By Laura Katauskas | Enterprise Staff
news@enterprisepublications.com
@PlainfieldNews
It was a sweet start to a program that crosses several communities, bringing together residents throughout Will County all for the love of reading.
Nearly 100 people gathered for the kick-off of The Great Read at the Plainfield Public Library, where patrons gained insight from local candy maker Leslie Goddard’s about Chicago’s “sweet” history as a candy capital, and began a wide-reaching program to celebrate reading and literacy.
“We do dozens of fun, educational and entertaining programs related to the particular theme each year to interest people in whatever the topic is, but the main goal is always to celebrate and promote literacy, reading, community, conversation,” said Plainfield School District 202 spokesman Tom Hernandez, who is also on The Great Read committee. “So, we were very excited and pleased with the turnout.”
He said one of the things that makes the program so unique is the involvement of so many communities. The Great Read started in 2004 as a one-time, roundtable discussion about censorship between the Plainfield Library and District 202, around the Ray Bradbury classic, “Fahrenheit 451.”
In 2008, Reading Across Plainfield became The Great Read when new partners from Joliet and Bolingbrook joined the program to encourage broader community participation, better reflect the areas served and emphasize the program’s literary focus.
Its members now include the Joliet, Fountaindale, Lemont, Shorewood-Troy, Joliet Junior College and White Oak public library systems, Barnes and Noble/Joliet, Voyager Media and Plainfield Township, making it a true community event, Hernandez explained.
White Oak Library Director Scott Pointon agreed.
“One of the coolest things about The Great Read is that it brings together so many local area agencies – six libraries – and together we focus on one common goal,” Pointon said. “The skill that goes into planning The Great Read, and in turn conducting all of the events, really proves that community partnerships are very powerful. I believe The Great Read coalition is far greater than the sum of the parts.”
The 2016 Great Read community literacy program will celebrate everything “Made in Illinois.”
Community members are encouraged to read books about Illinois and participate in the many 2016 Great Read-related programs slated through May. Suggested books for both adults and younger readers, as well as films and a listing of events are posted on the Great Read website, www.greatread.org.
“The Great Read is an important initiative in our area because it unites the community through reading, discussions and events based around one theme,” said Melissa Bradley, communications manager at Fountaindale Public Library. “This year is particularly exciting because our theme is Made in Illinois. We all call this great state home, and there is so much to explore and discover about Illinois’ impressive history, athletics, role in pop culture and overall diverse way of life. The Great Read’s programs and reading recommendations are dedicated to generating conversations around how unique Illinois is and what a rich history and future it has.”
The Great Read’s 10 participating libraries will host a long list of programs and special activities focusing on Illinois’ many cultural contributions – from fantastic food to classic films, iconic music, legendary authors and some of the best sports teams in history.
Coming up is Chicago’s Most Wanted at 6:30 p.m. March 14 at Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook. From sports to gangsters to ghosts, Laura L. Enright presents amazing facts from her book “Chicago’s Most Wanted: The Top Ten Book of Murderous Mobsters, Midway Monsters and Windy City Oddities.”
For a complete list of activities at all participating libraries, check the Great Read website at www.greatread.org.
In addition, area artists of all ages are invited to take part in the Great Read Art Contest. Winners in three age groups from pre-kindergarten to adult will win a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card, and could win additional prizes through their home libraries.
The 2016 Great Read Grand Finale will feature film enthusiast Steve Frenzel’s program celebrating “Chicago in the Movies” from 6-8 p.m. April 28 at the White Oak Library in Romeoville, 201 W. Normantown Road. Art Contest winners will also be announced and awarded at the finale.