This is a list of Big Read events planned by Massillon Public Library. All dates and times are subject to change. For more information about Big Read programs presented by other community organizations, visit the Massillon Museum’s website.
Saturday, April 1, – Sunday, April 30
Chinese Lotus Flower Paper Craft
Main Library
Enjoy a free take-home activity for those 18 years and older. Each kit includes: enough paper to make one lotus, a folder, rubber bands, and instructions. Available at the reference desk while supplies last!
Saturday, April 1, – Sunday, April 30
Chinese Five Spice Kit
Main Library
Free monthly spice kits are available at the MPL Reference Desk on a “first-come, first-served” for those 18 years and older. Each kit will include a sample of the spice, a bit of history about the spice, two recipes, and a list of recommended cookbooks to check out using the spice! While supplies last.
Saturday, April 8
Author Talk: Christopher Craft
Main Library Auditorium
Local author, Christopher Craft, will discuss the importance of family when writing, and will read from his works. Activities and book signing to follow. Refreshments provided.
Thursday, April 13
Book Discussion
Main Library Auditorium
6:00pm – 7:30pm
The public is invited to a book discussion of the 2023 Big Read selection Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu. No registration required. For more information, contact the library at 330-832-9831.
Saturday, April 15
Documentary Screening and Q&A
Main Library Auditorium
12:00pm – 3:00pm
Filmmaker Johnny K. Wu will show his documentary and answer questions afterward. The film is a fascinating and educational look at 150 years of Chinese Americans/immigrants in Cleveland, and it documents the transformation of Chinatown to the expanding present-day AsiaTown Cleveland. Samples of Asian food will be provided by New Home Sing Restaurant. For more information, contact the library at 330-832-9831.
Saturday, April 22
Janice Liu
Main Library Auditorium
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Janice Liu, award winning soloist. Liu has been playing the Erhu since she was 7 years old and has performed at many cultural events in and around the Cleveland area. Enjoy this program of traditional Chinese music live in the Auditorium or tune in on Youtube! Registration is required for a seat in the Auditorium. For more information, contact the library at 330-832-9831.
Monday, April 24
Page Turners Book Club
Main Library Auditorium
1:00pm – 2:30pm
The Page Turners meet on the fourth Monday of the month to talk about books you just can’t put down! In conjunction with the 2023 Big Read, one of the titles to be discussed by the Page Turners in April is Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu. No registration required. For more information, contact the library at 330-832-9831, x350.
Tuesday, April 25
Annual Poetry Read-In
Main Library Auditorium
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Bring your original poems, share the work of your favorite poet, or just sit back and enjoy listening to some great recitations. Each reader’s poems must be family-friendly and limited to five minutes. Featured readers will be: winners of MPL’s 2023 Poetry Contest, MPL Poetry Contest Judge Duane Matthew Dodson, local authors, and more! This event is open to the public, has no registration, and will offer refreshments. For more information, contact Laura Klein at 330-832-9831, x319.
Wednesday, April 26
Cleveland’s AsiaTown, Culture & Racism
Main Library Auditorium
6:30pm – 7:70pm
Filmmaker Johnny K. Wu and OCA Greater Cleveland president Lisa Wong will speak about Cleveland’s AsiaTown and Asian culture, as well as racism and how the pandemic hurt Asian-owned businesses. They will discuss the Cleveland Asian Festival and how it helps put AsiaTown and Asian American Pacific Islanders onto the map. Samples of Asian food, courtesy of Chopstix Restaurant, will be served. For more information, contact the Children’s Department at 330-832-9831, ext. 317.
Saturday, April 29
Hot Pot Open House
Main Library Auditorium
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Join us for a Hot Pot Open House celebration for kids, including crafts, stories, activities, and more featuring the children’s book Hot Pot Night by Vincent Chen. For more information, contact the Children’s Department at 330-832-9831, ext. 317.
Big Read 2023 | Events | Related Links
About the Book | About the Author