The Big Read

THE

BIG

READ

NEA's The Big Read: Quincy & the Little Read

Get your FREE copy of Station Eleven during The NEA Big Read: Quincy Kick Off on Thursday, Sept. 13 at Quincy Public Library! The Little Read includes The Big Dark for upper elementary ages and Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin for the youngest readers. During the kick off you'll hear from speakers, watch performances and listen to live music!

NEA'S BIG READ: QUINCY KICKOFF Thursday, Sept. 13, 4–6 pm Quincy Public Library

“The Big Read Kick Off is the prelude to a month’s worth of exciting programs for all ages designed to bring the book selections to life and to spark discussion within our community,” said Ruth Cuthbertson, Marketing and Events Librarian at QPL.

This year's adult selection, Station Eleven follows the "Traveling Symphony," a band of thespians and musicians making their way on tour 20 years after a global pandemic decimates 95 percent of the Earth’s population. Despite that macabre-sounding introduction, author Emily St. John Mandel describes the book as ultimately and intentionally a hopeful novel.

Readers queue to receive their free books at last year’s NEA Big Read: Quincy kick off. Submitted photo.

National Public Radio’s reviewer said “While reading the book, you can't help looking around yourself, and thinking, ‘Everything is a miracle.’” Station Eleven contends that “Survival is insufficient,” and that music, art and personal connections make life worth living.

The Big Dark, by Rodman Philbrick, is told from the point of view of a middle schooler who must risk his life to save his mother after a solar event that knocks out all electricity on the planet. The Big Dark explores similar themes as Station Elevenand describes a difficult topic that ultimately resolves with hope. The page-turning Newbery-Honored book explores the personal connections that drive us in the decisions we make.

Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin, by Lloyd Moss, highlights musical instruments and orchestras with charming illustrations and fun rhymes, to play off the “Traveling Symphony” idea in Station Eleven.

If you can’t make it to the kick off, you can pick up your free book at the

library’s check out desk as long as supplies last.

“The NEA Big Read: Quincy is very much a community effort, with multiple events hosted in various locations throughout the month,” Cuthbertson said. “Quincy Symphony Orchestra, Quincy Art Center, Quincy Public and Parochial Schools, Arts Quincy, as well as Quincy University are all hosting NEA Big Read programs.”

Quincy Art Center will be exhibiting artwork made

NEA Big Read: Quincy broadens our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book.

from recycled and reclaimed material in Salvage Salon. The exhibit opens Friday, Aug. 31, with a reception on Friday, Sept. 28 at 7 pm. Quincy Public Library will be at ArtFest on Saturday, Sept. 15 with musical crafts for children to make and take home. Quincy Art Center’s traveling interactive Sound and Light exhibit will be displayed on the front lawn of the library on Thursday, Oct. 4 and Friday, Oct. 5. View the details on page 26 and et more information online at quincyartcenter.org.

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Quincy Symphony Orchestra will open its season on Sunday, Sept. 30 at 3 pm with the Epic Romance concert, and as part of the NEA Big Read: Quincy, it will feature Shakespeare, which is referenced in Station Eleven. A highlight of the concert are several movements from William Walton’s, “As You Like It: A Poem for Orchestra after Shakespeare.” As with all Symphony concerts, students and children under 18 are admitted free.

Let your youngsters touch and try playing a variety of musical instruments during an Instrumental Petting Zoo on Friday, Oct. 5 at 1 pm at QPL. Quincy Symphony Orchestra musicians will graciously share their instruments for kids to try. Read more about the concert and the Symphony season “Every Note Tells a Story,” on page 18 or online at qsoa.org.

Quincy Public Library will also take a NEA Big Read table to Quincy

University’s 4th Annual Homecoming Kick Off Hot Air Balloon Glow on Thursday, Sept. 20, from 6-9 pm.

QPL will host a number of book discussions on Station Eleven and one with a video of the author Emily St. John Mandel explaining her thoughts about writing this book. The public is welcome

Books will be available free of charge at the kick off event on September 13 and at QPL while supplies last. Submitted photos.

to attend. To join a book discussion group, stop at QPL’s Ask Here desk.

Additional programs at QPL include story times for children, teen events,

Monday movies for adults, special lectures and events and an escape room. View a complete list of NEA Big Read events online at quincylibrary.org/ nea-big-read-and-little-read/.

The NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. QPL undergoes a competitive grant process to bring federal dollars to our community to provide NEA Big Read events.

The federal grant is matched by many local donors who make it possible to offer the NEA Big Read: Quincy. QPL is grateful for such strong community support for programs that enhance literacy and make reading fun for the whole family.

To see a complete list of

Quincy Public Library services and programs, including digital offerings, visit quincylibrary.org.

What It’s Worth?

Mark Moran Returns to QPL to Appraise Antiques Live

WHAT IT'S WORTH? Wednesday, Aug. 22 at 10 am Quincy Public Library

Quincy Public Library will be hosting its popular Antique and Collectibles Appraisal Event: What It’s Worth this August with antiques expert Mark Moran!

“This event will be both entertaining and educational for those interested in the history and value of antiques,” said Ruth Cuthbertson, Marketing and Events Librarian at QPL.

Due to the popularity of this event, advance reservations are required to have an item appraised. Everyone is welcome to view the fascinating live appraisals and to stay for the event!

On Wednesday, Aug. 22 beginning at 10 am, Moran will appraise a variety of items. The first item is appraised free for those with an active QPL card. Cost for the second item or for non-library card holders will be $15 per item, limit two items. Call 217- 223-2309, ext. 209 to reserve your appraisal time.

While in the Quincy area, Moran will be available for house calls for people with large items or with many items to be appraised. House calls are $75 per hour within 10 miles of QPL. To arrange house calls, contact Moran directly at 715-281-5060 or email moranm1953@gmail.com.

Formerly the senior editor of antiques and collectibles books for Krause Publications, Moran has also been a

Antique expert Mark Moran displays the most valuable item appraised at last year’s antiques event at QPL. Submitted photo.

contributor for Antiques Roadshow on PBS, and editor for Antique Trader magazine, Antique Review East and editorial director of F +W Media’s Antiques Group. He’s the author or co-author of more than 25 books on antiques and collectibles.

*Items excluded from appraisal include all weapons, traps, Nazi memorabilia,coins and paper money, precious gems and Beanie Babies.

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