National Endowment of the Arts - The Big Read

Spoon River College Foundation

Contact Info

45 East Side Square, Suite 302
Canton, IL 61520

Tel: 309/647-6260
Fax: 309/647-6465
http://www.src.edu

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The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allan Poe

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Events

Pledge Drive at Macomb Public Library

A display themed for Edgar Allan Poe will be at the Macomb Public Library and people will be encouraged to sign up pledge cards and read Edgar Allan Poe. September 1 through November 1.

Event Location: Macomb Public Library, Macomb, IL 61455

Date: Wed, Sep 1, 2010
Time: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

The Big Read "Back to School" Night Kickoff

Following a mayoral proclamation, parents will be encouraged to sign up to read a book. T-shirts may be ordered and promotional freebies will be handed out.

Event Location: Macomb High School, Macomb, IL 61455

Date: Wed, Sep 1, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

The Raven has Landed

Information and The Big Read materials about "Raven Lunatics in Spoon River Country" activities in Mason County will be distributed at the Oktoberfest in Havana.

Event Location: Havana Oktoberfest, Havana, IL 62644

Date: Fri, Sep 10, 2010
Time: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Friendship Festival "Reading Evermore" Booth

The Big Read booth will dispense handouts and promotional literature at the festival's main merchant tent.

Event Location: Friendship Festival Fairgrounds, Canton, IL 61520

Date: Wed, Sep 15, 2010 – Sat, Sep 18, 2010
Time: 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Friendship Festival Parade "Raven Lunatics" Float

The "Raven Lunatics" will participate in the Canton Friendship Festival Parade to promote participation in The Big Read, with a float that features scenes and characters from Edgar Allan Poe stories and poems.

Event Location: Friendship Festival Parade Route, Canton, IL 61520

Date: Sat, Sep 18, 2010
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

The Big Read "Raven Lunatics" Kick-Off Dinner

The kick-off dinner will feature Sam Weller, writing professor and Ray Bradbury biographer, as keynote speaker. A themed dinner, complete with gothic atmosphere, will be followed by a dramatic presentation of readings of Poe's prose and poems.

Event Location: Kemper's Banquet Hall on West Locust Street, Canton, IL 61520

Date: Tue, Sep 21, 2010
Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

In the Footsteps of Poe: Creative Writing Workshop

Sam Weller, creative writing instructor at Columbia College and renowned biographer of Ray Bradbury, will present a creative writing workshop, which will be open to high school and college students as well as adults.

Event Location: Spoon River College Conference Center, Canton, IL 61520

Date: Wed, Sep 22, 2010
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

The Big Read Kickoff & "Where's Edgar" Contest

The library will host a trivia contest & prize drawing on the town square during "Smiles Day" (Homecoming)festivities. Winners will receive Poe merchandise. In addition, a "Where's Edgar" game will begin. A five-inch action figure of Poe will be hidden in the Spoon River College Rushville center each day. The student who finds the Poe each day will have his/her name entered in a drawing. A drawing, with prizes, will take place at the midnight film 10/23.

Event Location: Rushville Town Square, Rushville, IL 62681

Date: Fri, Sep 24, 2010
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Poe on the Radio

A variety of Edgar Allan Poe's works will be presented on WDUK from September 27 through October 8.

Event Location: WDUK: Havana Radio Station, Havana, IL 62644

Date: Mon, Sep 27, 2010 – Fri, Oct 8, 2010
Time: 3:00pm – 3:30pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

WBYS Books on Radio: Readings of Edgar Allan Poe

Local radio station WBYS will broadcast a series of prose and poetry readings, featuring local guest readers, from the works of Edgar Allan Poe, every weekday at 1 p.m. throughout the month of October.

Event Location: WBYS 1560 AM , Canton, IL 61520

Date: Fri, Oct 1, 2010
Time: 1:00pm – 1:30pm
Date: Mon, Oct 4, 2010 – Fri, Oct 8, 2010
Time: 1:00pm – 1:30pm
Date: Mon, Oct 11, 2010 – Fri, Oct 15, 2010
Time: 1:00pm – 1:30pm
Date: Mon, Oct 18, 2010 – Fri, Oct 22, 2010
Time: 1:00pm – 1:30pm
Date: Mon, Oct 25, 2010 – Fri, Oct 29, 2010
Time: 1:00pm – 1:30pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan & Edgar Lee

Performances of poems by Edgar Allan Poe and Edgar Lee Masters will be recited by character/actors in the Lewistown graveyard that features the real-life inspirations of many of Master's poems from "Spoon River Anthology." A creative pairing of two of America's foremost poets.

Event Location: Oak Hill Cemetery on the Spoon River Drive, Lewistown, IL 61542

Date: Sun, Oct 3, 2010
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Date: Sun, Oct 10, 2010
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

"Tell Tale" Graveyard Walk

Individuals will be able to participate in a drive through or walking tour of the gravesites of famous (and infamous) early citizens of Canton. A guest appearance by Edgar Allan Poe is anticipated. Walking tour participants should bring a flashlight. Rain date is October 5, same times.

Event Location: Greenwood Cemetery, Canton, IL 61520

Date: Mon, Oct 4, 2010
Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Date: Mon, Oct 4, 2010
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Date: Mon, Oct 4, 2010
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Date: Mon, Oct 4, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Folklore and Ghostlore of Illinois

Michael Kleen will present a three-part class on folklore and ghostlore in Illinois. Mr. Kleen holds a Master's degree in American History. The location and times will be announced later.

Event Location: Spoon River College Macomb Campus, Macomb, IL

Date: Tue, Oct 5, 2010
Date: Tue, Oct 12, 2010
Date: Tue, Oct 19, 2010
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Tea & Poe-try: The Works of Edgar Allan Poe

Library staff will lead a discussion on three stories and selected poetry from the works of Edgar Allan Poe. The discussion is open to teens through adults.

Event Location: Parlin-Ingersoll Public Library, Canton, IL 61520

Date: Thu, Oct 7, 2010
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

"Fall of the House of Usher" Movie Screening

A screening of the Vincent Price film version of Poe's "Fall of the House of Usher" will be shown. Refreshments will be served. Followed by a discussion.

Event Location: Dickson Mounds Museum, Lewistown, IL 61542

Date: Thu, Oct 7, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 9:30pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Bela, Vincent & Edgar: The Films of Poe

A film festival of movies featuring various short stories of Edgar Allan Poe will be held at the Parlin-Ingersoll Public Library. Selected films will include the classic Bela Lugosi and Vincent Price films. Films will be determined a month before showing.

Event Location: Parlin-Ingersoll Public Library, Canton, IL 61520

Date: Fri, Oct 8, 2010
Time: 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Date: Fri, Oct 15, 2010
Time: 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Date: Fri, Oct 22, 2010
Time: 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Children's POE-try Slam

Children 5-12 will recite their favorite poems in a celebration of Poe and poetry. Families invited.

Event Location: Parlin-Ingersoll Public Library, Canton, IL 61520

Date: Mon, Oct 11, 2010
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Poe Book Discussion

Farmington Public Library District staff will lead a discussion on some short stories and poems from the work of Edgar Allan Poe. The discussion is open to teens through adults.

Event Location: Farmington District Public Library, Farmington, IL 61531

Date: Tue, Oct 12, 2010
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Scary Arts & Crafts

A variety of arts and crafts centered around Poe-inspired themes will be sponsored by the Fulton County Arts Council at the Dickson Mounds Museum. Open to children and their families.

Event Location: Dickson Mounds Museum, Lewistown, IL 61240

Date: Sat, Oct 16, 2010
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

"Not So Scary" Spook Trail for Children up to Age 8

The Canton Park District and Canton High School Thespian Club will collaborate in presenting a "not-so-scary" spook trail with Poe-esque ghosts and ghouls, for younger children.

Event Location: Big Creek Park, Canton, IL 61520

Date: Tue, Oct 19, 2010
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Third Tuesday Book Club: The Works of Edgar Allan Poe

Library staff will lead a discussion on three short stories from the works of Edgar Allan Poe and discuss his influence on the modern genres of horror and mystery. The discussion is open to teens through adults.

Event Location: Parlin-Ingersoll Public Library, Canton, IL 61520

Date: Tue, Oct 19, 2010
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Scary Spook Trail for Children Age 9 and up

The Canton Park District and Canton High School Thespian Club will collaborate in presenting a scary spook trail with Poe-esque ghosts and ghouls, for older children.

Event Location: Big Creek Park, Canton, IL 61520

Date: Tue, Oct 19, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe Film Showing

Edgar Allan Poe movie to-be-announced will be show at the SRC Community Outreach Center. Refreshments will be provided.

Event Location: Spoon River College Macomb Community Outreach Center, Macomb, IL 61455

Date: Thu, Oct 21, 2010
Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

"The Man Who Was Poe" Book Discussion

A book discussion will be held on Avi's book, "The Man who was Poe." Open to students in grades 4-8. Registration required. Please register at Parlin-Ingersoll Public Library or call 647-0328.

Event Location: Parlin-Ingersoll Public Library, Canton, IL 61520

Date: Fri, Oct 22, 2010
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Wine & Spirits: A Taste of Amontillado

This ticketed event will feature an art display, dramatic readings from Poe's works and a special visit by E. A. Poe. Ticket cost will include wine and appetizers. Spirited discussion will follow the festivities.

Event Location: Palm Cafe, Canton, IL 61520

Date: Fri, Oct 22, 2010
Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Children's Scavenger Hunt

In partnership with the "Moon over Macomb" event on the downtown square, The Big Read committee will host a Poe-themed scavenger hunt for children, with local business who are located on the square.

Event Location: Macomb Downtown Square, Macomb, IL 61455

Date: Sat, Oct 23, 2010
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Scary Halloween Stories

Mike Anderson will perform scary Halloween stories for school age children at the Rushville Public Library.

Event Location: Rushville Public Library, Rushville, IL

Date: Sat, Oct 23, 2010
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Cask of Amontillado Reading & Discussion

A wine tasting featuring a reading of "The Cask of Amontillado" and "The Raven" plus an appearance by E. A. Poe will be held at the Wine Seller's in Macomb in conjunction with Moon over Macomb events. Ravenswood Wines will be featured. A "spirited" discussion will follow the tasting and readings.

Event Location: The Wine Seller's of Macomb, Macomb, IL 61455

Date: Sat, Oct 23, 2010
Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Cemetery Walk

Schuyler County Arts Council will sponsor a walk in the cemetery. The walk will begin one hour after sunset.

Event Location: Rushville Cemetery, Rushville, IL

Date: Sat, Oct 23, 2010
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

"Nightmares of the Mind of Poe" Film Showing

A midnite showing of a Poe film, "Nightmares from the Mind of Poe" will be shown at the SRC campus.

Event Location: Rushville Spoon River College Campus, Rushville, IL 62681

Date: Sun, Oct 24, 2010
Time: 12:00am – 2:00am
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Poe in the Pulpit

Rev. Kevin Kessler's sermon this Sunday will explore common themes between the Bible and the works of Edgar Allan Poe.

Event Location: Church of the Brethren, Canton, IL 61520

Date: Sun, Oct 24, 2010
Time: 9:30am – 10:30am
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Pledge Drive and Book Discussion for Macomb Students

Following a pledge drive October 25, Macomb High School English classes will read and hold book discussions on stories and poems written by Edgar Allan Poe.

Event Location: Macomb High School , Macomb, IL 61455

Date: Mon, Oct 25, 2010 – Fri, Oct 29, 2010
Time: 8:30am – 3:30pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Pick your "Poe"

During Halloween week, customers can visit participating Canton merchants, match the "tale" to the title and win a prize. Sponsored by the Mainstreet Canton Merchants.

Event Location: Canton Downtown Business Area, Canton, IL 61520

Date: Mon, Oct 25, 2010 – Fri, Oct 29, 2010
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Rushville Women's Book Club

Rushville Women's Book Club will discuss the tales and poems of Poe.

Event Location: First Presbyterian Church, Rushville, IL

Date: Tue, Oct 26, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Monsters on Parade

Poe-themed Halloween stories and a costume parade through the library for pre-schoolers and their families are featured in this Halloween program. No registration needed.

Event Location: Parlin-Ingersoll Public Library, Canton, IL 61520

Date: Thu, Oct 28, 2010
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Halloween High School "Trick or Treat" Party for Children

Canton High School Student Council members sponsor a Halloween "trick or treat" for community children. The halls are decked out in Halloween decor, with a special emphasis on Poe themes this year.

Event Location: Canton High School, Canton, IL 61520

Date: Thu, Oct 28, 2010
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Retirees Learning Institute: Ghost Writers on the Prairie

The Big Read "Raven Lunatics" will sponsor a special keynote speaker at the annual Retirees Learning Institute at Spoon River College. Sylvia Shults will present stories and readings from her new book, "Ghosts of the Illinois River."

Event Location: Spoon River College Conference Center, Canton, IL 61520

Date: Fri, Oct 29, 2010
Time: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Chamber of Commerce Halloween "Trick or Treat" for Children

The Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a costume contest and "trick or treat" for children, with thematic ties to the works of Edgar Allan Poe.

Event Location: Downtown Canton Square, Canton, IL 61520

Date: Fri, Oct 29, 2010
Time: 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Monsters' Masquerade Trick or Treat

Canton Mainstreet sponsors a costume contest and trick or treat for children.

Event Location: Canton Downtown Square, Canton, IL 61520

Date: Fri, Oct 29, 2010
Time: 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Haunting Stories & Make a Craft

Celebrate Halloween with a fun, family-oriented event at the Havana Public Library.

Event Location: Havana Public Library, Havana, IL

Date: Sat, Oct 30, 2010
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

A Poe Nightmare on Elm Street

Walk or drive through the historic Canton Westside Neighborhood for chills and thrills on Halloween night.

Event Location: Historic Westside (Elm & Chestnut Street between Ave. A and D), Canton, IL 61520

Date: Sun, Oct 31, 2010
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe



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