Block parties are a summer staple with residents taking to the streets to celebrate. The Carmel Clay Public Library will host the inaugural Great American Read Block Party from 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 11 in conjunction with a new PBS initiative called the Great American Read.
“PBS surveyed 7,000 people and asked them what their favorite book was,” said Christine Owens, reference services manager. “They came up with a list of 100 titles. They are encouraging people to vote for what the one great American read is and to read the books.”
The block party will be in the staff parking lot at CCPL. Tents will be set up with various activities for children, teens and adults.
“There will be craft activities for younger kids and teenagers,” Owens said. “We’ve got an author tent. There will be five different authors talking during the course of the afternoon. We have another tent where there will be storytellers.”
Literary fortune tellers will be on hand to offer book recommendations.
“They are library staff who are reader advisors who help people find their next good read,” Owens said. “They will be having fun playing fortune tellers. They will do one-on-one readings and in a group format as well. It’s kind of a way to have fun with helping people finding books to read.”
A crossword puzzle will offer insight to some of the books chosen for the Great American Read.
“All the questions and answers relate to the Great America Read Books,” Owens said. “We thought this was a great nationwide effort and thought we could bring attention and have a lot of fun in the process.”
Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Danny Boy Beer Works, Urban Vines and several food trucks. The event is free to attend. For more, visit carmel.lib.in.us.
