Dust off your fedora and your trench coat!
The Big Read
The Big Read gives Grand Rapids the opportunity to come together to read, discuss, and celebrate one of the great novels from American and world literature, The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett. Set in the 1920s, The Maltese Falcon follows Detective Sam Spade as he becomes embroiled with a mysterious client, avenges the death of his partner, and chases a priceless treasure.
Throughout the month of May, the Grand Rapids Public Library will host a series of events exploring The Maltese Falcon - everything from book discussions to learning CSI techniques at the Police Department to examining research of Grand Rapids' oldest cold case murder. The month culminates with a visit from Richard Layman, an expert on Hammett and his work.
The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and bring the transformative power of literature into the lives of its citizens. The Big Read brings together partners across the country to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment.
Additional support for The Big Read is provided by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Transportation for The Big Read is provided by Ford. Additional support is provided by the Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation and the Friends of the Main Library. Media sponsors include WZZM TV 13 and Regent Broadcasting.
Big Read Events
The Big Read Kick-off Event
 | Dust off your trench coats and fedoras, Sam Spade is coming to town! Have you solved the mystery of The Maltese Falcon? Super sleuths are invited to come to the Main Library and discover the truth about the mysterious falcon that has been appearing around town. Dress as your favorite detective! |
Gumshoe U
 | Professor Plum did it in the Library with a candlestick! Wait - wrong program. But if searching for clues and solving crime is your cup of tea, them come join us and put your investigative skills to work at the Grand Rapids Police Department. Sharpen those CSI skills as you are led into the GRPD Crime Scene Room in the hopes of figuring out "who dunnit." Officers will also give a tour of police headquarters and give you the opportunity to check out one of their police cruisers. Space is limited so sign up today.
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Birds of Prey
 | You've read The Maltese Falcon and The Malted Falcon, now learn about these living birds of prey. The Library has partnered with the John Ball Zoo to present a family program on birds of prey. Demonstration will take place in the Main Amphitheater. Free with zoo admission. |
The Falcon on Film
 | We all know about the famous 1941 film production of The Maltese Falcon starring Humphrey Bogart and featuring the directional debut of John Huston, but did you know that Warner Brothers tried twice before with this great Dashiell Hammett story? We'll show the half-hour documentary The Maltese Falcon: One Magnificent Bird, which details the differences in the three films and then follow up with the 1941 version in its entirety. |
Delayed Justice - The Murder of Mina Dekker
 | Professor David Schock will explore the cold case murder of Mina Dekker, 'the beautiful typist,' who was killed in the building where she worked in 1938. Using multimedia oral histories and research he culled from the Library's historical collections, Schock will offer his theories on Grand Rapids' oldest cold case. |
Discovering The Maltese Falcon and Sam Spade
 | You've read the book, now learn about the man behind the mystery. Hammett expert Richard Layman will give an insider's view of this great American classic. A book signing will follow the program. |
The Maltese Falcon Book Discussions
 | Come and discuss The Maltese Falcon - the 2009 Big Read selection. A detective novel and thriller, it is also a love story and a brilliant literary work that explores one individual's moral codes in light of a rapidly changing society (late 1920s). A GRPL librarian will lead a lively discussion of this fun-to-read and fascinating classic. |
Sam Spade is coming to town!
Find the Falcon Contest
Sam Spade is coming to town looking for the Maltese Falcon. The falcon has been spotted around town. Check back every day and identify the locations of the falcon. Download our answer sheet to track your answers. Turn in your completed answer sheets to any of our 8 locations by Monday, April 27. Prize winners will be announced at The Big Read Kickoff on April 30 at 7:00 pm at the Main Library.
Winners will be awarded gift certificates to Schuler Books & Music!
