Join The Big Read 2014!

The Atlanta History Center, in partnership with the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System, presents The Big Read! This program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest is designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment. It is the largest reading program in American history and a multi-faceted initiative uniting communities across the nation through great literature. Chances to participate abound! With book chats, lectures, storytimes, films and more being hosted at many of our branches, you are sure to find a way to get involved.

This year’s selection is Luis Alberto Urrea’s Into the Beautiful North, a

present day quest novel set in the highly charged atmosphere of the U.S.–Mexico border region. The program encourages the public to get involved with the Big Read by reading the book, attending free programs and promoting the initiative in their community.

A list of highlighted programs being can be found below, but be sure to visit the Atlanta History Center's website for more events and other information. Reservations may be be required for most events, so call 404.814.4000 for more details. We hope all of our patrons will join in the reading and also the fun!

2014 Big Read Highlights

The Big Read: Into the Beautiful North                                          

Coming to America: Stories from Atlanta’s Immigrant Communities

Monday, September 15. 7:00 p.m.

Listen to the stories of fellow Atlantans who have emigrated from their home countries to the United States. Their stories span the past half century and around the world -- from as far away as Poland, Vietnam, and Ethiopia; to right across the border in Mexico.  

Keynote Lecture With Luis Alberto UrreaLocation: Atlanta History CenterWednesday, September 17. 7:00 p.m.

Join the Atlanta History Center for an unforgettable evening with Into the Beautiful North author, Luis Alberto Urrea, and celebrate The Big Read.

Big Read Film Festival: Location: Atlanta History CenterSunday, October 5. Noon – 5:00 p.m.

Spend an afternoon celebrating the parallels between page and screen as we showcase movies that relate to the topics and themes in Luis Alberto Urrea’s Into the Beautiful North.

12:00 p.m. - The Magnificent Seven, the 1960 John Sturge’s classic Western film that Into the Beautiful North pays homage to, in which an oppressed Mexican peasant village assembles seven gunfighters to help defend their homes. This film stars Yul Brynner, Eli Wallach, Steve McQueen, and Charles Bronson.

3:00 p.m. - Under the Same Moon, (La Misma Luna) tells the parallel stories of nine-year-old Carlitos and his mother, Rosario. In the hopes of providing a better life for her son, Rosario works illegally in the U.S. while her mother cares for Carlitos back in Mexico. Unexpected circumstances drive both Rosario and Carlitos to embark on their own journeys in a desperate attempt to reunite. Along the way, mother and son face challenges and obstacles but never lose hope that they will one day be together again.

The Big Read’s “Little Read” Storytime

Location: Ocee Library 

Monday, September 15. 10:30 a.m.

Join the Atlanta History Center and Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System for a “Little Read,” a part of a month-long celebration of reading known as The Big Read. Staff from the Atlanta History Center will present this exciting storytime for children ages 3-5.

The Big Read 2014 Author Talk: Luis Alberto Urrea

Location: Roswell Library

Wednesday, September 17. 2:00 p.m.                               

The Roswell Library will host Luis Alberto Urea, author of the book, Into the Beautiful North, the Big Read’s 2014 selection. Come meet with author and hear him discuss his book.

The Big Read Book Chat 

Location: Hapeville Library

Thursday, September 18. 2:00 p.m.

The Atlanta History Center and the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System present a book chat on Into the Beautiful North, this year’s Big Read selection written by Luis Alberto Urrea. Adults.

The Big Read Book Chat 

Location Bowen/Bankhead Library

Wednesday, September 24. 12:00 p.m.

The Atlanta History Center and the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System present a book chat on Into the Beautiful North, this year’s Big Read selection written by Luis Alberto Urrea. Light refreshments will be served.  Adults.

The Big Read Book Chat 

Location: Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library

Wednesday, October 1. 4:30 p.m.

The Atlanta History Center and the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System present a book chat on Into the Beautiful North, this year’s Big Read selection written by Luis Alberto Urrea. Light refreshments will be served. Adults.