The Big Read is HERE!What is The Big Read? Wood Library and the National Endowment for the Arts want to inspire you to pick up and read the short stories and poetry by Edgar Allan Poe. Check out these great programs that you will want to be a part of!
The Mask of Amontillado
Thursday, October 1, 4:00-5:00 PM
Wood Library, 134 N. Main St., Canandaigua
Get ready for the Masquerade Ball by creating a unique mask. Make it as fancy as you like—color it, add jewels, glitter, or feathers. It can be the perfect accessory to any costume! All families and individuals are welcome for this free activity.
Masquerade Ball
Friday, October 2, 7:00-9:00 PM
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion, 151 Charlotte St., CanandaiguaAs the official kick-off for The Big Read, historic Sonnenberg Mansion is the perfect place for a masquerade ball to honor Edgar Allan Poe! The lights will dim as dramatic readings of Poe’s major works, including “The Raven” and “The Tell-Tale Heart,” are chillingly delivered by state officials and other community members to a captivated audience. Students from Canandaigua Academy’s Drama Department will play Poe’s troubled characters including Fortunato, Roderick Usher, and Prince Prospero, and Poe himself will make an appearance. Guests will be challenged to guess the characters and Poe’s stories or poems. Costumes will be judged and prizes awarded. Teens and adults are invited to this ticketed, catered event. Tickets can be purchased at Wood Library for $8/person. RSVP by September 30.
A Writer’s Nightmare: Teen Horror Writing Workshop
Tuesdays in October, 6:30-8:00 PM
Wood Library, 134 N. Main St., CanandaiguaTeens can perfect their horror writing skills with John Michalko, Special Projects Teacher at Canandaigua Middle School, as they look at popular horror writers from the past and present and discuss what creates a truly horrifying read. Participants will craft their own horror story and share it with one another each week. Open to teens only. Must attend all sessions. Call 585.394.1381 to register.
Poe Panel Discussion
Monday, October 19, 7:00-8:30 PM
Wood Library, 134 N. Main St., CanandaiguaWood Library will host a discussion surrounding the stories and poetry, the author, the history, and the dark themes of Edgar Allan Poe. Kathi Nacca, retired Canandaigua Academy English Teacher and Wood Library employee, will moderate a panel of Poe experts as they discuss “The Bells,” “The Raven,” and a selection of short stories. Panel speakers include Sam Martina, Scott Schauman, and Bob Burns. Students studying the work for the first time and adults revisiting it are encouraged to join in the discussion. Free and open to all ages.
A Midnight Dreary: Tales of Edgar Allan Poe
Wednesday, October 21, 7:00-9:00 PM
Veterans Hospital, 400 Fort Hill Ave., CanandaiguaBristol Valley Theatre collaborates with Wood Library and The Big Read to celebrate the 200th birthday of America's Master of the Macabre, in a dramatic performance of Edgar Allan Poe's most haunting tales, featuring BVT’s Artistic Director Karin Bowersock and local actor Jim Ditmars. Ditmars has been with Bristol Valley Theater since 1995 and is no stranger to dramatic macabre. He has appeared in “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Corpse!,” and the world premiere of “Nevermore.” Students from Canandaigua Academy will grace the stage and treat the audience to period Gothic choral pieces. Performances are free and open to the public. The event will be held at the Veteran's Administration Auditorium in Building #5. Parking nearby.
Book Discussion
Canandaigua Middle School Library
Thursday, October 22, 2:15 PM
“The Cask of Amontillado” (for Canandaigua Middle School students only, closed to the public)
Gothic Jewelry Workshop
Thursday, October 22, 7:00-8:30 PM
Wood Library, 134 N. Main St., CanandaiguaErica Bapst, owner and designer of Adorn Jewelry in Canandaigua, will teach teens the art of creating their very own gothic jewelry. Teens will learn the basics of jewelry design while they construct a gothic necklace. Teens in grades 7-12 are encouraged to participate. Call 585-394-1381 to register.
A Midnight Dreary: Tales of Edgar Allan Poe
Friday, October 23, 7:00-9:00 PM
Bristol Valley Theater, 151 S. Main St., NaplesA second chance to see Karin Bowersock and Jim Ditmars take the stage as characters from Poe’s haunting tales in this encore dramatic performance. Free admission. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Book Discussion
Canandaigua Academy Library
Thursday, October 29, 2:15 PM“The Raven”(Open to Canandaigua Academy students only, closed to the public)
Halloween Game Night
Friday, October 30, 5:00-12:00 PM
Wood Library, 134 N. Main St., Canandaigua
Bet you never thought board games could be spooky! John Michalko, game aficionado, brings piles of the scariest strategy board games to Game Night - just in time for Halloween! Play horrifying games such as Last Night on Earth, Zombies, and Mall of Horrors. Pizza will be provided. For teens in grades 8-12. Permission slip required. Call 585.394.1381 to register.
The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest.
Books & Bites
