The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System received the 2013 Big Read grant, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), in partnership with Arts Midwest, designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment.

This year Southwest Atlanta readers are in for a treat with this movie and book combo that tackles themes of finding purpose and strength when you feel life is at its hardest.

A library system spokesperson said in a release that the goal of the libraries aligns perfectly with those of the Big Read: to stop the decline of literary reading in America by encouraging reading. This “one book/one community” opportunity offers everyone the chance to read and discuss a single book within their communities and is a wonderful chance for real dialog.

Participants throughout Fulton County and Atlanta will read the same book, A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines. This story of injustice and redemption addresses the theme of how one affirms life in the face of death. A Lesson Before Dying was also made into a movie, and there will be film screenings at many of the libraries branches during February and into March as well as other programs and events.

The Big Read: Film Screenings of A Lesson Before Dying

Cleveland Ave Branch, 47 Cleveland Avenue, Atlanta, Ga 30315
Sat, Feb 2, 2013
1:00pm – 3:00pm

Stewart-Lakewood Branch, 2893 Lakewood Avenue, Atlanta, Ga 30315
Sat, Feb 2, 2013
2:00pm – 4:00pm

Washington Park Branch, 1116 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta, Ga 30314
Thu, Feb 7, 2013
3:30pm – 5:30pm

Adams Park Branch Library, 2231 Campbellton Road, Atlanta, Ga 30311
Sat, Feb 9, 2013
1:00pm – 3:00pm

East Point Branch Library, 2757 Main Street, East Point, GA 30344
Fri, Feb 15, 2013
2:00pm – 4:00pm

Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 409 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30312
Wed, Feb 20, 2013
3:00pm – 5:00pm

Harriet G. Darnell Senior Facility, 677 Fairburn Roadd NW, Atlanta, Ga 30331
Fri, Feb 22, 2013
10:00am – 11:30am

This novel offers a painful yet inspirational tale of institutional injustice and personal redemption. It addresses the biggest theme possible – how one affirms life in the face of death. Enjoy the film with refreshments and good company at the library. Teens and adults.

For information call 770.740.2425