By David Hennessey

Norwalk's Big Read 2008 kicked-off last weekend at locations citywide to promote reading for pleasure and enlightenment. As part of a National Endowment for the Arts grant program, the Norwalk Public Library has joined with other communities across the country for this initiative. The library chose "Fahrenheit 451," the science fiction classic by Ray Bradbury, as the book to get Norwalk residents excited about reading and keep them coming back for more.

First published in 1953, "Fahrenheit 451" is a classic novel set in the future when books forbidden by a totalitarian regime are burned. The hero, a book burner, suddenly discovers that books are flesh and blood ideas that cry out silently when put to the torch. The kick-off began last Saturday at Norwalk Community College with feature speaker Sam Weller, acclaimed biographer of Bradbury in "The Bradbury Chronicles." Mayor Richard Moccia was also in attendance to begin the regional initiative, which will run through June. Additional events included a book signing by Weller, a "Story Time for Kids" activity at the Norwalk Public Library, where the Norwalk Fire Department had Fire Engine #2 available for the public to visit. They also brought along Sparky the Robot to educate children about fire safety. Free copies of the book were distributed Saturday and Sunday to Norwalk Library cardholders.

"451 was chosen by the Big Read Committee as the focus for this year's event because it's a wonderful science fiction novel with modern-day undertones," explained Stan Siegel, president of the Norwalk Public Library Board of Trustees. "We're trying to continue some of the momentum generated by last year's Big Read."

The 2007 event featured To Kill A Mockingbird as its centerpiece. Siegel hopes next year's Big Read will highlight The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, a change from the decidedly adult and dystopian 451.

But no matter what literary work is chosen, the emphasis of the Big Read in Norwalk and nationwide is clear: "Read, read, read," said Siegel. "The purpose of the event is to get the entire nation revitalized in regard to reading. We have a number of events planned to stimulate excitement around Fahrenheit 451, and we hope when people get a better taste for literature they'll want to come back for more."

A recent study by the NEA citing as many as one in four Americans not reading on a regular basis has caused concern amongst literary circles. Siegel hopes that the continued efforts of projects like the Big Read will help to alleviate the problem and generate interest throughout the country.

"We're looking to not only keep people who read engaged, but to draw in new readers as well. That's what this is all about."

"We want to keep reading groups like some of the ones we have in Norwalk alive with discussion," Siegel added.

The Norwalk Public Library's participation in the Big Read will continue through June 30. Other collaborative events include: book clubs and discussion of the book's themes, an open to the public all-day reading, media involvement, presentations, lectures and dramatizations. The Big Read is presented by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Arts Midwest.

For upcoming events, visit www.thebigreadnorwalk.org.