The benefits of reading are lauded by parents, teachers and librarians alike. While teens often balk at studying classic literature, a Fresno event will attempt to bring communities together through reading. The Big Read will enhance the exposure of classic novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

The featured book will be read throughout March and April at the Fresno County Library at 2420 Mariposa Street, which is located on the side of Mariposa and O Street.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, written by Mark Twain, was published June 9, 1876. The original was revised because its publisher, William Dean Howells, convinced Twain to sell it as a boy’s story.

The campus freshmen completed Tom Sawyer‘s sequel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn last semester, wrote an essay and discussed the major themes the two works share.

Jacob Williams, ’12, is interested in The Big Read for the connections between the two stories, often considered great American novels.

“I’ve always been a big fan of reading,” Williams said. “When we read the book, Huckleberry Finn, in class, it brought people my age into adventures I would only imagine about. I am interested in joining this because I have not read Tom Sawyer before.”

While Williams, in the midst of his freshman English experience, enjoyed the novel, Heather Lichti, ’10, has an indifferent outlook on The Big Read’s opportunity.

“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was okay,” Lichti said. “It isn’t good enough for me to read along with the community. It’s not my style of reading because I prefer to read suspense books. I would participate if it was something I would enjoy to read.”

The Big Read changes every year as the community moves on to a new book, which add its themes to the collective lesson.

“It’s definitely a good idea for students to participate in this event,” Brianne Vogt, upperclassman English teacher, said. “If Fresno Christian is to be a light, we can’t shine if we don’t step out of our four walls. The community needs us but we also need them. Since we’re at a private institution, there’s a danger of becoming separated from the rest of the [educational] community. Being a part of this [event] helps that.”

Many teens only read modern books and listen to the latest music, when reading a classic seems a tiresome task, instead of a beneficial experience.

“It’s really good to read regardless of if you’re reading for fun or for school,” Vogt said. “But it benefits you to read with the community because you have the opportunity to talk about it with others.”

For more events and activities concerning “The Big Read,” visit the event’s Web site.

Opportunities to participate in The Big Read include:

An Evening with Sid Fleischman
March 13, 7 p.m.
At CSUF Residence Dining Hall

Adventures on the River
March 21, 1-4 p.m.
At Coke Hallowell center, San Joaquin River Parkway, Fresno County Library

Gregg Camfield Presentation
March 26
12:30 p.m. at Fresno City College
7 p.m. at Henry Madden Library

An Evening with Mark Twain
April 3, 7 p.m.
At Fresno Art Museum, Fresno

Tom, Huck and Mark Twain
April 10, 7:30 p.m.
April 11, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.
At Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium, Fresno

Community Fence Painting
April 4, 1-3 p.m.
Corner of Music and Estabrook, Clovis

An Evening with Curator Victor Fischer
April 15, 7 p.m.
Henry Madden Library

An Evening with Paul Kaser
April 16, 7 p.m.
Reedley College, Forum Hall

Television Documentary
April 19, 11 a.m.
Tune into Valley Public Television (KVPT)