Schools

Great Read 2014 Theme: 'The World Wars: Pages in Time'

The kickoff is Jan. 9, 2014, at Barnes & Noble in Joliet.

Submitted by District 202:

The entire world changed on July 28, 1914, when a Yugoslavian nationalist assassinated Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

That event sparked a diplomatic crisis that led to World War I (1914-19). World War II followed 20 years later. Those conflicts caused radical changes in European leadership, warfare, economics, politics and society in general.

A century after WWI started, these two all-encompassing conflicts are the subject of the 2014 Great Read community literacy program, “The World Wars – Pages in Time.” The Great Read is presented by a consortium of public and private organizations to promote literacy, reading, conversation and community in the greater Plainfield area. 

Find out what's happening in Plainfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Plainfield-area community members are encouraged to read any books about the two World Wars.

Find out what's happening in Plainfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Then, take part in numerous fun, historical and educational World War-related programs, starting with the Great Read Opening Night at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 9, 2014 at the Joliet Barnes & Noble store, 2621 Plainfield Rd. (across from the Louis Joliet Mall).

The opening night will feature a performance titled, “The War to End All Wars”, a historical presentation of the personalities and events of WWI. The program is free and open to all ages. A Nook HD+ tablet will be given away, and refreshments will be served.

SPECIAL EVENTS

The Great Read 2014 has compiled a list of books about the two World Wars appropriate for all age groups. The Great Read 2014will also feature several fun and educational programs including book talks, movies, and live performances. 

The Great Read Finale will be held at 6:30 p.m. May 7, 2014 at the White Oak Public Library-Romeoville Branch, 201 W. Normantown Rd., Romeoville.

The Finale will feature a performance of iconic WWII-era musicby “The Legacy Girls”, a 1940’s style, three-person singing group modeled after the Andrews Sisters. 

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

HISTORY

The Great Read began 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 is proud to add the White Oak Library District as its newest participating partner.

The Great Read is proudly presented by Plainfield School District 202; the Plainfield Public Library; the Joliet Public Library; the Fountaindale Public Library; the Shorewood-Troy Public Library; the White Oak Library District; Joliet Junior College; Plainfield Township; the Joliet-area Barnes & Noble store; and Voyager Media.

The Great Read is also supported by generous grants from the Plainfield Foundation for Excellence; the Friends of the Plainfield Public Library; and additional funding from participating member organizations.

 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here