September 30, 2026 – Macon County’s community-wide Big Read will officially launch Saturday, October 10, with a kickoff event at the Decatur Public Library.
The event runs from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Madden Room at the library, 130 North Franklin Street.
The Big Read brings the community together around Ernest J. Gaines’ acclaimed novel, A Lesson Before Dying, with opportunities for reading, discussion, art, history and community conversation throughout the program.
Saturday’s kickoff will include a community welcome and launch, a featured reading, a community conversation titled “What Gives Life Dignity?”, a grant presentation and a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
There will also be free books and shirts, live readings, desserts and refreshments.
The event is free and open to the public.
A full schedule of Big Read events is available at BigReadMaconCounty.org.
