The Big Read, a month of more than 25 free events celebrating A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin, has been kicked off to a great start. On Sunday, April 1st, Stephanie Smith gave us a glimpse into Ursula K. Le Guin’s writing philopshy as well as her own process as a writer. We raffled copies of A Wizard of Earthsea and Stephanie Smith’s Other Nature, and wonderful refreshments were provided by B&B Office Systems, Civilization/Terranova, Maude’s Café, Panache at the Wine & Cheese Gallery, Vellos Historic Brickstreet Grille and Volta Coffee, Tea & Chocolate.
If you missed the kickoff, join us for one of the many scheduled events. We have programs for students, teens, adults and fantasy readers and writers of all ages.
Want to turn copper into gold and silver or make cool glow in the dark art? Join science educator Patty Lipka from the Cade Museum for Creativity + Invention for Alchemy and Magic held at locations throughout the District or Blacklight Magic on April 5, 2:00pm at Headquarters. Draw dragons, learn about Le Guin’s interest in being environmentally green, race boats, and make your own slime to take home at Draw Your Own Dragon of Pendor, April 15, 3:00pm at Archer Branch.
Hungry for the Book? Come out for one of the Big Read booktalks presented by local authors and ACLD librarians. Join YA fantasy author Meredith Ann Pierce at Tower Road on April 6 at 4:00pm, author and professor Stephanie Smith at Headquarters on April 22, 2:00pm, or librarian Travis Fristoe at Civic Media Center, 433 S. Main Street, on April 26 at 7:00pm and Headquarters on April 30, 7:00pm. Or check out one of our Big Read Teen Booktalks on April 19, 4:00pm at Newberry, April 25, 4:30pm at Millhopper or April 25, 5:00pm at Headquarters.
Dive into the worlds, works and legacy of Ursula K. Le Guin at the panel discussion at UF Ustler Center for Women’s Studies and Gender Research, April 11, 4:30pm, one of documentary filmmaker Arwen Curry’s talks, April 12, 6:00pm at Headquarters or April 13, 4:00pm at Tower Road or on April 13, 1:00 to 2:00 pm, call or email in your question for Curry on Conner Calling on Florida’s 89.1 WUFT FM.
Create your own fantasy story, illustration or map! Hone your writing skills with local YA fantasy author Meredith Ann Pierce for a two hour Young Writer’s Workshop (ages 10 to 18) on April 14, starting at 10:00 am. Draw a scene from Earthsea, design a new book cover or show us what magic looks like and submit it to the Big Read Art Exhibition. Open to artists ages 10 to 18, the deadline is Friday, April 20. Or Create a Fantasy Map on April 24, 4:30pm at Millhopper Branch.
Find out why Ursula Le Guin and other authors are concerned about Google Books’ wholesale digitization of books at a discussion lead by by law librarian and copyright specialist Jennifer Wondracek on April 16, 6:00 pm, UF Law School Smith, Classroom, Holland Hall Rm 180. Explore with Classics professor Jennifer Rea how Le Guin’s Lavinia was inspired by Vergil's Aeneid at Headquarters on April 13, 6:00pm.
Help us wrap up and celebrate The Big Read with local authors and musicians at Wild Iris Books, 802 W. University Ave, on April 27, 5:30 to 7:00pm or at The Big Read Art Exhibition at Headquarters on April 28, 2:00 to 4:00 pm.
