Hedberg Public Library in Janesville is participating in UW-Whitewater Young Auditorium’s 2021 Big Read Project. Managed by Arts Midwest, the Big Read initiative offers grants to support innovative community reading programs designed around a single book. This year’s selection, The Latehomecomer by Kao Kalia Yang, focuses on the experience of Hmong families making the journey from the war-torn jungles of Laos to the overcrowded refugee camps of Thailand and onward to America.
The library will host the following programs in partnership with Big Read UW-Whitewater. Visit HedbergPublicLibrary.org for details and registration requirements.
COMMUNITY IMMIGRATION STORIES: AN INTERACTIVE DISPLAY for teens and adults
April 1 – 30
HEDBERG PUBLIC LIBRARY
Are you an immigrant? Or are you the child or grandchild of immigrants? Help us map the migration of our community members and their ancestors. Stop into the library to add your information to our display, and we will mark the country of your or your ancestor’s origin.
LIBRARY SHORTS: MAPPING for kids ages 4-10
Monday, April 5
ARROWHEAD LIBRARY SYSTEM YOUTUBE
This month’s Library Shorts features our NEA Big Read title, A Map Into the World by Kao Kalia Yang. Enjoy a video full of activities to try at home.
BIG READ BOOK GIVEAWAY for adults
Monday, April 5, 9 a.m.
HEDBERG PUBLIC LIBRARY
Stop in to grab a free copy of The Latehomecomer by Kao Kalia Yang, as well as a calendar of Big Read events. While supplies last. One book per adult.
LITERATURE TO LIFE WORKSHOP for adults
Thursday, April 8, 6-7:30 p.m.
ZOOM
Watch a professionally staged adaptation of Kao Kalia Yang’s The Latehomecomer performed by a single actor, followed by a post-show discussion facilitated by a Literature to Life Teaching Artist. Join with the Zoom link provided.
NEA BIG READ AUTHOR READING: A MAP INTO THE WORLD for kids
Friday, April 9, 5 p.m.
UW-WHITEWATER YOUNG AUDITORIUM VIRTUAL LIVE EVENT
Author Kao Kalia Yang will read her children’s book A Map Into the World. Registration is required. Register online or call 608-758-6600.
MAPPING YOUR WORLD: AN NEA BIG READ BOOK EXPLORATION & ACTIVITY for kids ages 9-12
Monday, April 12, 4:30 p.m.
Explore maps and create your own using the NEA Big Read children’s book A Map Into the World by Kao Kalia Yang as our inspiration. Registration is required. Register online or call 608-758-6585.
NEA BIG READ BOOK DISCUSSION for adults
Thursday, April 15, 6:30 p.m.
MS TEAMS
Discuss The Latehomecomer by Kao Kalia Yang. The first 15 registrants receive a free copy of the book! Registration is required. Register online or call 608-758-6600.
For more information the 2021 Big Read project, including details about the author and book selection, community and library partners, and a complete listing of all Big Read events, please visit www.youngauditorium.wordpress.com.
