.
Exhibitions/Displays
Lowcountry Images: Carol A. Simmons, local artist, will display Lowcountry paintings at the John’s Island Regional Library for September and October. Carol Simmons was a former programmer analyst before training to become an artist.
A quilted wall hanging of Zora Neale Hurston's book, Their Eyes Were Watching God, designed and quilted by local fiber artist, Nora R. Williams. This wall hanging will feature the main character, Janie, resting on her back while her eyes were watching God. The quilt will be on display at the John’s Island Regional Library during September and at the Saul Alexander Gallery, Main Library, during October.
Soft sculptured dolls, also designed by Nora R. Williams, of Zora Neale Hurston, the author of Their Eyes Were Watching God, and her main character, Janie will be on display. The display will also include the lowcountry dolls such as 2 dolls from the slave era. The dolls will be on display at the John’s Island Regional Library during September and October.
Local high school students will design a quilt based on their interpretation of the novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston under the guidance of local quilters Jakki Jefferson and Nora R. Williams. This quilting project will start in September 2007 and exhibit at the John's Island Regional Library during the months of February and March 2008. All interested high school students should come by or contact the Reference Desk at (843) 559-1945 to register so adequate supplies will be on hand.
