13243 N. Founders Park Blvd.
Surprise, AZ 85379
Tel: 623/935-6384
Fax: 623/935-4327
http://www.westvalleyarts.org
Description: Celebrate the Arizona Big Read. Book for this month: Call of the Wild by Jack London. The adventures of an unusual dog, part St. Bernard, part Scotch shepherd, that is forcibly taken to the Klondike gold fields where he eventually becomes the leader of a wolf pack. Extra books provided by the West Valley Arts Council.
Event Location: El Mirage Branch 14011 N 1st Avenue, El Mirage, AZ 85335
Join the celebration of the Valley's fourth annual Big Read by meeting creatures great and small of the wild! Book giveaways, guest speakers, furry animals and more!
Event Location: 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
Family entertainment with stories, songs, and activities for the whole family, preschoolers to adults, to enjoy and participate in together. TONIGHT: THE CALL OF THE WILD. Kick off this year's Big Read book celebration with a puppet show with the Teen Story Troupe and stories from Far North.
Event Location: Queen Creek Branch 21802 S Ellsworth Road , Queen Creek, AZ 85242
City of Surprise Room Ever wonder what police dogs do? Join us as we meet an Officer and a K-9 from the City of Surprise Police Department. Parents must remain with their children, all ages.
Event Location: Northwest Regional Library (Surprise) 16089 N Bullard Avenue, Surprise, AZ 85374
Police dogs have a job. They are trained and work along with their Police Officer. This program provides insight into a side of police work most people never know about. Join us as we meet an Officer and a K-9 from the City of Surprise Police Department. Ages 9 -18.
Event Location: Northwest Regional Library (Surprise) 16089 N Bullard Avenue, Surprise, AZ 85374
Join us to watch the film version of The Call of the Wild.
Event Location: Southeast Regional Library (Gilbert) 775 N Greenfield Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234
Join us for a discussion of Jack London’s Call of the Wild.
Event Location: North Valley Regional Library (Anthem) 40410 North Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem, AZ 85086
Read Call of the Wild? Now find out more about the animals and tundra of the Arctic. Display will combine fiction and nonfiction materials.
Event Location: Northwest Regional Library (Surprise) 16089 N Bullard Avenue, Surprise, AZ 85374
Arizona artists will be juried into a month long exhibit featuring wildlife animals from near and far. The purpose of the exhibit is twofold: to tie into the West Valley Arts Council’s annual Big Read celebration, this year featuring Jack London’s book “The Call of the Wild” and to increase awareness for the preservation of wildlife and recognize artists who derive inspiration and imagery from wildlife and the environment.
Event Location: West Valley Arts Council Gallery, 19420 N 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308
Learn all about what sled dogs do! Come and meet some working sled dogs, and learn how they work together as a team. Snowvale Crew Sled Dog Adventures, LLC will explain how sled dogs train for their snowy adventures and work together with their “driver.”
Event Location: Wickenburg Public Library, 164 E Apache Street Wickenburg, AZ, Wickenburg, AZ 85390
Join us for a celebratory opening night of the West Valley Arts Council's Wild at Art exhibit. Meet the artists and winners of this show featuring paintings and sculptures of wildlife!
Event Location: West Valley Arts Council’s Gallery, 19420 N. 59th Ave. Suite #A104, Glendale, AZ 85308
An entire day dedicated to writers and books! Gain tips and insight from experienced writers and other publishing professionals on how to become successful at getting published. Register online at www.avondale.org/writersconference.
Event Location: Avondale City Hall, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale, AZ 85323
Animal Care & Control’s Mobile Adoption Bus will at the Fountain Hills branch. Stop by for on-site adoptions.
Event Location: Fountain Hills Branch 12901 N La Montana Dr, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Join film scholar Jeannie Berg to watch and discuss the 1972 film adaptation of Jack London’s classic adventure “Call of the Wild,” starring Charlton Heston. Set during the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1800s, London tells the story of Buck, a dog who is stolen from a comfortable life in California and sold to become an Alaskan sled dog. He changes many owners until he ends up with John Thornton (Heston). The story emphasizes the harshness of the time and place. Rated PG. Runtime: 100 minutes.
Event Location: Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St. , Glendale, AZ 85302
Kids, ages 8-12, are invited to join others in discussing this classic book. Registration begins on September 20; call the Youth Desk at 623-930-3537 to RSVP and reserve a copy of the book.
Event Location: Glendale Main Library Youth Dept. 5959 W. Brown St., Glendale, AZ 85302
Watch and discuss The Call of the Wild film.
Event Location: Northwest Regional Library (Surprise) 16089 N Bullard Avenue, Surprise, AZ 85374
We will be discussing The Call of the Wild by Jack London. Discussion questions and meeting dates are available in our reading club handout at the customer service desk. Conference Room.
Event Location: Fountain Hills Branch, 12901 N La Montana Dr., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
The Gentle Reads Book Discussion Group meets monthly to discuss emotionally uplifting and inspirational fiction. Arizona Humanities Scholar Greg McNamee will lead the discussion of this month’s selection, “Call of the Wild” by Jack London. Please call Sarah at 623-930-3844 for more info.
Event Location: Foothills Branch, 19055 N. 57th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85308
Join our monthly book discussion group for the classic title: Call of the Wild by Jack London.
Event Location: Perry Branch (Gilbert) 1965 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297
Please read Call of the Wild by Jack London and join us for an interesting discussion.
Event Location: Northwest Regional Library (Surprise) 16089 N Bullard Avenue, Surprise, AZ 85374
Please join us for a lecture by James L. Haley of the lives and times of Jack London.
Event Location: Northwest Regional Library (Surprise) 16089 N Bullard Avenue, Surprise, AZ 85375
Like to talk about the films you watch? Join the "Reel Discussions" group at the Library, watch a The Call of The Wild as part of the Big Read celebration and participate in an interesting discussion afterwards. Even the popcorn is free! Conference Room.
Event Location: Fountain Hills Branch, 12901 N La Montana Dr., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Celebrate the Big Read at the Museum with Desert Sleuths Sisters in Crime! Ideas for short stories are everywhere. Perhaps the important thing, then, is not in knowing where to look for an idea, but how to look. Join us in the Lemon Art Research Library for this discussion, book-signing and workshop using the Museum’s collections for inspiration. Authors include: Nancy Redd, Howard Carron, Suzanne Flaig, Merle McCann, JoAnne Zeterberg, Judy Starbuck, Lori Hines, Susan Budavari, Deborah J Ledford, Chantelle Aimee Osman, R K Olson, Margaret Morse, Diana Manley.
Event Location: Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
Join us for a very special Night Time Storytime as we celebrate dogs. Bring your favorite stuffed dog and listen to stories about Man’s (and Woman’s) Best Friend! All ages.
Event Location: Northwest Regional Library (Surprise) 16089 N Bullard Avenue, Surprise, AZ 85374
James L. Haley, author of the new biography about Jack London, titled "Wolf" visits the Phoenix area to discuss his book.
Event Location: Perry Branch, 1965 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297
Learn all about sled dogs at this special Big Read edition of Reading Really Rocks. Children of all ages (with caregiver) can take a wild ride through books, songs, rhymes, and a dog sled craft.
Event Location: Northwest Regional Library (Surprise) 16089 N Bullard Avenue, Surprise, AZ 85374
Renée Guillory, author of "Best Hikes with Dogs in Arizona," will discuss her book. In the mix: dog-suitable trails,keeping those tails wagging on Arizona’s desert trails, what to pack for your pooch: the Ten Canine Essentials and the doggy first aid kit.
Event Location: Arizona State Library,1101 W. Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Do you have what it takes to survive the wild? Learn the essential “big four” skills needed to safely explore the desert landscape. Tony Nester, survival expert and author of Desert Survival Tips, Tricks and Skills, will cover: survival kits, locating water, desert myths (or why you can't get water from cactus), signaling, shade shelters, as well as desert hazards such as flash floods, venomous creatures, and heat-related injuries. (Ages 12-18)
Event Location: North Valley Regional Library (Anthem) 40410 North Gavilan Peak Parkway , Anthem, AZ 85086
Has reading Jack London’s “Call of the Wild” got you wondering about sled dogs? Join Valerie Dockter of Snovale Crew Sled Dog Adventures, LLC to hear all about sledding, sled dogs and what sled dogs do. She may even bring in some four-legged guests! The event is for ages 7 and up. Seating is limited. For more information, call 623-930-3537.
Event Location: Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St., Glendale, AZ 85302
There will be approximately 12-18 authors of the Desert Sleuths discussing the themes of "Call of the Wild" and short stories in general from 6-7. At 7 the biographer of Jack London, James L. Haley, will do a presentation.
Event Location: Queen Creek Branch Library, 21802 S. Ellsworth Rd. , Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Please join us for a lecture by James L. Haley, author of "Wolf, The Lives of Jack London."
Event Location: Queen Creek Branch Library, 21802 S. Ellsworth Rd., Queen Creek, AZ 85242
James L. Haley will talk about his books and author Jack London.
Event Location: Sun City Branch, 16828 N 99th Avenue, Sun City, AZ 85351
We will present a film version of Call of the Wild. Please join us!
Event Location: Sun City Branch 16828 N 99th Avenue , Sun City, AZ 85351
Can you really teach an old dog new tricks?? Celebrate The Big Read with Toni Drugmand of Sit Means Sit Dog Training and learn how to read dog body language to avoid negative encounters with dogs. Live dogs will be present for training purposes. For children of all ages. Library Reading Lounge.
Event Location: Fountain Hills Branch, 12901 N La Montana Dr., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
On Sunday, October 10, the Sierra Club’s Inner City Outings (ICO) program will be enjoying a hike on the Parker Creek Trail in the Sierra Ancha Wilderness about 120 miles northeast of Phoenix. This is a scenic hike that follows along Parker Creek and is rated as moderate or an easy “B.” It is approximately 7 miles round trip. The hike will be part of The Big Read: The Valley Reads The Call of the Wild. The ICO program focuses on getting kids outside to enjoy these wild places. Each of the ICO participants will get a copy of Jack London’s book about this great adventure. Contact Lisa Vaaler at lisa.vaaler@yahoo.com or #602-468-4158 for additional details and meeting location.
Event Location: Sierra Ancha Wilderness, , AZ
Parents bring your little ones inside to cool down and listen to tales of arctic animals from afar. Read books on Penguins, Seals, Polar Bears and Sled Dogs as well and have fun with rhyming songs and finger plays in celebration of Dog month.
Event Location: Northwest Regional Library (Surprise) 16089 N Bullard Avenue, Surprise, AZ 85374
Support the West Valley Arts Council's 4th Annual Big Read by dining at the Claim Jumper!
Event Location: Claim Jumper Restaurant, 10125 W McDowell Rd, Avondale, AZ 85392
In Jack London's The Call of the Wild, Buck discovered his wild wolf ancestor in Alaska; find out how that "call of the wild" is surviving in Arizona. Celebrate the BIG READ and Jack London's The Call of the Wild by joining the Phoenix Zoo for an evening about wolf recovery and other conservation stories from Arizona. You might even encounter an animal or two! This program is for ages 12 and up.
Event Location: Queen Creek Branch Library, 21802 S. Ellsworth Rd., Queen Creek, AZ 85242
Animal Care & Control will come to the Sun City Branch for people to see animals to adopt.
Event Location: Sun City Branch 16828 N 99th Avenue, Sun City, AZ 85351
Families! Bring your dog to the library and enter him/her in the “Tail Wagging Dog Show.” Prizes will be awarded for Fastest Tail, Best Costume, Owner/Dog look alike, Prettiest, Smallest, Largest and Best Trick. Get your picture taken with your dog, too! (Your dog MUST have a current rabies tag on collar or proof of current rabies registration). Also, October is “Adopt a Dog Month,” and the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control “Adopt a Pet” mobile will be in the Library parking lot, with several dogs who are looking to be placed in loving homes. If you or anybody you know is looking for a lovable pooch, make it to the library for this program! All ages. (registration needed for dog show)
Event Location: North Valley Regional Library (Anthem) 40410 North Gavilan Peak Parkway , Anthem, AZ 85086
Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project coordinates the efforts of our Coalition Partners throughout the Southwest, who have come together to help achieve the recovery of Mexican gray wolves in the Grand Canyon region. Wolves play a crucial role in sustaining and restoring the diversity of life in our nations wildlands. Celebrate Wolf Awareness Week by visiting www.gcwolfrecovery.org.
Event Location: Grand Canyon Region, Flagstaff, AZ 86002
Join us for a lively discussion of The Call of the Wild by Jack London. In Room 117 at Goodyear City Hall.
Event Location: Goodyear Branch, 250 N Litchfield Road, Ste 185 , Goodyear , AZ 85338
Rob Gould, is the CEO of Banner Estrella Hospital and is also a Board Member of the West Valley Arts Council. In 1983, he was the youngest male to have completed the Iditarod. His talk will cover growing up in Alaska, the great race and experiences from his youth that are comparable to the book.
Event Location: Northwest Regional Library (Surprise) 16089 N Bullard Avenue, Surprise, AZ 85374
Read and discuss Jack London's "The Call of the Wild".
Event Location: Sunrise Mountain Library 21109 N. 98th Ave., Peoria, AZ 85382
Please read Call of the Wild by Jack London and join us for a lively discussion in Study Room 4.
Event Location: Southeast Regional Library (Gilbert) 775 N Greenfield Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234
Join our book club discussion focusing on "The Call of the Wild" and its themes.
Event Location: Wickenburg Public Library, 164 E Apache Street Wickenburg, AZ, Wickenburg, AZ 85379
Learn all about what sled dogs do! Come and meet some working sled dogs, and learn how they work together as a team. Snowvale Crew Sled Dog Adventures, LLC will explain how sled dogs train for their snowy adventures and work together with their “driver.” Ages 7-11. Registration required.
Event Location: Queen Creek Branch Library, 21802 S. Ellsworth Rd., Queen Creek, AZ 85242
Life during the gold rush was tough in Alaska, but so is today’s punishing Iditarod dog-sled race. Rob Gould, the CEO of Banner Estrella Hospital, was the youngest male to have completed the Iditarod. He will speak to Foothill’s A Novel Approach book group about that excruciating race, growing up in Alaska, and experiences from his youth that are comparable to London’s “Call of the Wild.” Everyone is welcome. For more information, call Sarah at 623-930-3844.
Event Location: Foothills Branch Library, 19055 N. 57th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85308
Everyone is welcome to come discuss Call of the Wild. For info, call Melanie at 623-930-3549.
Event Location: Glendale Main Library 5959 W. Brown St.,, Glendale, AZ 85302
Join new friends and old for The Call of the Wild Teen Book Discussion.
Event Location: Northwest Regional Library (Surprise) 16089 N Bullard Avenue, Surprise, AZ 85374
Animal Care & Control’s Mobile Adoption Bus will at the Southeast Regional Library. Stop by for on-site adoptions.
Event Location: Southeast Regional Library (Gilbert) 775 N Greenfield Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234
Rob Gould is the CEO of Banner Estrella Hospital In 1983, he was the youngest male to have completed the Iditarod. His talk will cover growing up in Alaska, the great race and experiences from his youth that are comparable to the book.
Event Location: Sun City Branch 16828 N 99th Avenue, Sun City, AZ 85351
Renee Guillory, author of Best Hikes in Arizona with Dogs, shares her knowledge of where to enjoy some of Arizona's best trails with man's best friend.
Event Location: North Valley Regional Library (Anthem) 40410 North Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem, AZ 85086
Come and meet therapy dogs and their handlers to learn about the value of therapy dogs and their work, including how they can help children improve their reading skills. In Room 117 at Goodyear City Hall.
Event Location: Goodyear Branch 250 N Litchfield Road, Ste 185 , Goodyear, AZ 85338
Read and discuss Jack London's "The Call of the Wild."
Event Location: Peoria Public Library 8463 W. Monroe St., Peoria, AZ 85345
As part of The Big Read, learn a little more about sled dogs, including their gear: harness, booties, gang line from Snovale Sled Dog Adventures, LLC. Meet two Samoyed dogs and learn about this outdoor life. The program is aimed at ages 7 and up. For more information, call 623-930-3837.
Event Location: Foothills Branch Library, Roadrunner Room 19055 N. 57th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85308
The Sun City Branch Fiction Book Club will discuss Call of the Wild by Jack London.
Event Location: Sun City Branch 16828 N 99th Avenue, Sun City, AZ 85351
Animal Care & Control’s Mobile Adoption Bus will at the Northwest Regional Library. Stop by for on-site adoption of the newest member of your family. All animals are spayed or neutered and given age appropriate vaccinations. The cost of adoption ranges from $50-$150.
Event Location: Northwest Regional Library (Surprise) 16089 N Bullard Avenue, Surprise, AZ 85374
