One of the things that makes Homer unique is its sense of community. The Big Read sponsored by the Friends of the Homer Public Library was meant to foster that sense of community, to give us all a chance to discuss what we find important and come together to consider the present and the future. Over the course of eight weeks, there were book groups, an art class, panel discussions, a visit from Sam Weller, Ray Bradbury’s biographer, and much more.  The best part of the Big Read was the support it received from the everyone involved. 

The Friends of the Homer Public Library would like to thank the institutions and individuals who made these events possible: the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, and locally, the Homer Foundation, as well as the Cottonwood Fund, a donor-advised funds with the Homer Foundation. We’ve been fortunate to partner with the Kachemak Bay Campus of the Kenai Peninsula College, Kachemak Bay Broadcasting Inc., Pier One Theatre and the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, as well as individuals such as Ann-Margaret Wimmerstedt, Carmen Field, Beth Trowbridge and Roan Rediske. Much gratitude to the amazing folks who run and work at the Homer Bookstore, an incredible asset to our community. We’d also like to thank Library Director Ann Dixon and the staff of the Homer Public Library for all they’ve done to help make the events of the Big Read part of the myriad programs that the library offers each month. 

Thank you, Homer, for being book lovers and thoughtful discussers and curious seekers of answers. Thank you for your support. May we continue to share stories with you for many years to come.

Erin Hollowell, coordinator

Friends of the Homer Public Library