Mayor Mike Fahey, Omaha Public Library Executive Director Rivkah Sass, and Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo Director Dr. Lee Simmons will host a press conference to kick off The Big Read, a celebration of Jack London’s classic novel The Call of the Wild on Nov. 15, 10:45 a.m. at Omaha Public Library’s W. Dale Clark Library, 215 S. 15th St.

Omaha is one of 127 communities nationwide participating in The Big Read from January through June 2008. This is the first time a zoo has been chosen to participate. Since the program’s national launch in 2006, the Nebraska Endowment for the Arts has funded more than 300 Big Read programs across the nation. From January 4 through March 15, Omaha will celebrate Jack London’s The Call of the Wild with a full calendar of events including a kickoff at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo on January 4, signature events, book lectures and discussions.

The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services designed to revitalize the role of literature in American cultures and bring the transformative power of literature into the lives of its citizens. The Big Read brings together partners from across the country to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment. More information can be found at www.neabigread.org.

A complete listing of The Big Read events can be viewed at www.omahazoo.com or omahapubliclibrary.org.

Contact
Linda Trout, OPL Community Services Manager
402-444-4838
or
Dawn Ream, HDZ Marketing and Public Relations Manger
402-738-2022