THE BIG READ
A unique opportunity awaited lifelong learners at the Center for
Lifelong Learning in Archbold, Ohio, who joined in the Northwest State
Library’s Big Read this past spring As they read or re-read
their own free copy of The Grapes of Wrath, the bookworms
joined others for weekly discussions led by knowledgeable fellow readers.
The grand opening session was held in the Museum Building at Sauder
Village on March 24. A University of Toledo speaker highlighted the
life of author John Steinbeck, and a special Great Depression exhibit
in the Museum brought those days back in vivid detail. There was no
charge and those who wished to continue with the Read received their
free paperback copy of the American classic at that time. Free copies
were also available to lifelong learners at the Northwest State library
where the Director and the staff had weekly discussions through the
month of April.
Discussion groups focused around the book and covered the following
topics:
Migration and Immigration
Hardship and Poverty
Family and Gender Roles
Agriculture and Sustainability
Symbolism in the book.