The Washington County Public Library in Abingdon, Virginia, Bristol Public Library and Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, Virginia, have joined forces to bring the National Endowment for the Arts’ The Big Read to Southwest Virginia. The book that The Big Read focus is on is “Burning Bright” by Ron Rash.
The November events include book discussions, workshops and art exhibit and more. The events are free and open to the public.
Museum Story Time is held at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum Nov. 1 at 10:30 a.m. Children enjoy “The Relatives Came” by Cynthia Rylant, a song from Ella Patrick and a related craft. This event is for tots, toddlers and their grown-ups.
Hoot and Holler Storytelling: “River Deep, Mountain High” is held Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. Experience live storytelling by local and regional folks, sharing tall tales, family stories, and more, based on the NEA Big Read’s them of “Where We Live.” RSVP via the Events page at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org.
Book Discussions of “Burning Bright” are held Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. at the Avoca Branch of the Bristol Public Library and Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Bristol Public Library.
Voices of Appalachian Creative Writing Workshop is held Nov. 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Bristol Public Library. Discuss setting and voice and how they work together to create a scene; identify resources available at the library for writing Appalachian stories.
A Shadowbox Craft Workshop is held Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. at the Bristol Public Library. Create a shadowbox that represents the theme “where we live” using small personal items and items made with the Glowforge. To register email rita@bristol-library.org.
An Art Exhibit: “The Minnie Ma Scyphers Collection” is on display at the Hayters Gap Branch Library, Abingdon, Virginia. A reception is held Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. View display by local folk artist Minnie Ma Scyphers, enjoy refreshments, and explore “Where We Live.”
Radio Bristol Book Club holds a “Burning Bright” interview with author Ron Rash and book discussion Nov. 21 at 12 p.m. Listen live through WBCM Radio Bristol’s free mobile app or online at BirthplaceOfCountrymusic.org.
The National Endowment for the Arts Big Read, a partnership with Arts Midwest, broadens our understanding of ourselves and our neighbors through the power of a shared reading experience. The goals of The Big Read are to inspire meaningful conversations, celebrate local creativity, elevate a wide variety of voices and perspectives and build stronger connections in each community.
