Blue Island's “Big Project” for April is the Big Read, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. Once again, Blue Island's Library and the City of Blue Island are teaming with the Beverly Arts Center and the Chicago Public Library on the project.

This spring, the focus is on one of the most respected works of Chicano literature Rudolfo Anaya's Bless Me Ultima, which is often compared to the Harry Potter novels. Anaya's magical coming-of-age story is set in post-World War II New Mexico. Full of dreams, legends, prayers, and folkways, it presents a world where everyday life is enchanted and tells the story of a young boy who grapples with faith, identity, and death as he comes of age.

Throughout April, events will take place at the Beverly Arts Center, 111th Street and Western Avenue in Chicago, and at other participants. The full schedule may be viewed at www.beverlyartcenter.org.

Blue Island takes a Star turn on a Sunday afternoon, April 20th, when it hosts the…. BIG READ HISPANIC FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND DANCE

That afternoon the Library, the City of Blue Island, St. Benedict Catholic Church and the Beverly Arts Center welcome The Friends of the Orphans, a touring company of young Latin American Musicians and Dancers as they perform here in Blue Island. The Music and Dance troop will participate in the Noon Mass at Saint Benedict Catholic Church and then offer a free performance in the City Hall Annex beginning at 1:45 pm.

For information, call Dan Carroll @ 1-708-388-1078 ext. 30