This fall, the entire Perry community will be joining in The Big Read, a series of discussions about Carson McCullers’ novel, The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter.  The program is possible thanks to a grant awarded to Hometown Perry, Iowa from the National Endowment for the Arts.  Perry is one of nearly 200 communities to participate in this national program to promote literary reading in 2007.   The Big Read, launched nationally in 2006 by the NEA in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and Arts Midwest, encourages literary reading by asking communities to come together to read and discuss a single book. The organizations selected to participate in the Big Read receive grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to promote and carry out community-based programs. In Perry, the program, titled Take it to Heart!, will be held during the month of October.  “I’m excited about the book,” says Linda Kaufman, Perry High School English instructor. “It so fits Perry.” Activities in Perry will include:
Radio broadcasts September 20 - October 26, 6:30 p.m. KDLS is broadcasting the taped book in half-hour segments each day. Discussion Groups (other groups TBA) October 16, 2:00 p.m., Film discussion with Rick Fazel and Iris Coffin, Perry Public Library October 16, 7:00 p.m., Film discussion with Rick Fazel and Iris Coffin,  Carnegie Library Museum October 19, 7:00 p.m., General discussion with Iris Coffin, Shoppe of Oddities October 23, 1:00 p.m., Discussion with guest from Deaf Services, Perry Public Library October 23, 7:00 p.m., General discussion with Tom Morain, Perry Public Library October 24, 7:00 p.m., General discussion with Phil and Cathy Stone, Clarion Room, Security Bank Building, Hometown Perry October 29, 4:00 p.m., Wrap-up discussion with Iris Coffin and Donna Emmert, Carnegie Library Museum October 30, 7:00 p.m., Wrap-up discussion with Iris Coffin and Donna Emmert, Perry Public Library Other small group discussions are taking place in private homes throughout the month.  Please contact Hometown Perry for information on how to join these groups. Kick-Off Event October 2, 7:00 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 3rd and Willis   This event will feature a short dramatic reading of a scene from McCullers’ work, a welcome speech by Iowa’s First Lady Mari Culver, remarks from each partner group, and a panel discussion.  The panel discussion will feature Dr. Carlos Dews, founding director of the Carson McCullers Center for Writers and Musicians at Columbus State University, and Erika Koss, NEA literature specialist. Film Showing October 13 at 7:00 p.m. and October 14 at 2:00 p.m., Town/Craft, 1122 Willis Avenue Join us for The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter, a 1968 film starring Alan Arkin, based on the novel.  Keynote Session October 18, 7:00 p.m., Town/Craft, 1122 Willis Avenue This session will feature Cathy Fussell, Director of the Carson McCullers Center for Writers and Musicians in Columbus, Georgia, speaking on the life and writings of Carson McCullers. A reception will follow. She will be introduced by Christie Vilsack, Iowa’s former First Lady, who has a great appreciation for literature. Wrap-up Party October 25, 7:00 p.m., Highland Elk Bistro, 1211 2nd Street Photo Exhibition Perry Public Library, 1101 Willis Avenue Featuring African-American medical contributions in Iowa. Essay activity Several Perry citizens will be asked to write a short essay about the book. These will be published in the Perry Chief, our local newspaper. Check back to learn more about other programs as details are available. For a complete list of communities participating in the Big Read, a list of the Big Read novels, program application guidelines, or more information on the program, please visit www.neabigread.org.