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NEA Big Read launches virtually in Door county

Door County Library is launching its newest NEA Big Read festival this upcoming week with all events being available virtually to the public for free, including a Keynote discussion from author Emily St. John Mandel set for February 11 at 7 pm. 

The library received an NEA Big Read grant along with financial support from the Women’s Fund Endowment of Door County, Carol Coryell Charitable Fund, Adele and Ed Douglass Charitable Fund, and the Kerley Family Foundation of the Door County Community Foundation, Inc. and was underwritten by the Door County Library Foundation, Door County Medical Center and the Friends of the Door County Libraries, all supporting the community reading program featuring the novel “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel.

NEA Big Read activities are planned starting January 28 through February 15. For more information, visit http://www.DoorCountyReads.org 

A total of seven hundred and fifty copies of the book were distributed through each Door County Library starting on November 27. Once read, the gift books may be kept, shared with a friend or family member or returned to a local Door County Library to share with others. Additional books are available via the online library catalog: InfoSoup.org or downloaded via the Overdrive or Libby apps.

“Station Eleven” is set in North America, twenty years after the initial collapse of civilization when culture is reshaping itself and defining a new normal. It tells a story about the relationships that sustain us, the ephemeral nature of fame, and the beauty of the world as we know it.

All events are free and open to the public via Zoom and/or Facebook Live. Recordings will also be available on the Door County Library’s YouTube channel and will be found on DoorCountyReads.org as they become available.

Activities include:

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28 

10:30 a.m.   Zoom & Facebook Live (Door County Library)

Book Discussion.     

Between the Pages Book Club: “The Glass Hotel” and “Station Eleven” both by Emily St. John Mandel, facilitated by Jeanine Brennan. Broadcast live on the Kress Pavilion’s Facebook page and shared to the library’s page. Zoom codes are available at DoorCountyReads.org.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30

10:00 a.m.   Facebook Premiere (Door County Library)

Virtual Museum of Civilization.    

Learn about the virtual Museum of Civilization and add your own ideas on what should be curated. Watch on the Library’s Facebook page and at DoorCountyReads.org.

1:00 p.m.   Zoom & Facebook Live (Door County Library)

The Importance of the Arts to Sustain Us Panel & Griffon String Quartet Performance.    

An inspirational panel discussion about how music, literature, art, philosophy and theater contribute to wellbeing from experts in Door County and the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay with a musical performance by the Griffon String Quartet, playing Jacob Gordon’s Six Shakespearean Sketches. 

Panelists include: Rebecca Meacham author of two award-winning fiction collections as well as professor of English and Humanities and founding member of UntitledTown Book and Author Festival. Kelli Strickland the Executive and Artistic Director of the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts. Alan Kopischke a university lecturer in both Theater and Arts Management and founding member of the Big Read Door County among other organizations and festivals. And Dr. Bryan J. Carr an Associate Professor in the Communication, Information Science, and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies programs at the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay specializing in Mass Media and Game Studies and is one of the co-directors of the University’s Center for Games and Interactive Media. 

This event will be broadcast live on the Door County Library’s Facebook page. Zoom codes are available at DoorCountyReads.org.

January 30 – February 15     Miller Art Museum (107 S 4th Ave, Sturgeon Bay)

Museum of Civilization Exhibit.    

“Station Eleven” explores immortality and legacy through institutions and art. Call 920-746-0707 to schedule an appointment for viewing the collection of newly created works around the theme from artists from across the country.

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