The 2009 BIG READ at MLK, Jr. Library

5/5/2009 12:58:12 PM



Reading Carson McCuller's The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter at the MLK, Jr. Memorial Library's BIG READ on Saturday, May 2, 2009. The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest.





On Saturday, May 2, 2009, I had the privilege of participating in Washington, DC's "BIG READ," an annual literacy event held at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in downtown, DC. I was one of several readers of "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers. We read before a gathered audience, and read on camera. That the event was being recorded was an aspect that came as a surprise to me. I had committed to wearing a jogging suit and vest, as had my 3-year-old grand-daughter who accompanied me to the event. Alas, no fashion statement would be made at this literary event...



McCullers' book, The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter, is a classic first published in 1940, and is one I, frankly, had not previously read. It speaks compellingly of life from the perspective of an individual; Singer, who had several challenges embracing the life given him. I am continuing to read the book, which I expect to complete this week. It is by all measures an extraordinary book.



As indicated above, I was accompanied on Saturday by my grand-daughter, Jordan, a 3-year-old who, frankly, was more interested in the other goings on at the library, much more so than Grandma Joy's participation in the BIG READ. Jordan was genuinely fascinated by the giant-sized chess board and the oversized pieces on the sidewalk in front of the library. She was also totally captivated by the large white "Metro Elephant" standing sentry at the corner of 9th & G Streets. The elephant, which welcomes patrons that visit the Library, also provides a complete depiction of the city's metrorail/train system.



This was my first participation in the BIG READ in my hometown of Washington, DC. I certainly hope it will not be my last. Jordan wants a return visit on the train to see the big white elephant, which she begrudgingly has come to understand that she will never be able to ride.