The Austin Community College District is preparing to kick off its Big Read program, which promotes reading in the Austin area and on college campuses.

ACC partnered with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to bring the initiative to Central Texas this fall, and the college’s Arts and Humanities Division is about to begin seven weeks of events showcasing the book “Sun, Stone, and Shadows,” a collection of short stories by 20 Mexican authors.

“Mexican influence can be felt in everyday life in Austin,” says Rosa Davila, ACC Spanish professor and Big Read organizer. “This book and The Big Read events will give Austin a deeper appreciation of the cultural ties between Texas and Mexico.”

The college is hosting a Big Read preview party from 8 – 10 p.m. on September 15 at the Mexican American Culture Center (600 River Street). Attendees can register for local reading groups and receive a free copy of “Sun, Stone, and Shadows” in English or Spanish.

Official Big Read events, which start on September 16 and run through November 1, include panel discussions, author readings, film screenings, and theatrical readings. More information may be found at austincc.edu/big read. ACC’s Big Read website includes a complete schedule of events. 

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About the Austin Community College District (austincc.edu):

ACC, Central Texas’ community college, is the primary gateway to higher education and career training for residents in eight counties. The college provides access to affordable, quality education. ACC enrolls nearly 40,000 credit students, offering university transfer courses, two-year associate degrees, certificates, Early College Start, access programs that get students “college-ready,” and continuing education. At ACC you can “Start here. Get there.”