NEA Big Read: Griffin-Spalding Reading Together

The Griffin-Spalding County Library, in partnership with the Griffin-Spalding County School System, is thrilled to announce that we will once again be able to offer “NEA Big Read: Griffin-Spalding Reading Together” next spring! Join us in February and March of 2023 for a literary journey of epic proportions as we explore “Circe” by Madeline Miller.

About Circe

“Think a novel based on Greek mythology isn’t for you? Just wait” (People). Madeline Miller’s bestselling, critically acclaimed second novel Circe—about the goddess Circe—has been called “spellbinding” (O Magazine), “vivid, transporting” (Entertainment Weekly), “an epic page turner” (Christian Science Monitor), and “a romp, an airy delight, a novel to be gobbled greedily in a single sitting” (Guardian). Following her debut novel, The Song of Achilles, Miller takes on the world of gods, monsters, mortals, and nymphs in this “bold and subversive retelling of the goddess’s story that manages to be both epic and intimate in its scope, recasting the most infamous female figure from the Odyssey as a hero in her own right” (New York Times). Miller “paints an uncompromising portrait of a super heroine who learns to wield divine power while coming to understand what it means to be mortal” (Publishers Weekly, Starred Review). The myths have been retold many times “and yet in Miller’s lush re-imagining, the story feels harrowing and unexpected. The…fate that awaits Circe is at once divine and mortal, impossibly strange and yet entirely human” (Washington Post).

Find copies of Circe available for checkout at the library and on Libby!


NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

What to Expect

There will be companion titles for all ages including “Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky” by Kwame Mbalia, “Ganesha’s Sweet Tooth” by Sanjay Patel and Emily Haynes, and “Imani’s Moon” by JaNay Brown-Wood. Many community members and organizations will be partnering with the library and schools to present a wide variety of programs, including Gordon State College’s Dorothy W. Hightower Collaborative Learning Center and Library, Southern Crescent Technical College, the Griffin Area Arts Alliance, the Spalding County Collaborative Authority for Families and Children, and multiple City of Griffin and Spalding County departments. There will be activities for everyone, throughout the community and in the schools, so check back for upcoming events and more details to follow!

Big Read Schedule of Events

All Big Read events are free and open to the public.

Big Read Kickoff – A Taste of Greece

Saturday, February 11, 1:00 pm

Griffin-Spalding County Library

Explore the streets of modern Athens on a virtual walking tour, or relax on a virtual high speed train ride across the countryside. Let your taste buds do the walking as we sample various Greek foods. The young and young at heart will be able to complete a Greek craft to take home. Door prizes and more. All ages and families.

Mythical Creatures Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, February 11 through Saturday, February 25

Griffin-Spalding County Library/Downtown Griffin

Grab your walking shoes and head downtown for a scavenger hunt. Pick up your instruction card and keepsake lanyard at the library beginning February 11 and complete the hunt within the next two weeks. Collect a different cool Mythical Creature button at each location. All ages and families, while supplies last.

Diaper Drive

Saturday, February 11 through Friday, March 31

Griffin-Spalding County Library

In Circe we see that even a goddess can find the practical demands of motherhood overwhelming. Help local mothers and babies by donating disposable diapers at the library. All diapers will be delivered to local charities.

Griffin Wonders

Tuesday, February 21, 10:00 am

Griffin-Spalding County Library

History and mythology can both be considered creations of the human imagination and perspective. The line between the two can be thin. Let’s get ready to explore the history of Griffin-Spalding County through its antique relics. You’re invited to share your hidden treasures with us and tell us how your items connect to Griffin or Spalding County’s history or mythology. We are especially interested in discovering the multitude of artifacts surrounding our community’s African-American/Black history. With guest presenter Morgan Cantrell on behalf of Our Legacy: The Griffin-Spalding African-American History Museum. Registration is encouraged.

Plastic Bag Weaving

Wednesdays, February 22 and March 1, 1:00 pm

Griffin-Spalding County Library

Help the environment and others, and even make some cool things for yourself!

Guest presenter Kit Benson will teach us how to recycle plastic bags to make colorful and practical mats for the homeless. The same techniques can also be used to make bags, footrests, and other practical items. Kit’s mat weaving group meets monthly. Mats are distributed to Turning the Tide Ministry, the Five Loaves and Two Fish Food Pantry and anywhere else they are needed.

Weaving Demonstration: Chattahoochee Handweavers Guild

Saturday, February 25, 2:00 – 4:00 pm (UPDATED HOURS)

Griffin-Spalding County Library

Weaving experts from the Chattahoochee Handweavers Guild will set up a large loom for demonstration throughout the afternoon. Drop in to ask questions and watch them work their magic.

Circe Book Discussions

Griffin-Spalding County Library, Tuesday, March 7, 1:00 pm

Gordon State College Hightower Library, Wednesday, March 8, 6:00 pm

Myrtle’s Plot Twist, Tuesday, March 14, 6:00 pm, 209 S. 6th St., Griffin

Spalding County Senior Center, Wednesday, March 22, 1:00 pm

After you’ve read Circe we know you’ll want to talk about it. 

Let’s meet to discuss the novel. All are welcome.

Myths + Monsters Art Exhibition

Opening Reception Saturday, March 11, 2:00 – 5:00 pm

Exhibition open March 11 through March 24

‘Stache Studio, 116 S. 6th St., Griffin

A collection of mythology based works by local artists of all ages. Join us for the opening reception with refreshments on March 11 or visit the exhibition during regular studio hours through March 24. Check stachestudio.net for hours.

Mr. Damon’s Shadow Puppet Theater  (NEW ADDITION TO SCHEDULE OF EVENTS)
Thursday, March 16, 6:30 – 7:15 pm

Griffin-Spalding County Library

Greek Myths: Hercules & Atalanta.  A hilarious take on ancient Greek mythology with shadow puppetry, live music, and audience participation.  For all ages.

Watercolor Class for Kids – With ‘Stache Studio

Saturday, March 18, 10:00-11:00 am or 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

‘Stache Studio, 116 S. 6th St., Griffin

Create beautiful watercolor art inspired by Imani’s Moon. Tickets are free but spots are limited. Please visit stachestudio.net to register. Recommended for grades K-8. 

Mending the World: What Can One Person Do?
Tuesday, March 21, 1:00 pm

Griffin-Spalding County Library

At the book’s conclusion, Circe hopes to use her skills and talents to “mend the world.” We are confronted daily with the problems of the world: hunger, homelessness, loneliness. These are global issues; overwhelming to consider. What can one person do in the face of all these needs? Guest presenters from Brightmoor Hospice, Five Loaves and Two Fish Food Pantry, Griffin Habitat for Humanity, the Spalding County Animal Shelter, and SCP Parent Academy will be here to discuss ways we can make a positive change in our community.

The Living Labyrinth: A-Maze-in Myths of Ancient Greece

Barry Stewart Mann Storytelling Event

Saturday, March 25, 2:00 pm

Park at Sixth, E. Solomon St. & N. 6th St.

A storytelling event for families that includes theatricalized retellings of “The Flight of Icarus,” “Persephone’s Journey to the Underworld,” “Narcissus and Echo,” “The Race of Atalanta,” and “Theseus and the Minotaur.”

A Conversation with the Author – Madeline Miller (UPDATED)

Watch Party and Virtual Event

Tuesday, March 28, 5:30/6:00-7:30 pm*

Check back regularly for updates!

Finished Circe and looking for your next great read? Click here!

Previous NEA Big Reads at the Griffin-Spalding County Library

Griffin-Spalding Reading Together 2021- Station Eleven