Arts & Entertainment

'Great Read' Closing Event Marks Lincoln's Last Night

Community reading program finale is at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 2, at the Fountaindale Public Library in Bolingbrook.

Submitted by Plainfield School District 202:

Plainfield-area community members are invited to witness a portrayal of President Abraham Lincoln’s last moments at the White House with his beloved wife, Mary Todd just before his assassination at the 2013 Great Read community literacy program’s Closing Gala at 7 p.m. May 2.

Husband-and-wife actors Max and Donna Daniels will portray the 16th American president and Mary Todd Lincoln in a free program titled, “A Night at the Theater” at the Fountaindale Public Library, 300 W. Briarcliff Rd., Bolingbrook. Refreshments will be served. 

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This year, the 2013 Great Read celebrates the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, made in 1863.

Plainfield-area community members are encouraged to read any books about the 16th president and take part in the Great Read’s numerous fun, historical and educational programs dedicated to Lincoln. 

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The Emancipation Proclamation is one of Lincoln’s greatest achievements. It led to the passage of the 13thAmendment to the United States Constitution in 1865, which abolished slavery. 

The winners of the “All About Abe Lincoln Art Contest” will also be announced. The contest features artwork from area students. Several pieces will also be on display at the Plainfield Historical Museum 23836 W. Main St. in downtown Plainfield. 

Plus students in preschool through fifth grade are also encouraged to attend the program dressed as Abraham or Mary Todd Lincoln. Prizes will be given in three age categories: Preschool, K-3 and 3-5.

“This year’s Great Read program has been very well received,” said Plainfield Public Library Director of Outreach Ceil Carey.

“Abraham Lincoln’s life continues to fascinate so many people because of his monumental achievements, and we hope as many community residents as possible will come to the Closing Gala for this very special presentation,” Cary said. 

NEW FORMAT

The Great Read promotes literacy, conversation, reading and community in the Plainfield area. The program typically focuses on a single book each year that connects to the community, a literary theme or an issue important at the time.

However, President Lincoln had such an immense impact on the country and the world that the Great Read instead decided this year to feature a theme – Abraham Lincoln – rather than a single book.

NEW GREAT READ PARTNERS

The Plainfield Public Library and Plainfield School District 202 co-founded the Great Read program in September 2004 as Reading Across Plainfield.

That year, a panel hosted by the Plainfield School District and Plainfield Public Library debated the theme of government censorship as illustrated in Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury’s science fiction classic.

In 2008, Reading Across Plainfield became The Great Read and new partners from Joliet and Bolingbrook joined the program to encourage broader community participation, better reflect the areas served and emphasize the program’s literary focus. 

This year, The Great Read added three more community partners: the Shorewood-Troy Public Library, Troy Community Consolidated School District and Joliet Junior College. 

The Great Read 2013 is proudly presented by Plainfield District 202; the Plainfield Public Library; the Joliet Public Library; the Fountaindale Public Library; the Shorewood-Troy Public Library; Joliet Junior College; Plainfield Township; Troy Community Consolidated School District and the Joliet-area Barnes and Noble stores.

The Great Read is also supported by generous grants from the Plainfield Foundation for Excellence (www.psd202.org/foundation); the Friends of the Plainfield Public Library; and additional funding from Enterprise Publications and participating member organizations. 

Please visit The Great Read web site for a complete list of books, events and Great Read program information: http://www.psd202.org/greatread


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