This program ran in 2021. It is archived here for those who are interested
All Hamptons Read logo

Five communities are coming together during March, April and May in a partnership called All Hamptons Read. The inspiration for this multi-community initiative is the book Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, an ALA Notable Book and Arthur C. Clarke Award winner. Spearheaded by the public libraries in Northampton, Florence, Easthampton, Southampton, Westhampton, and Williamsburg, All Hamptons Read is partnering with the Big Read Pocumtuck Valley, the Libraries in the Woods, New England Public Media, and other local organizations to give readers throughout our region the opportunity to come together for discussion and exploration of the themes from Station Eleven.

Much of the story revolves around a nomadic group of actors and musicians called the Travelling Symphony who tour the Great Lakes region in search of the Museum of Civilization twenty years after a pandemic has killed 99% of the world’s population. The themes raised include death and survival, the exploration of memory, what civilization is, and the endurance of art. Programs include book discussions, a workshop on trauma informed care during COVID-19, a museum panel on the role of museums in community history and legacy, and a visit by the author via zoom on April 27th, hosted by NEPM.

Review from Kirkus: “Mandel’s solid writing and magnetic narrative make for a strong combination in what should be a breakout novel.” September 19, 2014.

Copies of Station Eleven are available to borrow from the participating libraries and locations in each community. Ebooks and E-audio are also available through Overdrive/Libby. For a complete list of events and exhibits please visit forbeslibrary.org/hamptonsread.

Learn more about the novel and why PVMA chose this title here.

NEABig Read Pocumtuck Valley is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

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