After taking last year off, the Big Read community reading project is back and it’s wild, literally! Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail is the Big Read selection for 2014. This is the ninth year for the project which invites the community to read and talk about the same book. The Big Read runs March 10-April 19 with book discussions and other activities taking place throughout the Dayton area.
Wild is equal parts outdoor adventure tale and personal memoir of grief and healing by author Cheryl Strayed. It has been a New York Times Bestseller, an Oprah’s Book Club selection and is currently being made into a major motion picture starring Reese Witherspoon.
The Big Read kicks off on Sunday, March 9, at 2:00 p.m. in the Dayton Metro Library Auditorium with “A Hike on the Wild Side.” Local hikers Brent and Amy Anslinger will share a first-hand account of their own hike on the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. They’ll share experiences from their 2,650 mile journey on foot through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The Anslingers will also present their program on Monday, March 10, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark.
“If you enjoy a stroll in nature, a rugged hike in the mountains or just hearing about them from the comfort of a chair, the Anslingers will spark your imagination. Then read Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail and talk about it with your friends and neighbors, ” said Jean Gaffney, Manager of Acquisition and Collection Development for the Dayton Metro Library and co-chair of The Big Read committee.
There will be many opportunities for readers to meet and talk about the book. Discussions are scheduled at public libraries as well as Books and Co., Wright State University, The University of Dayton, Brixx Ice Co., coffee shops and other venues. The outdoor wrap-up event at Hills and Dales MetroPark, “The Big Read Hits the Trail,” is scheduled for April 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.Events include outdoor hiking instructions, equipment vendors, food trucks, giveaways and more. Visit BigRead.org for a complete schedule of events, book reviews, author information and more.
“The Big Read is a great opportunity to get people reading and talking together,” said Jean Gaffney. “This particular book gives us a lot to talk about. It appeals equally to outdoor adventurers and people looking for a book about personal reflection and redemption. The fact that it will soon be a feature film is a bonus!”
The Big Read is sponsored by Books and Co. and Friends of the Dayton Metro Library. Partners include: Dayton Metro Library, Franklin-Springboro Public Library, Greene County Public Library, Five Rivers MetroParks, National College, Preble County District Library, Project READ, Sinclair Community College, Tipp City Public Library, Troy-Miami County Public Library, University of Dayton, Washington-Centerville Public Library and Wright Memorial Public Library.
ABOUT DAYTON METRO LIBRARY
The Dayton Metro Library is one of the oldest and largest public library systems in Ohio, consistently ranking among the best in the nation. The DML consists of 20 branch locations in Montgomery County, Outreach Services and the Main Library in downtown Dayton. In order to fulfill its mission to inform, inspire and enrich the community, the DML offers programs, materials and services for all ages and stages of life. It is funded in part by a portion of the state income tax and local levy support.
Specialized services and resources are available for schools, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, literacy providers and job seekers. The library houses a unique collection of local history materials. Computers are available free of charge for public use and computer instruction is available at many library locations.
In November, 2012, Montgomery County voters passed a $187 million bond issue to fund new construction and renovations for the DML. Highlights of the multi-phase, multi-year project include consolidating branches from 20 to 16, establishing an offsite operations center and completely renovating the Main Library. When the project is complete in 2017, library users will enjoy modern, efficient facilities providing superior services and technology for the 21st century. Progress on the project is posted regularly on the DML website at DaytonMetroLibrary.org
