University Libraries Hosting Edgar Allan Poe Launch Event

News item published on: 2015-09-24 12:05:47

University Libraries at The University of Southern Mississippi, in conjunction with the Library of Hattiesburg, Petal and Forrest County, is hosting an event celebrating the works and life of Edgar Allan Poe at the Hattiesburg Public Library on October 6, 2015, at 6 p.m.

In May, University Libraries received a Big Read grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to fund programming promoting Poe and his works to the local community. This initiative will support innovative reading programs designed to encourage people to read, discuss, and celebrate the Poe’s writings. The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment of the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. The opening event will introduce the public to upcoming events and include a reading of Poe’s works.

The first 25 people will receive a copy of Great Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe. Light refreshments will be served. This event will kick off three months of programming focusing on the stories and poetry of Edgar Allan Poe. Events include book discussions, exhibits, scholarly lectures, film showings, and a live radio performance. The activities are a result of collaboration between University Libraries, the College of Arts and Letters, and the Library of Hattiesburg, Petal and Forrest County.

For a complete list of events, visit www.lib.usm.edu/bigread. For more information about this event and others, contact Jennifer Brannock at  or 601.266.4347 or Sarah Mangrum at or 601.266.4251.