BRISTOL, Tenn.-Va. (Sept. 27, 2024) – The Washington County Public Library in Abingdon, Va., Bristol Public Library, and Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol have joined forces to bring the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read to Southwest Virginia in October and November. The public is invited to take part in a number of free events including a book giveaway at each location on Oct. 1. Additionally, there will be a free screening of “The Library That Dolly Built,” a documentary about the creation and impact of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at the museum on Oct. 4.
Each of the following events are free and open to the public:
Oct. 1 | NEA Big Read Book Giveaway
Locations: Bristol Public Library, Washington County Public Library, Birthplace of Country Music Museum
During regular business hours, pick up your free copies of “Burning Bright” by Ron Rash and its companion book “Same Sun Here” by Silas House and Neela Vaswani while supplies last.
Oct. 3 | 2 p.m. – Exploring Your Roots Workshop
Location: Washington County Public Library
Learn more about local family history.
Oct. 3 | 6 p.m. – Connections between Irish, Scottish, and Appalachian Fiddling with Andrew Finn Magill
Location: Bristol Public Library
Explore the similarities and differences in different styles of fiddling – with a spooky twist!
Oct. 4 | 1 p.m. – “Burning Bright” Book Discussion with the First Friday Book Club
Location: Mendota Branch Library
Join other readers on a lively discussion of this book by Ron Rash.
Oct. 4 | 6:30 p.m. – “The Library that Dolly Built” Film Screening
Location: Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Directed and produced by Nick Geidner, journalism professor and director of Land Grant Films, and narrated by Danica McKellar. Run time: 1 hour 30 minutes. The event is free, but book donations aimed at 3rd – 5th grade children are suggested. All books will be given to the Appalachian Literacy Initiative.
Please RSVP via the Events page at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org.
Oct. 17 | 2 p.m. – “Burning Bright” Book Discussion
Location: Washington County Public Library
Oct. 19 | 1 p.m. – Author Talk with Ron Rash
Location: Zoom (Bristol Public Library)
Join us for a virtual discussion with Ron Rash about his book Burning Bright and his work and inspiration as an Appalachian author.
Oct. 21 | 5:30 p.m. – Art Journaling Workshop (space limited)
Location: Bristol Public Library
Respond creatively, playfully, and thoughtfully to the theme of “where we live” with poetic prompts and inquiries, then express yourself in color, paint, stencils, markers, and collage, with easy techniques to enhance your personal space. Creative materials will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.
To register please email rita@bristol-library.org.
Oct. 22 | 10:30 a.m. – “Burning Bright” Book Discussion with Nevermore Book Club
Location: Bristol Public Library
Oct. 23 | 4 p.m. – Snail Mail Studio Creative Writing Workshop
Location: Washington County Public Library
Learn the art of writing letters and decorate your own piece of snail mail to send to friends and family. Participants will be writing letters about life in Appalachia, inspired by the book “Same Sun Here.”
Oct. 24 | Time TBD – Author Talk with Silas House
Location: Zoom (Bristol Public Library)
Join us for a virtual discussion with Silas House about his book “Same Sun Here” and his work and inspiration as an Appalachian author.
Oct. 28 | 5 p.m. – Exploring Your Roots Workshop
Location: Bristol Public Library
Oct. 29 | 4 p.m. – Junk Journaling Workshop
Location: Washington County Public Library
Junk journals showcase your surroundings, from pieces of nature to library receipts. Boost your creativity, preserve everyday memories, and promote sustainability with your own junk journal. Notebooks, recycled materials, and plenty of inspiration will be supplied.
Oct. 29 | 6 p.m. – “Burning Bright” Book Discussion with Passawatami Book Club
Location: Glade Spring Branch Library
Nov. 1 | 10:30 a.m. – Museum Story Time: “The Relatives Came” by Cynthia Rylant
Location: Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Enjoy an Appalachia-set children’s book, a song from musician Ella Patrick, and a related craft. For tots, toddlers, and their grown-ups!
Nov. 2 | 7 p.m. – Hoot and Holler Storytelling: “River Deep, Mountain High”
Location: Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Experience live storytelling by local and regional folks, sharing tall tales, family stories, and more, based on the NEA Big Read’s them of “Where We Live.”
Please RSVP via the Events page at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org.
Nov. 4 | 2 p.m. – “Burning Bright” Book Discussion
Location: Avoca Branch of the Bristol Public Library
Nov. 6 | 6 p.m. – “Burning Bright” Book Discussion
Location: Bristol Public Library
Nov. 7 | 5:30 p.m. – Voices of Appalachian Creative Writing Workshop
Location: Bristol Public Library
Discuss setting and voice and how they work together to create a scene; identify resources available at the library for writing Appalachian stories.
Nov. 12 | 2 p.m. – Shadowbox Craft Workshop (space limited)
Location: Bristol Public Library
Create a shadowbox that represents the theme “where we live” using small personal items and items made with the Glowforge.
To register please email rita@bristol-library.org.
Nov. 16 | 1 p.m. – Art Exhibit: The Minnie Ma Scyphers Collection
Location: Hayters Gap Branch Library
View display by local folk artist Minnie Ma Scyphers, enjoy refreshments, and explore “Where We Live.”
Nov. 21 | 12 p.m. – Radio Bristol Book Club: “Burning Bright” interview with author Ron Rash and book discussion
Listen live through WBCM Radio Bristol’s free mobile app or online at BirthplaceOfCountrymusic.org.
The National Endowment for the Arts Big Read, a partnership with Arts Midwest, broadens our understanding of ourselves and our neighbors through the power of a shared reading experience. The goals of The Big Read are to inspire meaningful conversations, celebrate local creativity, elevate a wide variety of voices and perspectives, and build stronger connections in each community.
For more information about NEA’s The Big Read, visit arts.gov/initiatives/nea-big-read. For more information about activities in Southwest Virginia visit the Events page at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org.