June 18, 2008

Timberland Regional Library receives second NEA grant of $20,000 for 2008 Timberland Reads Together program

For the second year in a row, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has awarded its maximum "Big Read" grant of $20,000 to Timberland Regional Library (TRL) to build on the library system’s annual adult reading program, "Timberland Reads Together."

Timberland Reads Together is an annual districtwide initiative encouraging communities in Thurston, Mason, Lewis, Grays Harbor and Pacific counties to read and discuss the same book and attend related presentations. The book for 2008 is "A Wizard of Earthsea" by Ursula K. Le Guin. Events will take place throughout October.

"The library’s one-book programs have won consistently high praise and enthusiastic participation throughout our communities. Talking about a great book with friends and neighbors and enjoying all the events adds excitement to the experience of reading," said Timberland Executive Director, Jodi Reng.

"We’re particularly delighted that Ursula Le Guin will be speaking in person at two venues in the region this October," said TRL Adult Services Coordinator, Tim Mallory. People are encouraged to read Le Guin’s fantasy adventure novel and to plan on joining in book discussions and presentations.

"A Wizard of Earthsea," the first of Le Guin’s four national award-winning "Earthsea" novels, has been in print continuously since it was published in 1968. Both print and audiobook editions are available from libraries and bookstores.