Readers and Writers Community Series
A committee of the Norman Arts Council that includes Norman Public Schools, Norman Public Library and other humanities-related volunteers. The committee brings authors to Norman to provide workshops and training for the writers and Norman Public Schools. Most of which are free and open to the public.
For the last three years, the NAC has hosted a romance author panel and workshop. The Norman Public Library, Pioneer Library System, Friends of the Norman Library, the Norman Arts Council and the Oklahoma Arts Council team present a weekend of romance book sales, panel discussions and a writing workshop. Four Oklahoma romance authors presented Discover Oklahoma Romance. Ron Stahl, Director of Marketing for the Oklahoma Tourism and Travel Department and co-host of the Discover Oklahoma television series, moderated the panel discussion.
Last year, the committee was also involved with the Big Read project. The Norman Arts Council, Norman Public Library and other participating organizations took part in the Six Great Passages of The Grapes of Wrath as selected by Dr. Robert Con Davis-Undiano. These Six Great Passages were displayed for viewing at six locations in the newly formed Norman Arts District. Participants enjoyed Oklahoma grub, twangin’ bluegrass, giveaways, themed exhibits and more at this light-hearted, educational event celebrating literacy and the Oklahoma Centennial. “Walking Through The Grapes of Wrath” was scheduled as part of The Big Read project presented by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Pioneer Library System. This year the committee will again provide a Romance Writing Workshop and participate in The Big Read. This year’s novel is Bless Me Ultima, by author Rudolfo Anaya. For more information about the Big Read Project and activities, visit your local Pioneer Branch Library or check out the website at www.bigreadok.com.