Join in the NEA Big Read 2024!

As part of the NEA Big Read, partner organizations Bristol Public Library, Washington County Public Library, and Birthplace of Country Music Museum are offering a full schedule of NEA Big Read programs at all three sites – and beyond – during October and November 2024, including book discussions, a film screening, writing and family history workshops, author talks, an art exhibit, and a storytelling evening!

All of the NEA Big Read programs and events are FREE and open to the public. Check out the many offerings below:

Ongoing: Reading Lists

Check out these reading lists created by the Bristol Public Library to go along with the NEA Big Read’s theme of “Where We Live”: Coal, Music, and Literature.

October 1, all day: Book Giveaway

Pick up a FREE copy of the NEA Big Read book Burning Bright by Ron Rash at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Bristol Public Library, or Washington County Public Library. The museum is also giving away copies of the companion book Same Sun Here by Silas House and Neela Vaswani. Limit of one copy of each book per person while supplies last.

October 3, 2:00pm: Family History Workshop @ Washington County Public Library (Abingdon)

Is your family from around here? Learn about local family history at WCPL’s Exploring Your Roots workshop.

October 4, 1:00pm: Burning Bright Book Discussion @ Mendota Branch Library (First Friday Book Club)

Join other readers in a lively discussion of the NEA Big Read book Burning Bright by Ron Rash.

October 4, 6:30pm: Screening of The Library that Dolly Built @ Birthplace of Country Music Museum

Enjoy a screening of The Library that Dolly Built, a documentary about the creation and impact of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The film screening is free and open to the public, but a donation at the door of a book (or books) aimed at 3rd-5th grade children is suggested. All books will be given to the Appalachian Literacy Initiative, based in Bristol, TN-VA.
Please RSVP HERE.

October 17, 2:00pm: Burning Bright Book Discussion @ Washington County Public Library

Join other readers in a lively discussion of the NEA Big Read book Burning Bright by Ron Rash.

October 19, 1:00pm: Author Discussion with Ron Rash via Zoom (Bristol Public Library)

Join us for a discussion of Burning Bright with author Ron Rash and learn more about his work and inspiration as an Appalachian author. You can either watch with a group at the Bristol Public Library or watch from home via Zoom; if you choose the latter, please register HERE.

October 19, 2:30pm: Re-Screening of The Library that Dolly Built @ Birthplace of Country Music Museum

Back by popular demand! Enjoy a re-screening of The Library that Dolly Built, a documentary about the creation and impact of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The film screening is free and open to the public, but a donation at the door of a book (or books) aimed at 3rd-5th grade children is suggested. All books will be given to the Appalachian Literacy Initiative, based in Bristol, TN-VA. Register HERE.

October 21, 5:30pm: Art Journaling @ 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 piece. Feel free to bring: your favorite tote of creative tools: tape, scissors, glue, markers, papers, coloring supplies, ribbon, etc., or just show up and we provide the rest. There is limited space for 20 participants; to register, please email rita@bristol-library.org.

October 22, 10:30am: Burning Bright Book Discussion @ Bristol Public Library (Nevermore Book Club)

Join other readers in a lively discussion of the NEA Big Read book Burning Bright by Ron Rash.

October 23, 4:00pm: Snail Mail Studio Creative Writing Workshop @ 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 by Silas House and Neela Vaswani.

October 24, 6:00pm: Author Discussion with Silas House via Zoom (Bristol Public Library)

Join us for a discussion of Same Sun Here with author Silas House and learn more about his work and inspiration as an Appalachian author. You can either watch with a group at the Bristol Public Library or watch from home via Zoom; if you choose the latter, please register HERE.

October 28, 5:00pm: Family History Workshop @ Bristol Public Library

Is your family from around here? Learn about local family history at BPL’s Exploring Your Roots workshop.

October 29, 4:00pm: Junk Journaling Workshop @ Washington County Public Library

Boost your creativity, preserve everyday memories, and promote sustainability with your own junk journal! Junk journals showcase your surroundings, from pieces of nature to library receipts. We’ll provide notebooks, recycled materials, and plenty of inspiration to get you started on your junk journaling journey.

October 29, 6:00pm: Burning Bright Book Discussion @ Glade Spring Branch Library (Passawatami Book Club)

Join other readers in a lively discussion of the NEA Big Read book Burning Bright by Ron Rash.

October 31, 6:00pm: Andrew Finn Magill: Connections between Irish, Scottish, and Appalachian Fiddling @ Bristol Public Library

Andrew Finn Magill returns to Bristol Public Library for an exploration of the similarities and differences in different styles of fiddling – with a spooky twist!

November 2, 7:00pm: Hoot and Holler Storytelling @ 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 theme of “Where We Live.” Please RSVP for this free event HERE!

November 4, 6:00pm: Burning Bright Book Discussion @ Bristol Public Library

Join other readers in a lively discussion of the NEA Big Read book Burning Bright by Ron Rash.

November 6, 6:00pm: Burning Bright Book Discussion @ Bristol Public Library

Join other readers in a lively discussion of the NEA Big Read book Burning Bright by Ron Rash.

November 7, 5:30pm: Voices of Appalachia Creative Writing Workshop @ Bristol Public Library

This workshop will discuss setting and voice and how they work together to create a scene. It will also point out the resources available at the library for writing Appalachian stories (e.g., old newspapers, genealogy records, etc.).

November 12, 2:00pm: Shadowbox Craft Workshop @ Bristol Public Library

Participants will create a shadowbox that represents the theme “where we live” using small personal items along with items made with the Glowforge. Participation is limited to 10; to register, please email Rita HERE.

November 16, 1:00pm: Art Exhibit: The Minnie Ma Scyphers Collection @ Hayters Gap Branch Library

View a display by local folk artist Minnie Ma Scyphers, enjoy refreshments, visit the Hayters Gap branch library, and explore “Where We Live.”

November 21, 12:00pm: Burning Bright Book Discussion and Author Interview on Radio Bristol Book Club

Tune into Radio Bristol Book Club on the dial at 100.1 FM, streaming online, or via the Radio Bristol app for a discussion of Burning Bright and an interview with author Ron Rash.