The Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library received for the third year a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to host The Big Read with financial support from the Friends of the Stockton Public Library and Library and Literacy Foundation for San Joaquin. The Big Read provides the opportunity for communities to come together to read, discuss, and celebrate one of 23 selections from American and world literature. The Big Read 2010 in San Joaquin County will focus on "Call of the Wild" by Jack London.

The Call of the Wild is a novel by American author Jack London that was first published in 1903. It tells the story of a domesticated and spoiled dog named Buck, a 4-year-old and 140 Ib Saint Bernard who looks more like a large wolf than a dog. The Library kicks-off The Big Read April 17th.

The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest. Visit www.neabigread.org for more information on the national Big Read program.

Big Read Kickoff - April 17, 2010, 12pm

A day of celebration, as the third annual Big Read in Stockton and San Joaquin County kicks off. This event begins at noon with the Sierra Nevada Dog Drivers, featuring actual working sled dogs. Learn how "dog drives" are carried out today and the astonishing dedication of these special animals. Their work ethic and equipment will be discussed. For additional information with schedule events visit the website below.

April 17 - May 31, Cesar Chavez Central Library, Additional Info:

readsanjoaquin.com