Welcome to The Big Read, a countywide initiative coordinated by the Orange Library Association (OLA). Beginning October 1, Orange County's 17 public libraries will celebrate the literary genius of Edgar Allan Poe. This effort is supported by a $17,050 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and matching funds from local organizations. The program provides citizens with the opportunity to read and discuss a single author within their communities, encouraging reading for pleasure and enlightenment.

OLA was chosen for its experience in building strong local partnerships, reaching and engaging new and diverse audiences, working with educators, involving local and state officials, working with the media and for the excellence of its plans to develop and implement a community-wide reading program.

We have chosen to celebrate the stories and poems of Edgar Allan Poe. Poe's work continues to be popular more than 200 years after his death. As the author of more than 100 poems and more than 50 short stories, his works span the range of human emotions, from joy to terror. Poe's work has been the basis for novels, short stories, comic books, music and even opera. Poe's connection to Orange County was brief, but noteworthy: He was enrolled as a cadet at the U. S. Military Academy at West Point from July 1830 through February 19, 1831, when he was expelled for failing to attend class and skipping mandatory chapel services.

The OLA Big Read will include a wide variety of events. These events are described on this Web site. More information is available from your local library. Please join us as we explore the many facets of Edgar Allan Poe and his works.

Happy reading!

Laurie Angle
Big Read Committee Chairperson
langle@rcls.org

For more information, visit Orange Reads Poe 2010 on Facebook, or email orangereadspoe@gmail.com.