Behind the Headlines

By: Michelle Swartz

I covered Monday night’s kickoff celebration of the annual Big Read of Monroe County. It was held at the La-Z-Boy Center at the college.

I was impressed with how many people attended, especially the range of ages. I talked to teenage students as young as 15, which is quite refreshing. Most people picked up free copies of “The Great Gatsby” novel and then watched the movie.

There had to be around 200 people attending the event. I guess it’s nice to see — in this world obsessed with technology — that warming up to a good book remains a favorite pasttime.  

I even ran into my high school English teacher who now teaches at the college. It was good seeing you, Mrs. Venier! And thanks for all the English lessons that helped me land my job!! 

Hope to see you all there again next year!