What a great kickoff!

Dr. Rafia Zafar, from Washington University, gave us a great kickoff speech about Zora Neale Hurston.
Dr. Zafar is a Professor of English, African and African American, and American Culture Studies at Washington University, and it was truly wonderful to hear her speak. If you didn't get a chance to hear Dr. Zafar on May 25, be sure and join us for the August 24 discussion and click here to watch a video of Dr. Zafar discussing the books she edited for Library of America, The Harlem Renaissance; Four Novels of the 1930s and The Harlem Renaissance; Five Novels of the 1920s.

What Do You Know? (about Zora Neale Hurston)

Zora Neale Hurston, 1937. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division - Photograph. Reproduction number: LC-USZ62-126945 (b&w film copy neg.)

We're all going to learn a lot about Zora Neale Hurston in the coming months.  Many of us know a little already, though.  Comment below with something you  know about this woman of many facets.  We'll share our knowledge here and at the first round of discussions!

• I know that Zora Neale Hurston was well-known for wearing a fabulous variety of hats!  (And we'll hear more about this as the summer goes on!)

Big Book Challenge 2016 FAQs

•  How soon may I pick up my book so I can get started?

We are hard at work getting the books and supporting materials ready to go for you.  Everything will be available at the kickoff May 25; if you have signed up through our online survey and are unable to attend the kickoff, your materials will be waiting for you on the hold shelf Thursday, May 26.

•   Do I need to have a University City card to participate?

Absolutely not!  You can check out Zora Neale Hurston’s Novels & Stories with a card from any of the libraries in the Municipal Library Consortium. If you don’t have one yet, or you’re not sure, we can sign you up for a UCPL card at the kickoff.

•   Is there any cost to participate?

Never!  All programs are free for everyone, and there is no charge to check out materials.

•   Must I commit to a particular discussion meeting time?

No, you may come to any discussions you wish, or even attend more than one per month if you are available.  If you can’t attend every month, that is perfectly fine.

•  What do I win if I participate and finish the readings?

v  Bragging rights: You’ll receive a specially designed Zora Neale Hurston button for your tote bag showing the number of pages completed, as well as a one-of-a-kind homemade bookmark.

v  That all-important sense of accomplishment: We’re all working together to tackle a challenge and stretch our horizons!

v  New friends: You’ll meet new people from your neighborhood and beyond.

v  The best things in life aren’t things, right?