LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Thanks to the Big Read Grant, awarded to the Lake County Office of Education, there are several upcoming opportunities for community members to volunteer their time, talents and creativity to this exciting initiative that encourages reading on a local level.

The steering committee has selected the stories and poems of Edgar Allan Poe as the focus of the Big Read, and is in the process of developing a number of fun, interesting and creative community events.

Following is a partial list of volunteer opportunities:

• Sept. 24 – Pear festival kickoff;

• Oct. 15-16 – film festival volunteers;

• Oct. 15 – teen-focused film festival at the Lower Lake School House Museum;

• Oct. 16 – film festival at Moore Family Winery.

• Oct. 22 – keynote session and planetarium show at the Taylor Observatory.

A short film contest will be held, and the winners will be shown at both film festivals.

A traveling art exhibit will accompany the film festivals and other Big Read activities. Artists will be invited to create interpretations of Poe’s works.

Criteria for the short films and art submissions will be published soon.

According to Robin Shrive, Big Read director, “The Big Read works when the community embraces it and people start reading together. Lake County is home to so many creative people; I’m excited about the potential of these activities to bring our communities together to celebrate literature, art and culture.”

To volunteer and find out more information about the Big Read and upcoming activities and events, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and watch for more information in the coming weeks.