HELENA — October kicks off the Lewis and Clark Library’s annual “Big Read,” made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
The 2019 Big Read book is “Lab Girl” by Hope Jahren.
The book is the memoirs of Jahren as a Geobiologist and the celebration of the lifelong curiosity, humility and passion that drive every scientist.
The library will also have a “Little Read” for kids with the graphic novel “Pilu of the Woods” by Mai K. Nguyen.
This is the 13th time the Lewis and Clark Library has received the “Big Read” grant from NEA, which will provide free copies of the books.
“We’re pretty honored and not one we take lightly,” Lewis and Clark Library Public Information Officer Patricia Spencer said. “There’s a lot of work goes into putting the ‘Big Read’ on. We’re going to do over 30 programs and events in less than 30 days.”
Spencer said the goal of the month long event is to bring people together for a community wide discussion.
“It really is about shared experiences,” said Spencer, “ and everyone has a different experience with the works. Everybody is coming from a different vantage point, a different viewpoint and being in a different point in their lives.”
Copies of “Lab Girl” are available at all Lewis and Clark Library locations including the bookmobile.
“Pilu of the Woods” will be distributed through the school system, as well as being made available at the Lincoln and Augusta branches and the bookmobile.
The Lewis and Clark Library Foundation, and other sponsors, have provided a nature kit to go with the “Little Read” this year. The kit includes a notebook, colored pencils and a combination magnifier/ruler.
“Science is around us all the time, and we use it in different ways. So it’s kind of cool and fun to see people explore it and realize there’s no right or wrong to have that interaction,” added Spencer.
A full list of events and more information about this year’s “Big Read” and “Little Read” can be found on the Lewis and Clark Library's website.
