The Big Read: Coastal Georgia Reads is a two-month-long literary and arts celebration for the community, presented by Golden Isles Arts and Humanities and Marshes of Glynn Libraries.
The community reads one book and comes together for a variety of programming -- including book talks, films, plays, lectures, and art exhibits -- reflecting the themes of the book.
In 2024, our community read is The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.
Free copies of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz are available at Marshes of Glynn Libraries and Gould Library at College of Coastal Georgia.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum chronicles the adventure of Dorothea in the land of Oz. A cyclone picks her up from her Kansas home, where she lives with her aunt and uncle, and deposits her in the fantastical land. She begins a journey along the yellow brick road to seek help from the Wizard of Oz.
What is the Story of the Wizard of Oz?
When L. Frank Baum wrote about the adventures of a young farm girl and her pet dog in the magical Land of Oz in 1900, he wanted to create a beautiful story based on the America he knew and treasured. But he had no idea his book would become a classic. Kristen Anderson retells the story that has become a cultural phenomenon.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Stephanie Clarkson retells the story of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, based on the novel by L. Frank Baum. In this version, preschoolers enjoy a whirlwind adventure to a magical land, meeting new friends, facing dangerous foes, and learning that "there's no place like home."
"It's a story that can be adapted to a different cultural setting, to a different time and place, without losing the fundamental idea. This is our national fairytale."
-- Film historian Jeanine Basinger in the documentary American Oz
The Big Read is presented by
in partnership with
Illustration by W.W. Denslow from L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Public Domain)