The Alternative Press

Scotch Plains Public Library will launch its Big Read program in celebration of In the Time of the Butterflies, by Julia Alvarez with a free concert on Thursday, November 1 at 7:00 PM at Scotch Plains – Fanwood High School.  The Big Read in Scotch Plains and surrounding communities is presented in partnership with Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools, Literacy Volunteers of Union County, Inc., New Jersey City University, and the Friends of Scotch Plains Public Library.

The kick-off event will feature Tropyband Orquesta. This 14-piece Latin music ensemble, complete with vocalists, will entertain the audience with merengue, salsa and more music of the Caribbean and Latin America. Big Read author Julia Alvarez writes movingly and memorably about the Dominican Republic and Latin American communities in the United States. Music is a vital part of Latin American life, and a fun and festive introduction to this Big Read. No advance reservations are required for the concert, and all interested parties are invited to bring family and friends to this event.

“The Big Read is a wonderful opportunity to invite families across our communities to join together and share in the joy and inspiration that comes from reading. The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools are proud to be part of this exciting initiative and encourage everyone to take advantage of the rich range of events that are planned, ”  states Dr. Margaret W. Hayes, Superintendent of Schools, Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools

The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The Big Read is managed by Arts Midwest. Scotch Plains is one of 78 communities nationwide participating in The Big Read from September 2012-June 2013. From November 1 through mid-June, our community will celebrate In the Time of the Butterflies, by reading this book and participating in a full calendar of events including book discussions, guest speakers, poster and essay contests, video chats with Julia Alvarez, and a Festival of Latin American Culture.

Students in grades K-12 will explore the salient themes of Julia Alvarez’s works through interdisciplinary explorations of literature, art, culture and history. Students at the high school will read In the Time of the Butterflies, students at the middle schools will read Before We Were Free, and students in grades K-5 will read a variety of other related children’s literature.  Students from the district will also be involved in organizing and facilitating a variety of community events including book discussions and festival events.

Literacy Volunteers of Union County, Inc. is on board with an exciting opportunity for its client families to read together.

For more information on this event, please contact Pamela Brooks.  You also can view a full calendar of events for The Big Read in Scotch Plains at http://www.scotlib.org .  The events of this Big Read are free.  Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School is located at 667 Westfield Road in Scotch Plains.

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