The Big Read comes to Paris Public Library

Paris Public Library and other Wabash Valley libraries focus on the works of Edgar Allan Poe during the Big Read. Poe has been internationally popular for 150 years as one of the classic authors of American literatureóa master of the short story, a magician of the short poem, and an inventor of the modern detective story. 

Beginning Feb. 25, pick up a free copy of The Best of Poe at the library, while supplies last. You are invited to join these discussions of his work:

2nd Tuesday Book Club (March 8, 5:45pm in the north meeting room) will discuss The Fall of the House of Usher, The Tell-Tale Heart, and poems Dreams, The Raven, The Bells, and For Annie.

Brown Bag Book Bunch (March 17, noon in Gibson Room) will discuss The Purloined Letter, A Tale of The Ragged Mountains, Hop Frog, and poems A Dream within a Dream, The Bells, and The Raven.

Join our Big Read trivia contest. Starting March 1, pick up a question sheet at the library or download one at www.parispubliclibrary. Multiple choice hints to the answers will be found on ravens located throughout the library. Completed answer sheets with the most correct answers will be entered in a drawing for a free Friends individual membership. Drawing is March 31, 6pm.

What better way to celebrate the Big Read than a chance to buy books? The Friends of Paris Library will hold a "one-day-only" used book sale in the Gibson Room on Saturday, March 12, from 10am to 4pm. Hardbacks, paperbacks, children's books, and more will be offered at bargain prices.

The Friends of Paris Library invite you to join us in the Gibson Room on March 23 at 6:30pm as Dick Wells of Hilltop Orchids (www.hilltoporchids.com) guides us through the mysteries of these wonderful flowers.

The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest. For more information about the Big Read, visit www.parispubliclibrary.org or call 217-463-3950.