THE BIG READ - ST. MARYS, GA

OCTOBER 5, 2009
PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION




THE BIG READ


Introducing “The Big Read”, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), dedicated to bring literacy to the forefront of American culture once again. The St. Marys Public Library has joined in partnership with the Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association, Three Rivers Regional Library System as well as many others across the country to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment. With the ever-expanding power of the World Wide Web reading has taken a severe downward turn among all demographics but particularly the decline is most noted among the youth of America. “The Big Read” is addressing this public literacy crisis with a proactive response introducing and rejuvenating the joy of the written word.



“The Big Read” program will last approximately one month with a vast array of programs intended to provide everyone with the opportunity to read and discuss a single book within their communities. The

St. Marys Public Library in conjunction with other regional libraries has selected “A Tribute to Edgar Allen Poe” in keeping with traditional October theme. The kick-off event in St. Marys will be held October 10th, 10am-12pm joining the ever-popular Hay Days Event “Build-A-Scarecrow”. Be sure to stop by the St. Marys Library tent on the grounds of Orange Hall to learn more about the events yet to come. Local author Valerie Evans Goddard will be on hand by the fountain at Orange Hall sharing spooky stories to entertain the children. Be sure to reserve your “Build-A-Scarecrow” kit through the St. Marys Downtown Development Authority at 400 Osborne Street or call (912) 882-8111 for further information.



Other events scheduled to promote “The Big Read” are:



Tuesday, October 13th, The Scarecrow Stroll will begin at the St Marys Economic Development Building 400 Osborne Street from 5pm-7pm. In keeping with the spooky theme of Poe’s writing, the time honored classic cartoons of “Casper the Friendly Ghost” will be shown continually for the children complete with popcorn. This will be one of the many great stops on the Hay Ride held that evening while everyone enjoys the myriad of scarecrows on display. The St. Marys Library Board will be set-up out front to distribute bookmarks and other fun materials to promote this very worthy project.



Friday, October 16th, “An evening with Edgar Allen Poe” will commence at 7pm at Orange Hall,

311 Osborne Street, St. Marys. A book discussion on the works of Edgar Allen Poe will be held in depths of Orange Hall’s lower level led by local writer and storyteller Dr. Christina Johns. Edgar Allen Poe and his beloved Annabel Lee (portrayed by students from the Fine Arts Department of Camden High School) will present the Poe poem “Annabel Lee” in full costume. At the conclusion, local Author Valerie Evans Goddard will conduct the St. Marys Spirits Tour through the historic district of St. Marys to reveal some of the more alternative history, this will be a riding tour. More than one tour may be scheduled depending on participation.



Sunday, October 25th, Dinner and a Movie will wrap up “The Big Read” at Captain Seagle’s Seafood Restaurant and Saloon, 105 Osborne Street, St. Marys. The evening will begin with a wonderful buffet meal at 6pm. The movie presented will be the classic Alfred Hitchcock picture, “The Birds”. There will be a dessert and coffee bar presented during the movie as well as popcorn for those who simply must have buttery fingers to enjoy a movie. The entire “Dinner and a Movie” package will be $20 per person. Edgar Allen Poe and Annabel Lee will be guests for the evening.



For further information on any of these events feel free to contact Judy B. Armantrout, Manager,

St. Marys Public Library (912) 882-4800 (email) jarmantrout@trrl.org or Alyce Thornhill

Director of Economic Development (912) 882-8111 (email) info@stmarysdda.com