Read 'The Things They Carried;' Then Let’s Talk

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — When is a good book more than just a good read? When it’s the 2020 NEA Big Read – and it’s a big deal for Hillsborough County.

Residents are invited to find out for themselves how the joy of sharing a good book can bring a community together during the NEA Big Read, organized by the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library system. Funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, Hillsborough’s program centers on “The Things They Carried” by American novelist Tim O’Brien. The collection of linked short stories about a platoon of American soldiers fighting on the ground in the Vietnam War is based upon his experiences as a soldier in the 23rd Infantry Division.

Library staff chose “The Things They Carried” from the grant list in tribute to Hillsborough’s significant military ties: In addition to being home to MacDill Air Force Base, Hillsborough has the most veterans in Florida.

But the NEA Big Read is more than just getting as many people in the community to read the same book at the same time. During March and April, the library system is working with several organizations to present a full schedule of special events, including book discussions, cultural events, a veterans writing workshop, and an appearance by the author.

The NEA Big Read kicks off on Saturday, March 7, with the Hometown Heroes Community Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park and Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum, 3602 U.S. 301 N. in Tampa. The family-friendly event will feature displays by local organizations that support the community and veterans. There will also be activities for kids. Complimentary copies of “The Things They Carried” – which has a mature theme best suited for older teens and adults – will be available as supplies last.

Other highlights of the 2020 NEA Big Read include:

• Unlimited digital access for Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative cardholders to borrow “The Things they Carried” from March 5-April 14
• Book discussions at 16 libraries, scheduled March 12-April 14
• A veterans photo exhibit from March 15-April 17 at SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin, curated by the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
• Introductory Veterans Writing Workshop, March 19 at 1:30 p.m. at Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, 13619 N. 22nd St. in Tampa, presented in partnership with the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and funded by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library.
• “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place: American Songs From The Vietnam Era,” a musical presentation on March 29 at 3 p.m. at New Tampa Regional Library, 1001 Cross Creek Blvd. in Tampa
• “An Evening with Author Tim O’Brien” on Friday, April 17 at 6 p.m. at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave. in Tampa. O’Brien will discuss “The Things They Carried” and his experiences during the Vietnam War. This event is funded by the Friends of the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library.

For a complete schedule of events, visit HCPLC.org/NEA Big Read.

This press release was produced by the Hillsborough County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.