It is big and it is coming to Jacksonville. It's the Big Read, a program designed to get everybody behind a good book.

According to The Big Read's website, the program is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts, designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The Big Read brings together partners across the country to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment. This year Jacksonville and surrounding areas are joining the campaign

Reading at Risk: A Survey of Literary Reading in America, a 2004 report by the NEA, found that not only is literary reading in America declining rapidly among all groups, but that the rate of decline has accelerated, especially among the young. The Big Read hopes to stop that trend.

Jacksonville Public Library's director, Barbara Rowell, is excited to get the city of Jacksonville involved in the project.

"The book is getting away from being the center of our literary culture," said Rowell. "It is trying to get the community all back together reading one book."

This year's book for the area is "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain. Members of the city council and library board members already have copies handed out by Rowell. She hopes to get the book into more hands when the program begins.

"Mark Twain's writing style is easily accessible and humorous," said Rowell. "He appeals to a lot of people. I think it's something that everybody on every level will get something out of and enjoy."

While the story is about a child, the book can appeal to all ages. Rowell says that the library has many different versions of Tom Sawyer, ranging from children's books for young readers, to versions for older readers that include readers' guides.

JPL has also planned month's worth of events to help readers get into the book. Rowell says that many other libraries are getting involved and readers can check out what other nearby cities are doing as well by checking out http://www.neabigread.org/.

The Big Read kicks off on Feb. 11th, with a visit from Mark Twain, portrayed by Jim Aycock from 5 p.m.-7 p.m.

Copies of Tom Sawyer can be checked-out at the library, and Rowell says that Jacksonville Bookstore on the Square will have copies for sell.

"We hope everybody will participate," said Rowell. "Regardless to what age group you think it will appeal to, this program will be for everybody of all ages. We hope that people will read and get together and discuss this wonderful book."

Jacksonville's Big Read Events

• Thurs, Jan 21, 2 PM, Location TBA Book Talk: Tom Sawyer; Jacksonville Book Club, other book/study clubs and general public invited



• Thurs, Jan 28, 4-6 PM, Location TBA, Library: Manga Madness for ages 12 and older



• Thurs, Feb 4, 3:30-6 PM, Library: "Valentines from the Heart"; all ages make valentines for J'ville's elderly



• Fri, Feb 5, 12-12:30 PM, Senior Center: Library Book Talk: Tom Sawyer



• Thurs, Feb 11, 5-7 PM, Library: Opening of Big Read: Alabama Reads: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain ; "A Visit with Mark Twain" featuring Jim Aycock as the author, all ages



• Fri. Feb 12, 5-7 PM, Library: Disney movie Tom and Huck (featuring Jim Aycock; filmed in AL), all ages



• Thurs, Feb 18, 10-11 AM, Library: Preschoolers' Storytime: Tom Sawyer's Fence Paintin'



• Thurs, Feb 18, 5-6 PM, Library: Class Act Performers (homeschoolers) present The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, a play for all ages



• Tues Feb 23, 5-6 PM, Library: Book Discussion The Adventures of Tom Sawyer



• Thurs, Feb 25, 5:30-6:30 PM, Library: Delores Hydock discusses " Dead Cats & Spunk Water: Superstitions in the Writings of Mark Twain" ages 7 through adult



• Thurs, Mar 4, 4-6 PM, Library: American Girl: "Addy's Freedom Party" for girls 2nd grade and age 7 or older; by invitation only; see Ms Kim



• Tues Mar 9, 5-6 PM, Library: Class Act Performers (homeschoolers) present The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, a play for all ages



• Thurs Mar 11, 5:30-7 PM, Anniston Museum of Natural History: Cave Exhibit/Animal Program, for elem/middle schoolers

• Thurs Mar 18, 2-3 PM, Library: Class Act Performers (homeschoolers) present The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, a play for all ages