Basin PBS has announced a new venue for the upcoming kick-off event for The Great American Read, a new eight-part television series and nationwide campaign that explores the joy of books and the power of reading, told through the prism of America’s 100 best-loved books, chosen by the public.
The kick-off event is scheduled May 22 at the Centennial Library in Midland. The event will be complete with food trucks, story hour for children ages 2-6, the first-hour of the premiere episode and time to check out books!
The Great American Read encompasses the eight-part PBS series, community reading programs and special events, and a wide range of digital and social media initiatives. Featuring testimonials from notable figures from the entertainment, sports, news and literary worlds, the series culminates in the first-ever national vote to choose “America’s Best-Loved Book.”
The Great American Read will launch with a multi-platform digital and social campaign leading up to the reveal of the 100 books selected by the American public and an advisory panel of literary professionals.
The high-energy, hosted documentary special will feature appearances by celebrities and everyday Americans passionately advocating for and explaining their personal connections to their favorite books. Voting and social media engagement will continue throughout summer and into fall of 2018.
Books on the list are geared for young adults to adults. The list of 100 books can be found online.
Throughout the summer and fall, Basin PBS will partner with local organizations around the Permian Basin to activate and inspire readers through library, education and community initiatives. Basin PBS will host several read-in’s around the Permian Basin as well as host a book drive from September 11 through the conclusion of the series on Oct. 23. There will be drop locations set up around the Permian Basin where communities may leave new or gently used books for all ages. Books will be gathered and donated to various local charities.
Six episodes of the series exploring the nominated books through themes such as “Being American,” “Heroes,” “Growing Up,” “What We Do for Love” and more will begin Sept. 11. As summer turns to fall, voting will close and America’s top 10 books will be revealed counting down to America’s Best-Loved in the final episode of the series in October 2018.
The premiere kick-off screening event has been scheduled from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. May 22 at Centennial Library, 2503 Loop 250 Frontage Road, Midland.
Visit HERE to RSVP.
