Big Read looks at 'Fahrenheit 451'

Come October Whitefish will envelop itself in Ray Bradbury’s classic novel “Fahrenheit 451” as part of The Big Read.

The Whitefish Theatre Co. has partnered with the Whitefish Community Library and the Whitefish School District to promote reading through the month-long celebration. WTC received a Big Read grant from the National Endowment of the Arts to fund the event.

“It’s to encourage reading in communities,” said Carolyn Pitman, WTC executive director. “Reading has taken a back seat to other activities and this is to bring it back to the center of the community.”

The event encourages all reading, but focuses on “Fahrenheit 451.” The novel, written in 1953, takes materials of pulp fiction and transforms them into a visionary parable of society gone awry.

The story focuses on firemen who burn books in a time when the state is suppressing learning. At the same time the citizens are indifferent to what’s happening.

“Fahrenheit 451” has become a classic and continues to sell about 50,000 copies a year.

The Big Read begins Friday, Oct. 5 at the library with a reception and ribbon cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. The event kicks off several activities including guest appearances by authors, film showings, book discussions and theater presentations.

As part of the Big Read, 300 copies of the book and 100 graphic novel versions of the book are being given away.

The schools will be involved with the events. Sophomores at the high school are reading the novel and art classes at the middle and high school will create art related to the event.

Big Read grants are meant to provide communities with the opportunity to spend a month immersed in a book. The grant assist in promoting and carry out community-based reading programs.

To volunteer or for additional information, call Whitefish Theatre Co. at 862-5371 or email Carolyn Pitman at carolyn@whitefishtheatreco.org.

For more information about the Big Read, visit www.neabigread.org.