“Go pick up a good book.” We’ve all heard this before, and chances are we’ve done it, too. This is the idea behind The Big Read, a national program that launched in 2007 and has been incorporated into district curricula this school year.

According to The Big Read’s website, the program’s mission is to “provide citizens with the opportunity to read and discuss a single book within their communities.” According to a 2004 report by the National Endowment for the Arts, the rate of decline of literary reading has accelerated amongst all age groups, with youth being a particular victim. This is the crisis The Big Read is attempting to resolve, and the effort has made its way to our school district.

Various activities centered around The Big Read and the chosen book, The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien, were organized by Albany High Media Specialist Alicia Abdul during the month of November. On November 6^th, several Albany High English classes attended the American Place Theatre’s interpretation of the novel starring Billy Lyons at UAlbany. On the 16^th, the Albany High library hosted a “Carried Away” day, on which copies of the book were given away and a memoir writing workshop featuring veterans, local politicians, and students was held. An upcoming parent-student book discussion is planned for the evening of Monday, November 26^th, at Albany High.

It is no coincedence that The Things They Carried was chosen. With Veterans Day having just passed, November is a month during which the service of all military personnel is particularly recognized. This is the sort of integration that The Big Read plans to instill through literature.

Where do we go from here? The Big Read, with any luck, shall continue to extend its reach over the years. But what about Albany city schools? As is true with all things worth pursuing, surely the effort can’t just end here. The integration offered to schools by The Big Read is a springboard by which increased literacy and community involvement can be achieved. It’s up to the schools to continue the effort beyond that point so as to ensure the message is delivered and the impact is made.

Sound like a bit much? Not to fret. The Big Read is nothing to stress about. Just relax. Go pick up a good book.