The Big Read/Attleboro’s 1 A B C Project

The Big Read/Attleboro’s 1ABC project is geared towards promoting community building through literacy. Encouraging citizens to read the same title and discuss it with friends, family, acquaintances and possibly individuals we don't yet know, can help foster a sense of community within Attleboro. This project offers an opportunity for the community to engage in dialogue and to appreciate different points of view. Partners in the program include: the Attleboro Public Library, Friends of the Attleboro Public Library, The Literacy Center, the YMCA of Attleboro, Bristol Community College, Attleboro Public Schools, Bishop Feehan High School, the Attleboro Arts Museum, the Council on Aging, and the Sun Chronicle with members on the Committee serving with key individuals from our community. Mayor Dumas supports our efforts. Tying the program to the literacy advocates in our community provides contact with our target audience: the whole adult Community of Attleboro. The concept of Attleboro’s 1 Adventure, 1 Book, 1 Community will be promoted before the announcement of the title- Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.

In choosing Fahrenheit 451, the Committee focused on their goal to promote some thoughtful discussion on our lives as we live today. The book is not newly published, but was futuristic in its appeal when written and reflects conditions we see today. The title will be announced either at the beginning of the summer as it will be required summer reading for the incoming sophomore class at Attleboro High School.

Programs and activities to promote the campaign will be organized by committee members to take place at various locations between September and November, culminating with the Library 100th building celebration in November. Local organizations will be encouraged to participate on the committee and in featuring events. Existing book clubs will be approached to consider the title for their own groups to discuss. New book clubs will be encouraged in areas where there is less known activity.

The Library will provide access to Fahrenheit 451 in as many formats as available. Extra copies of the printed version will be secured for loan to patrons. Our local sponsor, Bristol County Savings Bank has provided funds for the purchase of copies (1,600) for the students involved in the project, the library, and other locations where people gather. Promotional materials for the project as well as programs, activities, tips for discussion, and newsletters on the topic will be emphasized at the library and on the newspaper and library WebPages thanks to The Big Read grant. The L. G. Balfour Foundation, Bank of America, trustee joins Lesley University faculty with teachers and students of our middle schools in a PAL program – an arts and literacy interpretation of the themes from Fahrenheit 451. Partners in the program will also promote the endeavor through their communications, web pages, and other means available.

We look forward to this project and feel that Attleboro is a perfect community for this program. Let's give them something to talk about!
 

Use Back button to return to Main Page