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“The Big Read” hits Stillwater March 5 - Steinbeck’s Pulitzer Prize winner, "The Grapes of Wrath," subject of community-wide readings & discussions

February 5, 2007

For Immediate Release

STILLWATER - The Stillwater Public Library and the OSU Library are bringing together the Stillwater community for the National Endowment for the Arts’ (NEA) "The Big Read." John Steinbeck’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel, The Grapes of Wrath, is the topic for "The Big Read's" series of reading and discussion events.

"This is a great opportunity for the community to celebrate our state's centennial. The event is recognized as an Official Centennial Project by the Oklahoma Centennial Commission" said Lynda Reynolds, director of Stillwater Public Library.

"The Big Read" kick-off begins with a proclamation by Mayor Roger McMillian at the regular City Commission meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 5. The meeting will be televised on cable channel 23. At 7 p.m., award-winning author Michael Wallis and historian and teacher Jennifer Collins will present "The Image of Oklahoma and The Grapes of Wrath" at the OSU Alumni Center Click Auditorium. Additional programs and book discussion locations are available at the public library’s website: http://library.stillwater.org or by calling (405) 372-3633.

According to Reynolds, community members can get involved in "The Big Read" in five ways: going to the Stillwater Public Library to pick up a copy of The Grapes of Wrath, reading the book and attending a discussion, having a group discussion in your home, attending "The Big Read" events and encouraging others to read the book and participate.

"The Big Read" is an initiative of the NEA, designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The NEA presents "The Big Read" in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest.

Opportunities are available for local businesses and civic groups to join “The Big Read” partnership. Contact Lynda Reynolds at 405-372-3633 ext. 101 or lreynolds@stillwater.org.

Local Partners

Stillwater Public Schools, Stillwater Newspress, City of Stillwater, Friends of the Stillwater Public Library, OSU Student Union Activities Board, Women in Agriculture Small Business Conference, Woodland Park Vineyards and Winery, Hastings, Aspen Coffee House, Stillwater Arts and Heritage Festival, Sheerar Museum, The Bank N.A., Friends of the OSU Library

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