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THE BIG READ
The Big Read is a nationwide initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. A primary goal of the Big Read is to get as many people as possible in a given community — including lapsed and/or reluctant readers — reading and talking about the same book at the same time.
From April 4 through May 5, 2008, the Aspen Writers’ Foundation, in partnership with Pitkin County Library, is spearheading a Roaring Fork Valley chapter of the Big Read. The book in this case is a classic coming-of-age story, Bless Me Ultima, by Rudolfo Anaya. This 1972 groundbreaking Chicano novel is an ideal selection for the Valley’s diverse cultural demographic. Published in both English and Spanish, the book offers vast opportunities for promoting cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.
The Roaring Fork Valley’s Big Read will also be accompanied by the Little Read, a companion program based on Anaya’s bilingual children’s books, making the program’s target audience virtually every resident from Aspen to Glenwood Springs.
The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest.
Information
970.925.3122
Featured Events
All events are free and open to the public. This is a partial listing. For a complete calendar of events, including detailed descriptions and contact information, please visit the link below.
Saturday, April 19, 11:30 am | Explore Booksellers, Aspen
Bless Me, Ultima Book Discussion + Luncheon
Eat, drink and be literary during this guided book discussion and themed Bless Me, Ultima bistro selection
(Book discussion is free, but normal fees apply to lunch menu.)
Sunday, April 20, 9:30 am | Aspen Chapel, Aspen
Sunday at the Chapel with Ultima
Rev. Dr. Gregg Anderson will host a sermon dedicated to Bless Me, Ultima
Wednesday, April 23, 5:30 pm | Pitkin County Library, Aspen
Tapas + Talk
Join librarians as they host adults for a Bless Me, Ultima book discussion and “small plate” appetizers
Thursday, April 24, 7 pm | Basalt Regional Library, Basalt
Conversation + Quesadillas
Join library staff for a cross-cultural literary event: Mexican food and a discussion of Bless Me, Ultima
Friday, April 25, 7 pm | Thunder River Theatre, Carbondale
An Evening with Perla Batalla
Celebrate Chicano “letras y líricas” with Grammy-nominated vocalist, who will give a bilingual concert and perform traditional Mexican songs and original compositions. Mexican refreshments will be served.
Saturday, April 26, 3 pm | La Isla Nueva Restaurante, Carbondale
Tardeada with Denise Chávez
During this afternoon gathering, award-winning author and performance artist Denise Chávez will lead a bilingual reading and culinary celebration of Bless Me, Ultima. Refreshments will be served.
Sunday, April 27, 12:30 pm | Aspen Art Museum, Aspen
Puppet Show
Artist Shere Coleman will lead a puppet show featuring Rudolfo Anaya’s Roadrunner’s Dance, followed by a drawing activity
Sunday, April 27, 6 pm | Town Center Booksellers, Carbondale
TCB Monthly Book Club
One-hour book discussion for adults of Rudolfo Anaya’s classic novel
Monday, April 28, 5:30 pm | Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, Aspen
“All About Ultima”
Chicana artist/activist Denise Chávez will discuss the role of La Curandera (traditional folk healer) in Latino culture
Tuesday, April 29, 6:30 pm | Gordon Cooper Branch Library, Carbondale
Book Discussion in Spanish
Discussion of Bendíceme, Última, led in Spanish by Carlos Herrera
Wednesday, April 30
10 am | Pitkin County Library, Aspen
10 am | Basalt Regional Library, Basalt
10:30 am | Glenwood Springs Branch Library, Glenwood Springs
The Little Read
Story hours featuring Rudolfo Anaya’s Roadrunner’s Dance and/or The First Tortilla
Wednesday, April 30, 6 pm | Colorado Mountain College, Aspen
CMC Aspen Panel Discussion
Join writers and teachers for a moderated panel discussion of Bless Me, Ultima
Monday, May 5, 4 pm | El Korita, El Jebel
Cinco de Mayo Wrap Party
A final toast to the valley-wide community leaders who have collaborated on The Big Read. No-host bar and complimentary appetizers.
Calendar of Events
Click on the link and select:
Communities: CO – Aspen Writers’ Foundation
Click on “Filter Results”
Book Distribution Points
For those for whom the purchase of a book is a financial burden, a limited number of free books are available at:
Alpine Bank | all Valley locations
Basalt Regional Library | Basalt
Carbondale Council on Arts & Humanities | Carbondale
Carbondale Public Library | Carbondale
Colorado Mountain College | all Valley locations
Glenwood Public Library | Glenwood Springs
Pitkin County Library | Aspen
Rubey Park Transportation Center | Aspen
Books are also available for check-out or purchase at:
Aspen Book Store | Aspen
Basalt Regional Library | Basalt
Book Train | Glenwood Springs
Carbondale Public Library | Carbondale
Explore Booksellers | Aspen
Glenwood Public Library | Glenwood Springs
Novel Tea | Carbondale
Pitkin County Library | Aspen
Through the Looking Glass | Glenwood Springs
Town Center Booksellers | Basalt |
