The Wichita Public Library has announced the book selection for the annual NEA Big Read next year.
The book is “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros. It tells the story of Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago. Julie Sherwood, Education and Engagement Manager for the library, said the book allows for the exploration of race, diversity and inclusion, and the book selection will be presented in English and Spanish for the first time.
There will be a week-long film festival on women’s roles in society, and local author Sarah Smarsh will host an author talk focused on her book “Heartland,” about growing up in poverty.
The Big Read events are scheduled from February 12th through March 27th of 2022. The National Endowment for the Arts granted the Library a $20,000 to host the next program. This will be the 14th year that the Library and community partners have presented The Big Read program in Wichita.
