POSTED: June 22, 2009 Access News & Events page

The Big Read presents Fahrenheit 451

Why should I read? What for? Mildred
asks her husband in Ray Bradburys Fahrenheit 451. Baldwin County residents ca answer that question for themselves beginning Oct. 1 as they participate in The Big Read community literary program sponsored through Georgia College & State University. Baldwin County public schools will participate in The Big Read program with the support of school superintendent Geneva Brazil. Brandie Ashe, a master of arts English student at Georgia College, will create simplified and age-appropriate readers guides for students in 1st through 5th grades. Readers will discover strong similarities between Milledgeville and a city of Fahrenheit 451. Milledgevilles scenery parallels the scenery of the city in Fahrenheit 451. The river featured prominently in the novel reflects the Oconee River. Flyovers play a major role action in the story, and many residents of Milledgeville commute to Warner Robins Air Force Base.

Readers will be able to identify with the events in Bradburys novel and think of the setting in Milledgeville, said
Georgia Colleges Dr. Elaine Whitaker who acquired the funds for the program. The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts, designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The NEA presents The Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest. The Big Read brings together partners across the country to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment. Last year the program extended beyond local schools and universities to include businesses and Mens State Prison. Whitaker expects greater involvement from the community this year.

The response from the community at Sweetwater Festival in the fall of 2008 was overwhelming, Whitaker said.
We had more than 400 responses to our survey and, of those, 105 wanted Fahrenheit 451.

Access News & Events page For more information, contact Judy Bailey in University Communications at (478) 445-4477.