The Knox County Public Library, in partnership with the YWCA, invites East Tennessee to join in The Big Read, a community reading program featuring Rudolfo Anaya's novel Bless Me, Ultima. This year, the celebration coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15-October 15, 2009.

The Big Read kicks off a month-long program of events, including a new "Blog the Book," which will divide Bless Me, Ultima into an easy-to-follow reading schedule. There will be online local guides who are reading the book for the first time. As they read, they will post their thoughts, questions, and reactions in an open, online forum. The public is invited to read along with them and join in the conversation.

For more information about The Big Read in East Tennessee, call Sara Baker at (865) 523-6126 or go to www.knoxlib.org. For more information about The Big Read nationally, please visit www.neabigread.org.