The Anaheim community has selected A Lesson Before Dying 
by Ernest J. Gaines for the 4th annual NEA Big Read event

Author Ernest Gaines sets this emotional tale in the late 1940s, in the fictional town of Bayonne, Louisiana and depicts a raw story of a young black man wrongly convicted and sentenced to death. Gaines' story appeals to a wide audience, offering heart and bravery at every turn.

The Chicago Tribune writes, "This majestic, moving novel is an instant classic, a book that will be read, discussed and taught beyond the rest of our lives."

The NEA Big Read will take place from February 16 through March 16, 2019. Check the calendar for a series of literary and cultural events for all ages, including arts and crafts, film screenings, panel and book discussions, writing workshops, and more.

Kick-off Event on Sat, Feb. 16 at Central Library

Brandy Colbert - author

Celebrate one book, one city at the kick-off event featuring live music, food and more at Central Library on Saturday, February 16. The keynote speaker of the event is Brandy Colbert, an award-winning Young Adult author. Her book Little & Lion will be the teen companion read for A Lesson Before Dying. Copies of Lesson Before Dying and Little & Lion will be given away at the event. 


Event Schedule
2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
7-8 Place
Keynote Speaker Brandy Colbert

2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Children's Room
Storytime with Jazz Music

3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Multipurpose Room Downstairs
History of Soul Food by Georgia's Restaurant

3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Children's Room
Arts & Crafts: Make Your Own Instrument

Check the full calendar of events for the NEA Big Read here.



NEA             Altrusa International of Anaheim      Anaheim Public Library Foundation 

Friends      Focal      

The Anaheim Public Library is one of 79 nonprofit organizations to receive the NEA Big Read grant. An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEA Big Read aims to broaden our understanding of our world, our communities,
and ourselves through the joy of reading one book.