National Endowment of the Arts - The Big Read

West Valley Arts Council

Contact Info

525 N. Central Avenue
Avondale, AZ 85323

Tel: 623/935-6384
Fax: 623/935-4327
http://www.westvalleyarts.org

Currently Reading

Fahrenheit 451
Ray Bradbury

Learn more about this book

Events

Family Storytime "Second Generation Favorites": Queen Creek Branch Library

Before the internet, TV, radio, and even books, families entertained themselves with stories. What if you had to remember and recreate stories and books from memory? Celebrate The Big Read and experience old-fashioned family entertainment with stories, songs, and activities for the whole family, preschoolers to adults, to enjoy and participate in together.

Event Location: 21802 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85242

Date: Mon, Sep 14, 2009
Time: 7:00pm – 7:30pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Fireman Story Time: Queen Creek Branch Library

Ages 2-6. Join us for a special story time with the Queen Creek Fire Department! Tickets are handed out 30 minutes prior to storytime.

Event Location: 21802 S Ellsworth Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85242

Date: Tue, Sep 15, 2009 – Wed, Sep 16, 2009
Time: 10:30am – 11:00am
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Just 4 Kidz: Queen Creek Branch Library

Crafts and activities for 7 – 11 year old children. Books are deliberately destroyed in The Big Read’s Fahrenheit 451. Sometimes, when you don’t treat a book carefully … when you drop it in water, color in it, dog-ear the pages, place an open book facedown, tear the pages … you can destroy a book without even meaning to. Instead of destroying, create a book of your very own. Learn about how books are made and make one to take home.

Event Location: 21802 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85242

Date: Wed, Sep 16, 2009
Time: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

FREE TO READ: CELEBRATE ARIZONA AUTHORS & THE BIG READ: Queen Creek Branch

Attention, all readers & literary folk! Queen Creek Branch Library’s huge increase in business says you love to read--and Arizona boasts many fine authors. So now, let’s put Queen Creek on the Literary Map! On September 17, 2009, (5-8 pm) the Queen Creek Branch Library will host a panel of authors from the Desert Sleuths Chapter of Sisters in Crime and the Desert Rose Chapter of Romance Writers of America. Here is your chance to meet these authors, ask questions of them and discuss the Freedom to Read, and other issues surrounding Fahrenheit 451 (our Big Read selection). Refreshments will be supplied by the Friends of the Library and you will have an opportunity have your books signed and chat with the authors. This is an opportunity of a lifetime. Meet FOURTEEN of our local authors, have your books signed, ask questions, and have FUN! Come join us.

Event Location: 21802 S Ellsworth Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85242

Date: Thu, Sep 17, 2009
Time: 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

A-Buncha-Book-Artists

Creating one-of-a-kind and small-edition artists' books, A-Buncha-Book-Artists explore the boundaries of what a book can be. They may use traditional printmaking and bookbinding techniques as well as unconventional processes to create sculptural artworks that may no longer look like books at all. Artists' books may include prose or poetry, lettering as pattern or texture, drawings or paintings, photography or collage. They employ a wide range of forms including fold-outs, accordions, or loose items contained in a box as well as bound printed sheets. Altered-book forms give new life to old books, periodicals and found objects. Artists' books are a marriage of form and craftsmanship, that supports a well developed content that is thought provoking and full of surprises. Exhibit is coordinated by the Phoenix Airport Museum.

Event Location: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Terminal 3, Level 2 Cases, Phoenix, AZ

Date: Fri, Sep 25, 2009 – Sat, Oct 31, 2009
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Big Read Book Launch

We're kicking off the Big Read across the Valley with a little HEAT, a little SPICE and BOOKS, that's NICE! Be one of the first 50 patrons to Wild Thaiger and get a tote bag full of goodies including a book, reader's guide, matches, fireballs and more!

Event Location: Wild Thaiger, 2631 N Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004

Date: Fri, Sep 25, 2009
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Big Read Book Launch

We're kicking off the Big Read across the Valley with a little HEAT, a little SPICE and BOOKS, that's NICE! Be one of the first 50 patrons to Los Sombreros and get a tote bag full of goodies including a book, reader's guide, matches, fireballs and more!

Event Location: Los Sombreros Cafe and Cantina, 2534 N Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85257

Date: Sat, Sep 26, 2009
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Big Read Book Launch

We're kicking off the Big Read across the Valley with a little HEAT, a little SPICE and BOOKS, that's NICE! Be one of the first 50 patrons to Old Pueblo and get a tote bag full of goodies including a book, reader's guide, matches, fireballs and more!

Event Location: Old Pueblo Cafe, 102 N Old Litchfield Rd, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

Date: Sun, Sep 27, 2009
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Book Discussion at Chez Nous

Come and discuss Fahrenheit 451--bring your copy (or pick up one here-limited supplies). There will be a prize for the oldest copy of Fahrenheit 451! When did science fiction first cross over from genre writing to the mainstream of American literature? Almost certainly it happened on October 19, 1953, when a young Californian named Ray Bradbury published a novel with the odd title of Fahrenheit 451. In a gripping story at once disturbing and poetic, Bradbury takes the material of pulp fiction and Transforms them into a visionary parable of a society gone awry in which firemen burn books and the state suppresses learning. Meanwhile, the Citizenry sits by in a drug induced and media saturated indifference. More relevant that a half century later, Fahrenheit 451 has achieved the rare distinction of being both a literary classic and perennial bestseller.

Event Location: Interfaith Community Care, 14495 R. H. Johnson Blvd., Sun City West, AZ 85375

Date: Mon, Sep 28, 2009
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Book Discussion at Birt's Bistro

Come and discuss Fahrenheit 451--bring your copy (or pick up one here-limited supplies). There will be a prize for the oldest copy of Fahrenheit 451! When did science fiction first cross over from genre writing to the mainstream of American literature? Almost certainly it happened on October 19, 1953, when a young Californian named Ray Bradbury published a novel with the odd title of Fahrenheit 451. In a gripping story at once disturbing and poetic, Bradbury takes the material of pulp fiction and Transforms them into a visionary parable of a society gone awry in which firemen burn books and the state suppresses learning. Meanwhile, the Citizenry sits by in a drug induced and media saturated indifference. More relevant that a half century later, Fahrenheit 451 has achieved the rare distinction of being both a literary classic and perennial bestseller.

Event Location: Interfaith Community Care, 16752 N. Greasewood St., Surprise, AZ 85374

Date: Wed, Sep 30, 2009
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

You ARE the book!: North Valley Regional Library (Anthem)

Choose a favorite book, memorize the first line or paragraph, and come prepared to recite your lines – we guess the book. Celebrate the Big Read book for 2009: Fahrenheit 451. Lots of banned book trivia, Ray Bradbury trivia. Hot chocolate and treats provided. Ages 12-18 years.

Event Location: 40410 N Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem , AZ 85086

Date: Wed, Sep 30, 2009
Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Dystopian Film Series: Fahrenheit 451: Northwest Regional Library (Surprise)

Event Location: 16089 N. Bullard Avenue, Surprise, AZ 85374

Date: Wed, Sep 30, 2009
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Altered Book Exhibit

Twelve local artists exhibit their "Fahrenheit 451" altered books at the Desert Ridge Barnes and Noble.

Event Location: Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050

Date: Thu, Oct 1, 2009 – Sat, Oct 31, 2009
Book: Fahrenheit 451

The Creative Quest

Instead of destroying books, why not CREATE them? Take a class with the instructors at The Creative Quest and learn about bookmaking techniques, altered books, stamping and more! Visit the http://thecreativequest.com to see their full calendar of listings!

Event Location: 7146 North 57th Dr., Glendale, AZ 85301

Date: Thu, Oct 1, 2009
Time: 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Date: Thu, Oct 15, 2009
Time: 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Date: Thu, Oct 22, 2009
Time: 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Date: Thu, Oct 29, 2009
Time: 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Fahrenheit 451 – Read the Book, See the Movie: Goodyear Branch Library

Join us for a lively discussion of the book Fahrenheit 451. Plan to return October 19 to view and discuss the movie version. In Room 117 at Goodyear City Hall.

Event Location: Goodyear City Hall: 190 N. Litchfield Road, Room 117, Goodyear, AZ 85338

Date: Mon, Oct 5, 2009
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

FOUNTAIN HILLS BRANCH LIBRARY READING CLUB- THE BIG READ

We will be discussing Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. Discussion questions and meeting dates are available in our reading club handout at the customer service desk. Reading Lounge.

Event Location: 12901 N. La Montana Dr., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Date: Tue, Oct 6, 2009
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Bookmaking Classes

Instead of destroying books, why not CREATE them? Take a class with the instructors at The Creative Quest and learn about bookmaking techniques, altered books, stamping and more! Visit the http://thecreativequest.com to see their full calendar of listings!

Event Location: The Creative Quest, 7146 North 57th Dr., Glendale, AZ 85301

Date: Wed, Oct 7, 2009
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Date: Wed, Oct 14, 2009
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Date: Wed, Oct 21, 2009
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Date: Wed, Oct 28, 2009
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Billy the Singing Fireman: Goodyear Fire Station 182

Join us at the Goodyear Fire Station for an open house and join Billy the Singing Firmean as he sings songs about safety and fire prevention---during Fire Prevention week in October.

Event Location: 10701 Estrella Pkwy, Goodyear, AZ 85338

Date: Wed, Oct 7, 2009
Time: 10:30am – 11:00am
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Recommended Reading book discussion of Fahrenheit 451: Northwest Regional Library (Surprise)

Event Location: 16089 N. Bullard Avenue, Surprise, AZ 85274

Date: Wed, Oct 7, 2009
Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Dystopian Film series: The Island: Northwest Regional Library (Surprise)

Event Location: 16089 N. Bullard Avenue, Surprise, AZ 85374

Date: Wed, Oct 7, 2009
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

REEL DISCUSSIONS- THE BIG READ: Fountain Hills Branch Library

Like to talk about the films you watch? Join the "Reel Discussions" group at the Library, watch a good movie, and participate in an interesting discussion afterwards. Even the popcorn is free! This month’s movie is “Fahrenheit 451.” Conference Room.

Event Location: 12901 N. La Montana Dr., Fountain Hills , AZ 85268

Date: Wed, Oct 7, 2009
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Movie Matinee: Fahrenheit 451 (Sun City Branch)

Come and watch Fahrenheit 451 with us!

Event Location: 16828 N 99th Ave, Sun City, AZ 85351

Date: Sat, Oct 10, 2009
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Book of the Month Club at The Creative Quest

Create the new book of the month at the Creative Quest! Contact the store for more details. (623) 847-2215 or visit http://thecreativequest.com.

Event Location: The Creative Quest, 7146 North 57th Dr., Glendale, AZ 85301

Date: Tue, Oct 13, 2009
Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Date: Tue, Oct 13, 2009
Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Family Story time theme: Fire and Firefighting! Perry Branch Library (Gilbert)

Enjoy some stories and then sing some songs around a “campfire” at the Perry Branch Library! Refreshments will be provided for the children.

Event Location: 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85297

Date: Tue, Oct 13, 2009
Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

AZ Big Read Movie: Fahrenheit 451: North Valley Regional Library (Anthem)

Join us for a snack and short informal discussion of the movie Fahrenheit 451 on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 6pm. Registration begins on Monday, Sept. 28th. Please call 602.652.3000 to register.

Event Location: 40410 North Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem, AZ 85086

Date: Tue, Oct 13, 2009
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

"Fahrenheit 451", The Movie

Join fellow book and movie enthusiasts and watch "Fahrenheit 451", the movie!

Event Location: Sunrise Mountain Branch, 21109 N. 98th Ave., Peoria , AZ 85382

Date: Tue, Oct 13, 2009
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Perry Branch Adult Book Discussion: Fahrenheit 451 (Gilbert)

We welcome all ages to participate in our popular book group in order to discuss Ray Bradbury’s book, BIG READ 2009 selection, Fahrenheit 451. Refreshments will be provided.

Event Location: 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85297

Date: Wed, Oct 14, 2009
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Brown Bag Lunch and BIG READ film: Fahrenheit 451: Perry Branch Library (Gilbert)

Join us for a look at Ray Bradbury’s book on the “Big Screen” and participate in an lively discussion at film’s end. Brown Bag lunch is encouraged. Refreshments will be provided.

Event Location: 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85297

Date: Wed, Oct 14, 2009
Time: 11:30am – 1:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Dystopian Film series: Gattaca: Northwest Regional Library (Surprise)

Event Location: 16089 N. Bullard Avenue, Surprise, AZ 85374

Date: Wed, Oct 14, 2009
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Book Discussion

Join Melanie as she leads a book discussion of Fahrenheit 451. No registration necessary. Call Melanie with any questions at 623 930-3549.

Event Location: Glendale Public Library, 5959 W. Brown St., Glendale, AZ 85302

Date: Thu, Oct 15, 2009
Time: 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Altered Book Class

Try your hand at creating an altered book inspired by famous women in history Contact (623) 847-2215 or http://thecreativequest.com for more information.

Event Location: The Creative Quest, Glendale, AZ 85301

Date: Fri, Oct 16, 2009
Time: 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Fahrenheit 451 and the Art of Storytelling at The Poisoned Pen

Brent Ghelfi participates with James Sallis in a discussion of working with a writing teacher (Sallis) and of Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 for The Big Read: The Art of Storytelling After the discussion Brent Ghelfi will sign his third thriller The Venona Cable. James Sallis will sign his various books.

Event Location: Poisoned Pen, 6962 E. First Avenue, Suite 103, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Date: Sun, Oct 18, 2009
Time: 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Censorship and Banned Books with Dr. Joe Lockard

The Big Read! comes to the 58th Avenue Book Club at the Velma Teague Library. As part of the Big Read program in Glendale, Dr. Joe Lockard, Associate Professor of English at Arizona State University, will join us to discuss the philosophies of censorship as well as the history of banned books in America. The 58th Avenue Book club will be reading Fahrenheit 451 or a banned book of their choice prior to the presentation. The public is welcome. Call for more information 623-930-3430.

Event Location: Velma Teague Library, 7010 North 58th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301

Date: Mon, Oct 19, 2009
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Fahrenheit 451 – Read the Book, See the Movie: Goodyear Branch Library

Watch the movie version of Fahrenheit 451 and then share in the discussion. In Room 117 at Goodyear City Hall.

Event Location: Goodyear City Hall: 190 N. Litchfield Road , Room 117, Goodyear, AZ 85338

Date: Mon, Oct 19, 2009
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

AZ Big Read Book Discussion: Fahrenheit 451: North Valley Regional Library (Anthem)

Join us for an informal but lively discussion of the AZ Big Read book Fahrenheit 451 on Oct. 19 at 6:30 pm. You will receive a copy of the book, so please register and pick up a copy of the book beginning Monday Sept. 28th. Snacks will be provided.

Event Location: 40410 North Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem, AZ 85086

Date: Mon, Oct 19, 2009
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Tim Hamilton Lecture

Artist Tim Hamilton visits and talks about his recent publication of the graphic novel "Fahrenheit 451." Q and A to follow plus artist reception.

Event Location: The Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004

Date: Tue, Oct 20, 2009
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Book Discussion

Join a spirited book discussion of "Fahrenheit 451" led by Arizona Humanities Scholar Greg McNamee.

Event Location: Sunrise Mountain Branch, 21109 N. 98th Ave., Peoria, AZ 885382

Date: Tue, Oct 20, 2009
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Dystopian Film series: I, Robot: Northwest Regional Library (Surprise)

Event Location: 16089 N. Bullard Avenue, Surprise, AZ 85374

Date: Wed, Oct 21, 2009
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Fahrenheit 451 Book Discussion

Join “A Novel Approach” book group to discuss of this year’s Big Read selection, Fahrenheit 451. Pick up a copy of the book at the Reference desk. For more information, please call 623-930-3844.

Event Location: Glendale Public Library – Foothills Branch Library 19055 N. 57th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85022

Date: Wed, Oct 21, 2009
Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Lunchtime Lecture with Sam Weller

Author of "The Bradbury Chronicles" talks about Ray Bradbury and Fahrenheit 451. Light lunch refreshments provided.

Event Location: Arizona State Library, 1101 West Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Date: Thu, Oct 22, 2009
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Fiction Book Club: Fahrenheit 451 (Sun City Branch)

Event Location: 16828 N 99th Ave, Sun City, AZ 85351

Date: Thu, Oct 22, 2009
Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Author Visit: Sam Weller, author of The Bradbury Chronicles: Northwest Regional Library (Surprise)

Sam Weller—the authorized biographer of author Ray Bradbury visits Northwest Regional Library to talk about his book The Bradbury Chronicles: The Life of Ray Bradbury. Surprise Room. Cosponsored by the City of Surprise Community & Recreation Services. At Maricopa County Library District’s Northwest Regional Library, 16089 N. Bullard, Surprise. 602.652.3000. www.mcldaz.org

Event Location: 16089 N Bullard Ave., Surprise, AZ 85374

Date: Thu, Oct 22, 2009
Time: 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

An Evening with Sam Weller

Author of "The Bradbury Chronicles" talks about Ray Bradbury and Fahrenheit 451.

Event Location: Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050

Date: Thu, Oct 22, 2009
Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Author Visit: Sam Weller, author of The Bradbury Chronicles: Sun City Branch Library

Come discuss the life & times of Ray Bradbury with Sam Weller, author of The Bradbury Chronicles.

Event Location: 16828 N. 99th Ave, Sun City, AZ 85351

Date: Fri, Oct 23, 2009
Time: 9:00am – 10:30am
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Fire House Fun Day

The Big Read winds down but with a bang! In partnership with the Hall of Flame Museum's 11th Anniversary Fire House Fun Day, we will celebrate the month long celebration of Ray Bradbury's classic novel, Fahrenheit 451. Fire engine rides, bucket brigade tournament, Smokey the Bear, Billy the Singing Fireman, auction, prizes, books and more will be features of this great event!

Event Location: Hall of Flame Museum, 6101 East Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Date: Sat, Oct 24, 2009
Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Kearsten's Book Club

Teens ages 12-18 will meet on the fourth Monday of every month to discuss a novel or other cool book. Books will vary, and you have to read to attend, so call ahead to register and get a book. There will definitely be snacks and drinks, so come and bring a friend. To register, call Kearsten at 623-930-3568. For information, please call the Youth Desk at 623-930-3537.

Event Location: Glendale Public Library, 5959 W. Brown St., Glendale, AZ 85302

Date: Mon, Oct 26, 2009
Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Dystopian Film series: The Time Machine (1960): Northwest Regional Library (Surprise)

Event Location: 16089 N. Bullard Avenue, Surprise, AZ 85374

Date: Tue, Oct 27, 2009
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Fahrenheit 451 TRIVIA- THE BIG READ: Fountain Hills Branch Library

Read Fahrenheit 451 and join us for trivia, food, and prizes. Ask for your own copy of the book at the Front Desk while supplies last. Conference Room.

Event Location: 12901 N. La Montana Dr., Fountain Hills , AZ 85268

Date: Thu, Oct 29, 2009
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Pillar of Fire on Sun Sounds

The production studios at Sun Sounds of Arizona have been bustling lately, as we prepare an original radio play for broadcast on Halloween, October 31, at 8pm. Produced in conjunction with The Big Read AZ’s exploration of Fahrenheit 451, Sun Sounds presents “Pillar of Fire,” a play by Ray Bradbury, based on his short story. The original production tells the sinister tale of Lantry, a man who rises from the dead and discovers, to his horror, a world free of horror—a world where fiction has been successfully banished and burned, and people are so conditioned that they no longer fear death or the dead or ghouls or ghosts, where no chills run up the spine at the prospect of walking down a dark street. Will the mad visionary Lantry succeed in bringing the terror of shadows back to the world, even if it means a spree of murder and destruction? Shakespearean actor James Ward leads the cast of the unnerving and thought-provoking story, produced by Margie Zebell and adapted for audio and directed by M.V. Moorhead. Following “Pillar of Fire” stay tuned to Sun Sounds for an encore presentation of “Frankenstein,” a Halloween favorite. Both programs are one hour long, and preempt regular Saturday evening programs.

Event Location: www.sunsounds.org, ,

Date: Sat, Oct 31, 2009
Time: 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: Fahrenheit 451



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