The Big Read Roanoke Valley

Plans for the first Big Read Roanoke Valley were launched in June,

 2009, by the board of the Friends of the Roanoke County Public

 Library. Two members of the Friends’ board serve as coordinators

for the project, and the Friends underwrite a large portion of the

 expenses. Other public libraries as well as college libraries in Salem,

Botetourt County and Roanoke, two newspapers and a business

 magazine also help fund the initiative.

The goals of The Big Read Roanoke Valley are to encourage people

 to make reading a part of their daily lives and to foster a stronger

 sense of community. As part of The Big Read in Virginia, Roanoke

Valley residents will read Ernest Gaines’ A Lesson Before Dying.

 Activities based on the book are open to the public and will take

 place throughout the Valley In March, 2010.