Irving residents are invited to 'hear the call' with the City's fifth community reading event. Irving's Big Read, which begins October 1, is designed to encourage reading for pleasure and will provide residents with the opportunity to read and discuss one of America’s great classic works within their communities.
This year, Irving will read The Call of the Wild, by Jack London. Considered by many historians as the first best-selling novelist in American history, London created characters with enduring appeal. His writing has many layers, often including a story beneath the surface story, and a timelessness that has kept his work popular with a variety of age groups across the world for more than 100 years. Younger readers are encouraged to participate through reading Unloveable, by Dan Yaccarino, Balto the Bravest Dog Ever, by Natalie Standiford, Balto the Great Race, by Elizabeth Kimmel, or Togo, by Robert J. Blake. These companion titles explore themes and characters that are similar to those in The Call of the Wild. Multiple copies of The Call of the Wild and other novels by London are available at all library locations, or may be downloaded. The companion titles are available at all library locations.
“We chose to feature The Call of the Wild as Irving’s Big Read novel not only because it is a great novel that can be appreciated by readers of all ages," said Jan Bodnar, library services supervisor, “but because it is a book about survival, loyalty, companionship, unconditional love, and bravery; themes that are universal to us all."
The tales of survival, harsh winters and the Gold Rush days, as well as the interesting twist of using a dog as the story’s hero, has created many opportunities for the library to host fun, innovative programs. Partnering with the new Animal Care Campus, Irving ISD, North Lake Community College, National Scouting Museum, Irving Recreation Centers, and other organizations, the library will offer a variety of activities throughout October.
The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest. For details, visit www.neabigread.org. For a full listing of activities and discussions during Irving’s Big Read, click here or call (972) 721-2606.
