Big Read Martin

January 9,  Saturday 12pm-4pm  Big Read Kick-off Jonathan Dickinson State Park Hobe Sound

Picnic area available, book giveaways, scavenger & treasure hunts, and bonfire by Boy Scouts – Free admission with Martin County library card. Gates open at noon for picnickers with planned activities starting at 1 p.m. Come sign the white picket fence! Copies of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer will be given away while they last. County Commissioners are invited to attend and the Big Read proclamation will be read. Suzy Hammer, entertainer extraordinaire (www.suzyhammer.com) will emcee the event in period costume. The Junior League of Martin County will be helping with the scavenger hunt. State rangers will be assisting throughout the day. Bring your camera for photo opportunities as Becky and Tom behind life-sized, stand-in figures. Sponsored by the Friends of the Hobe Sound Library, Inc., Junior League of Martin County, Jonathan Dickinson State park and Boy Scouts of America Gulf Stream Council.

Deadline: February 20,  Tom Sawyer Essay Contest, Hoke Library, Jensen Beach

Calling all students! Drop by the Hoke Library to pick up the Tom Sawyer essay contest subject and submit your 1 page essay by February 20 to compete to win a $25 gift certificate to Barnes and Nobles! For more information call 463-2870. Ages: Elementary – High School
Contest Celebration: February 27, Saturday• 10:30am

January 13, 20, 27, February 3 & 10, Wednesdays, 4pm  Big Read Book Club @ Hobe Sound Public Library ELEMENTARY GRADE STUDENTS…come and enjoy the adventures of Tom Sawyer. We’ll read the Student edition of Tom Sawyer and have book discussions, journal writing, and arts and crafts. Meetings will be held on Wednesdays for 5 weeks beginning January 13 at 4pm, for approximately one hour. Pre-registration is required. Limited to 10 children. Please call 772-546-2257 or stop in at the Hobe Sound Public Library to register.

January 13, Wednesday 5pm Movies @ Your Library: Tom and Huck Elisabeth Lahti Library – Indiantown.  For grades 5-12 Jonathan Taylor Thomas plays Tom Sawyer in this adaptation of Mark Twain’s classic novel about a young boy whose wild spirit, winsome smile and inventive solutions to the problems of everyday life have captivated readers for over a century. Free popcorn and drinks will be served. Rated PG.

January 16, Saturday, 10:30am  A Day With Tom Sawyer Hoke Library, Jensen Beach

Families, come to the Hoke Library in Jensen Beach and enjoy a day filled with games, crafts, prizes, and history! Refreshments and snacks will be provided so, get ready to have some fun!

January 25, Monday 6:30pm Non-Fiction Book Club John F. Armstrong Wing of the Blake Library in Stuart.   “Dangerous Water: A Biography of the Boy Who Became Mark Twain” by Ron Powers. Book discussion will be led by Jackie Williams.

January 27, Wednesday 5pm Movies @ Your Library: Tom Sawyer Elisabeth Lahti Library – Indiantown.  Come watch the fun-filled animated interpretation of Mark Twain’s novel and enjoy a twist on the classic story as all of the characters are portrayed as animals. Free popcorn and drinks will be served.  Rated G.

Throughout the month of February – Book Discussions for Adult Readers Books will be available to the following book clubs one month before the beginning of the book discussion.

Feb. 2, Tuesday, 1 pm Hobe Sound Public Library Book Club, Hobe Sound Public Library, Hobe Sound

Feb 2, Tuesday,  1 pm Robert Morgade Library Book Club, Robert Morgade Library, Stuart

Feb. 3, Wednesday, 6 pm ABC Book Discussion Group, Cummings Library, Palm City

Feb 4, Thursday, 10 am Book Buffet Book Club,  Log Cabin Senior Center, Langford Park, Jensen Beach

Feb. 4, Thursday, 10 am Annie’s Book Club,  Elisabeth Lahti Library, Indiantown

Feb. 8, Monday, 2 pm Sampler Book Club,  John F. Armstrong Wing, Blake Library, Stuart

Feb. 11, Thursday, 2 pm Hoke Library Book Discussion, Hoke Library, Jensen Beach

Dr. George Frein portrays Mark Twain: A Literary Autobiography

Feb 10, Wednesday, 4pm Elisabeth Lahti Library, 15200 SW Adams Avenue, Indiantown, FL 34956  Sponsored by the Library Foundation of Martin County, Inc.

Feb. 11, Thursday, 2pm Hobe Sound Public Library 10595 SE Federal Hwy., Hobe Sound, FL 33455 Sponsored by the Friends of the Hobe Sound Public Library, Inc.

Feb. 12, Friday, 4pm Cummings Library, 2551 SW Matheson Ave., Palm City, FL 34990 Sponsored by the Library Foundation of Martin County, Inc.

Audience members will see The Adventures of Tom Sawyer in the context of the rest of Twain’s major works. Dr. Frein’s program consists of a monologue delivered in costume and in character as Mark Twain.  Copies of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer will be given away while supplies last.

February 10, Wednesday 6pm Movies @ Your Library: Tom and Huck Cummings Library – Palm City.  For grades 6-12 Jonathan Taylor Thomas plays Tom Sawyer in this adaptation of Mark Twain’s classic novel about a young boy whose wild spirit, winsome smile and inventive solutions to the problems of everyday life have captivated readers for over a century. Free popcorn and drinks will be served. Rated PG.

February 13, Saturday, 2-4pm  Family Fun Day Post Family Park in Indiantown

Old-fashioned community fun activities for young families! Enjoy bean bag toss, leapfrog, sack races, facepainting, and creating homemade Valentine cards. Bring your camera a photo opportunity with Dora and Diego who will appear at the event! Copies of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer will be given away while supplies last.  Sponsored by the Friends of the Elisabeth Lahti Library, Inc. and Martin County Parks and Recreation Dept.

Little Readers’ Raft Building @ your library Beginning February 3

Design and build a miniature raft to race at the Little Readers’ Raft Race event.  Martin County parents pre-register your children by calling (772) 221-1407. Slots will fill up quickly!  Registration for a time slot on Sat., Feb 20 to race their newly built raft in the Little Readers’ Raft Race will be reserved when you and your child attend the raft building event.

Feb. 3, Wednesday, 5pm Elisabeth Lahti Library – Indiantown

Feb. 6, Saturday, 11:30am Cummings Library – Palm City

Feb. 6, Saturday, 2pm Hoke Library – Jensen Beach Jensen Beach Branch 1150 NW Jack Williams Way, Jensen Beach 34957

Feb. 10, Wednesday, 5pm Hobe Sound Public Library – Hobe Sound

Feb. 15,  Monday, 2pm Robert Morgade Library – Chastain Campus Indian River State College 5851 SE Community Drive Stuart, FL 34997

Feb. 15, Monday, 6pm Blake Library – Stuart (Main) 2351 SE Monterey Road, Stuart, FL 34996

Feb. 17, Wednesday, 4pm  Tom Sawyer the movie Hobe Sound Public Library, Hobe Sound

Come watch the fun-filled animated interpretation of Mark Twain’s novel and enjoy a twist on the classic story as all of the characters are portrayed as animals.  Free snacks and drinks will be served.  Film is rated G.

Feb. 18, Thursday, 7pm Pirate Night at Barnes & Noble, NW Federal Hwy, Jensen Beach

The Big Read Martin has everyone reading Tom Sawyer! In Chapter 13, Tom & his buddies sail off to become pirates! The Martin County High School’s Tiger Reading Team with host this adventurous storytime with pirate garb, names and pirate hats for all ye mateys! Fun for all ages!

Feb. 20, Saturday, 2pm  Little Readers’ Raft Race Indian RiverSide Park Jensen Beach

Elementary school-aged children will race mini-rafts constructed at library workshops earlier in the month. Maritime and Yachting Museum volunteers will assist with this event and have boats from the 19^th century on display. Enjoy children’s games of yesteryear and the park and river view! For the young at heart, take a run through the water fountains! Copies of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer will be given away while supplies last. Sponsored by the Maritime and Yachting Museum, Inc. and the Friends of the Hoke Library, Inc.

February 20, Saturday, 3pm  The Tom Sawyer Puppet Show Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast 1707 NE Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach 34957

Duck in the Truck Puppets presents a half-hour, fun-filled journey through a creative use of puppets bringing The Adventures of Tom Sawyer to life for children of all ages.  Admission is free. Sponsored by the Friends of the Blake Library in Stuart, Inc..

February 24 Wednesday 4pm  Best of Explore Blake Library  Children’s World – Ages 6 and older   Lost in the Cave! EXPLORE the world of bats! Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher encounter these fascinating  mammals while exploring the caverns in MacDougal’s cave.  Learn the truth about this misunderstood  species in this interactive program presented by the Hobe Sound Nature Center.  Pre-registration is required. Limited to 40 children. To register, call (772) 221-1407.

February 27 Saturday 1pm  Duck in the Truck Puppets: The Tom Sawyer Puppet Show Cummings  Library-  Professor O introduces puppet characters Becky, Huck, Tom and Aunt Polly as well as famous author Mark Twain. The story unfolds as Speaker the Wonder Dog assists with the shadow show. Watch out for Injun Joe! Recommended for ages 3-8.

March 2, 16, 23 &30 Tuesdays, 4-5pm  Tom Sawyer Book Discussion Blake Library- Step back in time and join Tom Sawyer in his adventures. Read the book and experience the fun, as we bring the book to life through hands-on activities. Make a treasure chest, design your own character trading cards and more!  For children in grades 3, 4 and 5. Pre-registration is required. Limited to 10 children.  To register, call (772) 221-1407.  Books will be distributed following registration. Chapters 1-3 to be read prior to first session.

Speaking of Twain: Harriet Beecher Stowe and Willa Cather are portrayed by Chautauqua scholar, Betty Jean Steinshouser

March 4, Thursday 7pm – John F. Armstrong Wing of the Blake Library March 5, Friday, 2pm – Robert Morgade Library

Noted scholar Betty Jean Steinshouser will portray Harriet Beecher Stowe, the acclaimed author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin and a neighbor of Mark Twain during his years in Hartford, Connecticut and Willa Cather, the well-respected author of books such as O Pioneers! and My Antonia.

March 13, Saturday, 2pm  Tom Sawyer the movie Hoke Library, Jensen Beach.  Come watch the fun-filled animated interpretation of Mark Twain’s novel and enjoy a twist on the classic story as all of the characters are portrayed as animals.  Free snacks and drinks will be served.  Film is rated G.

March 17 Wednesday 6:30pm  Duck in the Truck Puppets: The Tom Sawyer Puppet Show Hoke Library-  Professor O introduces puppet characters Becky, Huck, Tom and Aunt Polly as well as famous author Mark Twain. The story unfolds as Speaker the Wonder Dog assists with the shadow show. Watch out for Injun Joe! Recommended for ages 3-8.

March 18, Thursday, 2pm
March 25, Thursday 2pm

Mark Twain: A Film Directed by Ken Burns John F. Armstrong Wing of the Blake Library

Jackie Williams will facilitate the fascinating 220-minute documentary of the life of Mark Twain originally shown on PBS-TV.  Presented by Friends of the Blake Library in Stuart, Inc.

March 19, Friday, 2pm & 7pm Parallel Lives John F. Armstrong Wing of the Blake Library

Noted novelist Beverly Coyle and Pulitzer prize-winning journalist Bill Maxwell came of age in nearby towns in the South at the end of the Jim Crow era. The play performance of “Parallel Lives: Stories of a Divided World” reflects on race, religion, class, and the life-altering events of their growing years in the midst of segregation. Following the performance, Mr. Maxwell will invite the audience to respond and reflect upon their own experiences related to race, class, and prejudice.  Funded by the NEA’s Midwest Arts Big Read

March 20 Saturday 1pm  Duck in the Truck Puppets: The Tom Sawyer Puppet Show Hobe Sound Public Library-  Professor O introduces puppet characters Becky, Huck, Tom and Aunt Polly as well as famous author Mark Twain. The story unfolds as Speaker the Wonder Dog assists with the shadow show. Watch out for Injun Joe! Recommended for ages 3-8.

March 24 Wednesday 6:30pm  Duck in the Truck Puppets: The Tom Sawyer Puppet Show Elisabeth Lahti  Library-  Professor O introduces puppet characters Becky, Huck, Tom and Aunt Polly as well as famous author Mark Twain. The story unfolds as Speaker the Wonder Dog assists with the shadow show. Watch out for Injun Joe! Recommended for ages 3-8.

March 27 Saturday 2pm Outrageous Interactive Story Theater Blake Library, John F. Armstrong Wing-  Riley Roam and Kenny Mikey with Page Turner Adventures will entertain kids and adults of all ages with their hilarious Oddball Vaudeville show full of juggling, unicycling, physical comedy, magic, and mystery.

March 31, Wednesday 5pm Movies @ Your Library: Tom and Huck Robert Morgade Library.  For grades 6-12 Jonathan Taylor Thomas plays Tom Sawyer in this adaptation of Mark Twain’s classic novel about a young boy whose wild spirit, winsome smile and inventive solutions to the problems of everyday life have captivated readers for over a century. Free popcorn and drinks will be served. Rated PG.

Study Lecture Series by Jane Miller - The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn John F. Armstrong Wing Blake Library

March 29, Monday 10am
April 5, Monday 10am
April 12, Monday 10am
Sponsored by Friends of Blake Library in Stuart, Inc.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer: The Musical

May 15, Saturday,  7:30pm
May 16, Sunday, 2:00pm
May 20, Thursday, 7:30 pm
May 21, Friday, 7:30 pm

Wanda H. Yarboro Center for the Performing Arts auditorium at Martin County High School, Stuart.  2801 S. Kanner Highway, Stuart
For tickets, call the box office at (772) 219-1800, Ext. 32318
$5 for students and senior citizens, $10 for adults

To end the season, Martin County High School is very proud to present The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. This Broadway musical version of Mark Twain’s immortal novel is set in 1840 in St. Petersburg, Missouri. Come see this classic with your entire family!