By Aaron Wright
The Norman Transcript
Norman — March 12, the Pioneer Library System will take Norman back to a time when detective work was daring and dirty as they set this scene for this year’s Big Read kick-off.
The book to be highlighted this year is “The Maltese Falcon,” a novel of hardboiled, detective fiction by Dashiell Hammett. In the book, readers follow the main character Sam Spade as he maneuvers the gritty world of 1920s crime in San Francisco. The library ordered 1,100 books to give away for the event, handing out about 800 by the beginning of March.
“We’re really encouraged that people are coming early to read the book,” said Gary Kramer, public information officer for PLS. Kramer noted that if the free books are all given away, participants can either check out a library copy to read or download the audio book at the library’s Web site.
To select this year’s book from the National Endowment for the Art’s book list, the library system conducted a poll among employees and on their Web site. “The Maltese Falcon” received several votes. In addition, after last year’s book “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Kramer said PLS was looking for something that would draw a different crowd.
“We wanted something a little more macho,” he said, noting that Hammett’s books are about as macho as novels come.
The kick-off, which coordinates with March’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art, will take place at three Norman venues.
At the Crucible Foundry and Gallery, 110 E. Tonhawa, a falcon series by local artist Jeff Littlejohn will be on display. PLS commissioned Littlejohn to create the unique piece for this year’s Big Read. Big Read participants will have a chance to win a desk-sized version of the sculpture. Each PLS library will determine a local winner for the sculptures at the Big Read finale April 22. Participants can earn entries for the drawing by participating in Big Read events. The large sculpture will go to one of the PLS libraries as a public art piece. The winner of the large statue will also be announced at the finale. Littlejohn will discuss his vision behind the work at the gallery Friday.
The Santa Fe Depot, 200 S. Jones, will also take part in the Big Read kick-off. Complimentary copies of “The Maltese Falcon” will be available as well as refreshments and music. Off Boyd Jazz, a jazz ensemble comprised of University of Oklahoma students, will perform. A cash bar will be housed at the studio and, in honor of the Spade’s signature beverage, will conduct malt scotch tastings.
Providing their part of the entertainment, The Diner, 213 E. Main, has created a signature dish called Sam Spade Spam and Eggs. They will serve the dish from 6 to 8 p.m.
Library staff members are encouraging participants to dress for the occasion in clothing from the 1930s and 1940s. Vintage cars from the Canadian River Cruisters will be at the Santa Fe Depot and the Crucible Foundry and Gallery to further set the mood.
Following the fun festivities, an educational panel discussion, “The Maltese Falcon: The Plot Thickens,” will take place March 13 at 2 p.m. at the OU Law Center, 300 Timberdell Rd. David Draper Clark, former editor of “World Literature Today” magazine, will moderate the event while crime novel enthusiasts Jim David, Bill Hagen and David Kipen discuss the book’s characters, themes and symbolism. This panel is free and open to the public. Kramer said arrangements have been made with the parking department at OU to allow motorists access to the law center’s parking lot, located on the south side of the building.
Ongoing activities
In addition to kick-off activities, PLS will host several themed contests through the finale.
One contest asks participants to put their detective skills to the test by finding sculptures in communities serviced by PLS. The contest page is available in PLS’s “Word” magazine. A map at www.bigreadok.com/contests provides hints to sculpture-seekers.
Film junkies will excel at the contest which matches actors from the 1941 “The Maltese Falcon” movie with roles they played in other films.
Two contests are aimed at students in grades 6-12.
The book trailer contest asks these teens to create an original book trailer for one of the book’s in the PLS collection. It does not have to be “The Maltese Falcon.” Submission are due by midnight on March 22.
Students up to seniors in high school can also try their skill writing an essay about one of the following prompts: “Truth and Deception,” “The City” or “The Falcon.” Word length cannot exceed 500 words. Essays are due April 9 by midnight.
For more information on the Big Read or any of the associated activities, visit www.bigreadok.com.
Aaron Wright 366-3533 pop@normantranscript.com
