'Big Read' Educates Kids and Adults On Katrina, Unites Community with One Book

Something big is going on at the and public libraries.

For the seventh year in a row, the facilities join seven other local libraries to offer the Big Read program, which encourages patrons to read the same book with the goal of promoting reading, sparking discussion, and building community.

This year’s book pick, Zeitoun by Chicago native Dave Eggers, tells the true story of a Syrian-born businessman who lived in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. He paddled through his town in a canoe offering help to his neighbors until one day he abruptly disappeared and was imprisoned as a suspected terrorist.

Additionally, young patrons in La Grange and La Grange Park can participate in a corresponding program, Kids Read, Too! with the illustrated book A Place Where Hurricanes Happen by Renee Watson, which tells the story of how four friends from a neighborhood of New Orleans are affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Debra Wordinger, head of adult services at Indian Prairie Public Library in Darien, said patrons look forward to the Big Read program each year.

“People ask, ‘When does it start? What book did you pick?’” Wordinger said.

Last year’s Big Read selection drew such a large crowd at Indian Prairie, the book discussion had to be divided into two groups.

“We have a very good response in participation and interest,” Wordinger said.

Patrons can attend any of the nearly 40 programs, plus book discussions, scheduled during March and April at the 10 participating libraries, including Darien, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Indian Prairie, Lisle, Thomas Ford, Westmont and Woodridge.

Upcoming Big Read programs at La Grange Public Library, 10 W. Cossitt Ave., include "Katrina @ Eye Level: Hands-on Relief Efforts in New Orleans" on March 13 and "A Taste of Mardi Gras with Chef Dave Esau" on April 12. Programs at La Grange Park Public Library, 555 N. LaGrange Road, include a presentation by speaker/traveler/story teller Bill Helmuth, "Traveling Though Syria" on March 7.

Melissa Doornbos, publicity and program coordinator at the , said books are generally chosen that will lend themselves to good discussion and a variety of programming options.

In Zeitoun, Eggers highlights the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina and post–9/11 life for Arabs and Muslims in the United States, and reveals the incompetence of relief efforts sent to help the people of New Orleans.

“I think the discussion is going to be interesting,” Doornbos said. “The book has some controversial topics in it. It’s a good chance for people to get out there and express their opinions.”

Join The Big Read by ordering a library copy of Zeitoun here. For those who prefer to own a copy of the book, purchase it at Anderson’s Bookshops in or for a 10 percent discount. Anderson’s Book Club members and shoppers at in Burr Ridge get a 20 percent discount, while customers at in Darien receive a 25 percent discount.

Librarians in La Grange and La Grange Park can provide all the info on Kids Read, Too! programs, as well as the comprehensive list of adult programs for Big Read. Call La Grange at 708.352.0576 and La Grange Park at 708.352.0100.

More details are available in the Zeitoun Big Read Program Guide, online at thebigread.org and via twitter.com/bigread2011 and  facebook.com/thebigread.