Book Discussions for Week One of The Big Read

Book Discussions for Week One of The Big Read

Throughout March, the Massillon Museum, with the collaboration of the Massillon Public Library, will sponsor ten book discussions as part of The Big Read, a month-long celebration of The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton. The community is encouraged to read the book.

Massillon Public Library (208 Lincon Way East) will host two one-hour discussions during the first week of The Big Read. Dr. Leslie Heaphy—Associate Professor, History, Kent State University Stark Campus—will moderate the first at the main branch at 208 Lincoln Way East on Monday, March 2, at 7:00 p.m. This discussion will focus on the author, Edith Wharton. Former Massillon Public Library department head Richard Gercken will lead a discussion centered on the book on Saturday, March 7, at 11:00 a.m., at the Library’s Barry Askren Memorial Branch (1200 Market Street N.E. in Navarre—next to the Towpath YMCA).

Discussions are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required. Additional discussions will be held later in the month: Amherst Rose—Tuesday, March 10, 7:00 p.m.; Massillon Museum—Sunday, March 15, 2:00 p.m.; Kozmo’s Grille—Wednesday, March 18, 7:00 p.m.; Massillon Museum—Friday, March 20, 7:00 p.m.; Hampton Inn Massillon—Monday, March 23, 7:00 p.m.; Massillon Family YMCA—Monday, March 25, 7:00 p.m.; St. Timothy’s Church—Saturday, March 28, 11:00 a.m.; and Massillon Public Library’s main branch—Tuesday, March 31, 7:00 p.m.

Copies of The Age of Innocence may be checked out at the Massillon Public Library. They may be purchased at the Massillon Museum (121 Lincoln Way East in downtown Massillon), the Massillon Public Library (208 Lincoln Way East in downtown Massillon), and The Village Bookshelf (746 Amherst Road Northeast in Massillon).

The Age of Innocence is an appropriate reading level for high school students and adults. Free readers' guides are available at the Museum, the Library, and at offices and businesses throughout the area. Everyone who reads the book will be encouraged to sign a “Victorian calling card” to be displayed at the Museum or the Library.

The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The NEA presents the Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest. The Big Read brings together partners across the country to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment.

Local organizations and individuals collaborating with the Massillon Museum include: the Massillon Public Library; the Lions Lincoln Theatre; Mayor Francis H. Cicchinelli; Dr. Leslie Heaphy, Dr. Robert Sturr, and Kent State University Stark Campus; Jason Norris; John Kiste and the Canton/Stark County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau; Rotary Club of Massillon; the Massillon Area Chamber of Commerce; The Independent; the Fairless, Jackson, Tuslaw, and Massillon school systems; State Representative Scott Oelslager; Massillon Cable TV; the Chit Chat Coffee Shop; George Nicholis; Camille Leslie; Brian Centrone; Eric Myers; Gretchen Schrantz; Five Oaks and Massillon Woman’s Club; Richard Gercken; The Canton Symphony Orchestra; The Amherst Rose and Parlour Gift Shoppe; Kozmo’s Grille; St. Timothy’s Church; Massillon Family YMCA; Hampton Inn Massillon; and many community volunteers.

Massillon Museum Executive Director Christine Shearer leads the local project. Massillon Public Library Director Camille Leslie, Massillon Museum Public Relations Coordinator Margy Vogt, Museum Assistant Chris Craft, Dr. Leslie Heaphy of Kent State University, and Massillon Area Chamber of Commerce President Bob Sanderson serve on the committee.

For more information about the book discussions or The Big Read, call 330-833-4061 or visit www.massillonmuseum.org or www.NEABigRead.org.

Media Contacts:

Christine Shearer - Massillon Museum Executive Director - 330-833-4061

Camille Leslie - Massillon Public Library Director - 330-833-9831

Margy Vogt - Massillon Museum PR Coordinator - 330-832-8469 or 330-844-1525