THE BIG READ

The Big Read Goes to Bridgeport Day

Michael Bielawa and Nancy Sweeney, librarians from the Bridgeport Public Library were on hand to promote the Big Read at the annual Bridgeport Day held every year at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Michael is also the co-chair of programming for the Bridgeport Big Read Events. During the course of the day they handed out Big Read packets to interested Bridgeport residents, spoke with Bridgeport City Council members about the exciting events and gave Senator Bill Finch, who originated Bridgeport Day his own copy of To Kill a Mockingbird. Senator Finch’s son Atticus is named after one of the characters in Harper Lee’s award winning novel!

Memoir Writing and Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird, its various themes are bound to bring back memories for many.  At their meeting this past Saturday March 10, 2007 the Bridgeport Public Library’s memoir writing group participants took home the Big Read packet. Next month’s gathering will focus on everyone composing their memoirs and revolving their writing around the ideas of the book. The group meets the second Saturday of every month in the Bridgeport Public Library's community room main branch downtown. In addition the group has consented to having their work appear on this blog. Stay tuned!

Mayor John Fabrizi Receives His Copy of "Mockingbird"

Mayor John Fabrizi, of Bridgeport officially kicked off the Big Read program by visiting the Bridgeport Public Library to receive his copy of To Kill a Mockingbird. On hand to give the Mayor his bag were Kathy Maher, co-chair of programming for the Bridgeport Big Read and Curator/Executive Director of the Barnum Museum and BPL librarian, Nancy Sweeney who coordinated the bag stuffing and distribution of the classic title to various sites around the city

Listen To Mayor Fabrizi As He Discusses The Big Read

What A Difference A Week Makes

It has been exactly one week since books were distributed around the City of Bridgeport to various sites. Of the 1,000 bags, hundreds of them have already made their way into the hands of eager readers. Two sites have already replenished their initial supply.  Pictured here is the Burroughs Community Center, one of the sites that has bags flying out the door!

   

Two New Distribution Sites in Bridgeport

The Bridgeport Health Department at 752 East Main Street and the Community Closet at 475 Clinton Avenue both in Bridgeport have joined up as Big Read Distribution sites.

Welcome!

Teacher's Guide

Teachers who plan on using To Kill a Mockingbird as part of their curriculum may wish to take advantage of the NEA Big Read teacher's guide.

v      Biography Handout    

v      Civil Rights Handout 

v      Lesson One

v      Lesson Two

v      Lesson Three

v      Lesson Four

v      Lesson Five

v      Lesson Six

v      Lesson Seven

v      Lesson Eight

v      Lesson Nine

Stamford Announces Its Calendar of Events

Stamford, one of the four cities participating in the Southwestern Connecticut Big Read, has announced its Calendar of Events . In addition, participants may receive more information by visiting their website or blog .

More Funds For The Big Read!!

The Kellogg Foundation announced today, March 5, 2007 that it would be supporting the Southwestern CT Collaborative Big Read effort with a $20,000 grant. 

Library's First Book Give Away!

Not long after the Bridgeport Public Library Burroughs and Saden Branch received its share of the 1,000 free books to be given away for the Big Read a patron eagerly requested one.

 

8th Graders Read To Kill a Mockingbird

When Mrs. Maria O’Neill principal of St. Andrew’s School in Bridgeport got wind that  To Kill A Mockingbird was the Big Read book; she asked if it would be possible for her 8^th grade students to participate. The students, whose teacher Mrs. Grant had already started them on the award winning novel, were thrilled that each of them could have their own copy.

On Thursday, March 1, 2007 Bridgeport Public Library Librarian Nancy Sweeney and Maintenance Manager Brad Baldwin brought over copies. The teens immediately opened up their bags, put on their buttons and flipped through both the reader’s guide and the book. Their teacher is already planning to take the students on a field trip to some of the upcoming events.