Albion's 2015 Big Read Photo Gallery

Albion's Big Read had events scheduled throughout the entire month of October 2015. Whether you missed an event or just want to relive the magic, check out our photo galleries below. Galleries are separated by event and are categorized by date, starting with the most recent events. The earlier events, like the Big Read Summer Leadership Program, are toward the bottom of the page. Click a photo to make it larger and use the arrows on your keyboard to scroll through them.

Albion's Big Read Celebration & Keynote Speaker: M.T. Anderson
October 27, 2015

Book Discussion with Cedriana and Kei'Asianique
October 21, 2015

Big Read Leaders, Cedriana and Kei'Asianique, led a creative discussion about characters, challenges, and failures. They began the discussion by asking the audience to think about their "Friday songs," or songs that you listen to in celebration of Friday, and what characters from A Wizard of Earthsea would choose as their songs. Brainstorming character's Friday songs humanized them in a way that made them more relatable to the audience. After that, they asked the participants to think about what characters they want with them during a challenge in their life. We would like to thank Sisters Influencing Society and the Albion College Admissions Office for hosting this discussion.

Panel Discussion on Masculinity and Violence
October 20, 2015

Throughout the novel, Ged battles with insecurities. In chapter four, a peer challenges his power and Ged makes an aggressive, life-changing mistake while attempting to prove his masculinity. The first of a two-part series, this exciting Panel Discussion began a deconstruction of an ideal definition of what it means to be male in our society. We would like to thank the facilitator, Kenneth Ponds, and the five distinct panelists. Join us on Sunday, October 25 from 7:00-9:00 PM for part two with a screening and discussion of the film, The Mask We Wear.

Book Discussion with Terek and Shi'Terriona
October 19, 2015

Big Read Leaders, Terek and Shi'Terriona, led a discussion with the Mayor's Youth Council about adventure, magic, and decision-making. They began the discussion with a fun game using a ball with thoughtful questions written on it. Once everyone got thinking, they asked the audience to think about what character from A Wizard of Earthsea they would want to take on an adventure.

More of Albion's Music Through the Ages
October 18, 2015

On the novel's very first page, we are told that Ged's deeds are sung by bards long after his death. The transmission of history through song occurs in our own world as well. Albion's Music through the Ages was a celebration of that history, songs, and our past. Thank you, Albion Historical Society, for hosting this wonderful event.

Book Discussion with A'Veion and Danielle
October 15, 2015

Big Read Leaders, A'veion and Danielle, led an enlightening discussion about Ursula Le Guin's A Wizard of Earthsea with an emphasis on the importance of names in Ged's life and our own. They asked the audience about what kinds of names and nicknames they had been called throughout their lives. After that, the group discussed characters from an array of books and how names and language have the power to humanize or dehumanize. We'd like to thank the Albion Community School PTO for hosting.

The Big Read comes to the Table Française
October 14, 2015

Lovers of French joined the Albion's Sister City Committee for a discussion of Ursula Le Guin's A Wizard of Earthsea while comparing the English text to excerpts from the French translation. The two were surprisingly very different!

Book Discussion with Ian and Lily
October 12, 2015

Big Read Leaders, Ian and Lily, led an inspiring discussion of Ursula Le Guin's A Wizard of Earthsea with an emphasis on relationships, risk, and adventure. We'd like to thank Books and More, our local independent bookstore, and the Albion District Library for hosting this discussion.

Book Discussion with A'Veion, Bella, and Cassie
October 11, 2015

Avee, Bella, and Cassie led a wonderful discussion about A Wizard of Earthsea and focused on the topic of perspectives and life's challenges. We would like to thank our hosts, the local chapter of the Association of American University Women.

Book Discussion with Leia, Larenz, and Akaiia
October 10, 2015

We would like to thank the local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and their youth program ASCEND as they hosted this discussion about Ursula Le Guin's A Wizard of Earthsea. Big Read Leaders, Leia, Larenz, and Akaiia led the empowering discussion with an emphasis on the topic of strength.

Yinger Family Lecture & Inaugural Big Read Speaker:
Christopher Myers
October 6, 2015

We would like to thank Christopher Myers, award-winning writer and illustrator, for his thoughtful speech at this year's Yinger Family Lecture and Inaugural Big Read Lecture. Mr. Myers spoke about the power of words, images, and imagination and the role those have in making our world a more just place. He spoke to students at the Albion Community School and an audience at Albion's newly restored Bohm Theater. We would also like to thank the Albion Community School Choir and United Voices of Albion for their lovely musical performances.

Albion's Big Read Kick Off Event and Parade
October 3, 2015

Albion's Big Read has officially arrived! After many months of preparation, the Big Read month began with our Kick-Off Event and Parade. Despite the rain, we had approximately 200 people join us at Holland Park for fun activities, delicious food, good music, and whimsical circus entertainment. Thank you to everyone that added to the magic!

Festival of the Forks
September 30, 2015

Albion's Big Read Student Leadership Program and Workshop
July, August, & September 2015

Throughout the summer and into the fall, we met with thirteen amazing young people as they prepared to lead discussions during October, Albion's Big Read month. During our time together, we found a healthy balance of work and play. Whether we were eating donuts off of strings, exploring campus, playing ice breakers, or engaging in discussions about Ursula Le Guin's A Wizard of Earthsea, we were building our relationships and community. Keep an eye out for these young leaders and their books discussions throughout October. We are so proud of them!