LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The 2024 NEA Big Read is kicking off its next series of events in Lake County this week.

The Lake County Library received an $8,000 grant to host the National Endowment for the Arts’ Big Read this year with programs that focus on the book “The Bear” by Andrew Krivak.

The following is the list of upcoming events, all of which are free.

“Aging, Dying and Afterlife” book discussion
Noon, Saturday, Sept. 21
Location: Upper Lake Library, 310 Second St.
Discuss the themes of grief, death and acceptance with the Aging, Dying and Afterlife book club.

Big Read 2024 Outdoor Kickoff
2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Location: Anderson Marsh State Historic Park Ranch House, 8400 Highway 53, Lower Lake
Join the Lake County Library, Clear Lake State Park, Museums of Lake County, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife to learn about the NEA Big Read, the book selection, local protected lands, local history, and local fish and wildlife. Participants will learn about local resources and how we can do our part to take care of our land and wildlife.

An Evening for Grief Support
5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25
Location: Lakeport Library, 1425 N. High St.
Join an evening with Hospice Services of Lake County and Lake County Behavioral Health to learn about local grief, bereavement, and mental health supportive services and discuss how it relates to grief and loss in the “The Bear.”

Game On! Family Game Time with the Big Read
2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1
Location: Lakeport Library, 1425 N. High St.
Bring the family for a bow and arrow craft activity inspired by “The Bear.”

Creative Writing Workshop with Georgina Marie Guardado
3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1
Location: Redbud Library, 14785 Burns Valley Road, Clearlake
Join a free writing workshop inspired by “The Bear.” All levels, genres and ages are welcome. Lake County Poet Laureate Emerita Georgina Marie Guardado will lead the workshop.