Fairfax County announced that Reston Regional Library is one of 50 libraries across the country to receive "The Great American Read" grant from the American Library Association and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Although viewers are half-way through the March Madness-like eight-episode show where they can vote for their top book from a list of 100 of the most-loved novels, opportunity awaits the public including individuals in the local Reston and Herndon communities, to jump in the game at any time and begin voting for their best-loved novels.
According to Fairfax County: "The 100 books have been placed into a bracket and divided into quadrants based on the years they were published: The Classics, Mid-Century, Late Century and Contemporary." Just like in an NCAA Tournament bracket, winners of each matchup advance to the next round. For each round, voting is open one week except the last two rounds.
Fairfax County Public Library Director Jessica Hudson said, "The Great American Read is a terrific initiative because it’s getting people of all ages and backgrounds not only to think about and vote for their favorite book but to reflect on the value of books and of reading in their lives. Reading expands our mind. It gives us opportunities to meet people, go places and understand new thoughts we might never have otherwise known. It’s a safe environment to discover all kinds of wonderful new things."
Reston Regional Library is hosting screenings after each episode and is offering a mix of programs to complement "The Great American Read.” "We’ve partnered with our local PBS station, WETA-TV 26, as well as with the Friends of the Reston Regional Library and local businesses such as Scrawl Books to host programs that include Trivia Night, Green Screen Photo Booths, author talks, and literary discussions moderated by scholars and writers,” shared Ha Hoang, Assistant Branch Manager, Reston Regional Library.
On Oct. 22, the day before PBS airs its final episode announcing its champion, the top book in Fairfax County will be announced, reports Fairfax County.