Libraries join forces for Big Read program

FYI

For details on The Big Read, visit www.thebigread.org.

Anybody who knows anything about time machines knows they usually have bright, flashing lights and make loud, whirring noises before they whisk you off to face untold dangers in another century.

But not always.

Sometimes they look surprisingly like your public library when you discover a program or -- hold on tight! -- a book that actually transports you to a different time and place.

That's what organizers are hoping for again this winter and spring as 10 area libraries, including Lisle's, invite patrons to participate in the fourth annual Big Read campaign.

The program, of course, is patterned after similar efforts in Chicago and Naperville that aim to pull communities together by inviting residents to dig into the same book and then discuss what they find with friends and neighbors.

Not coincidentally, such programs also strive to lure a few more visitors into their friendly neighborhood library to see what the fuss is about.

This year's offering is "Dream When You're Feeling Blue," by best-selling author Elizabeth Berg, which focuses on life on the home front during World War II. Set in Chicago, it's the story of three sisters, their Irish family and the men they love.

"Dream" follows on the heels of previous Big Read offerings that featured a serial killer ("The Devil in the White City"), a race horse ("Seabiscuit") and General Sherman's March to the Sea ("The March").

"We like this book because there's not a lot about the home front during World War II that's available in a fiction format," said Carol Kania, publicity and program coordinator for the Downers Grove Public Library.

This year's Big Read brings together a record 10 libraries, with LaGrange and LaGrange Park joining those from Lisle, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Indian Prairie, Thomas Ford, Westmont and Woodridge.

All have stocked extra copies of the book and will combine their efforts to offer programs focusing on the World War II era that include first-person portrayals, musical performances, book discussions, presentations on art, architecture and clothing, and an appearance by Berg that's expected to draw hundreds of fans as a culmination of the whole shebang.

"I think The Big Read works on many different levels," Kania said. "Some people will just be interested in the book and some people may just be interested in one or two of the programs. But it all helps build awareness of what's available at the library, and gives patrons a chance to talk and learn a little about history."

Kania says organizers have several criteria for selecting works for the campaign: the author must be willing to make an appearance; the stories must lend themselves to entertaining programming (with an emphasis on colorful moments in American history); and there should be a Chicago-area connection.

Berg, who has written several novels, including "We Are All Welcome Here" and "Open House," which was an Oprah Book Club selection in 2000, was excited about being featured, and her "Dream" seemed the perfect choice, Kania said.

The libraries announced this year's selection in early December, with an eye toward giving people a chance to buy the book for the holidays. A complete program guide will be distributed in early February to outline the offerings scheduled to run from March through Berg's appearance in May.

If all goes well, that will give everyone who wants to participate a chance to delve into the story, learn a little history, and maybe have a little fun, too.

"It's great for the libraries to work together to make things like this available," Kania said. "It's something patrons enjoy and that we enjoy doing."