NEA Big Read Massillon 2023
Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu
The 2023 NEA Big Read Massillon book selection is Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu. For sixteen consecutive years, the Massillon Museum has been honored to be awarded the NEA Big Read grant. NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
What is the NEA Big Read program?
The NEA Big Read is a community reading program focused on a single book. Massillon Museum and its amazing community partners create innovative and critical programs highlighting the book themes, exposing participants to new genres and ideas. The selected book is offered to the community for free so that many can participate. Since 2008, Massillon Museum has proudly distributed more than 30,000 books to Massillon and its surrounding communities.
Visit www.arts.gov/initiatives/nea-big-read/interior-chinatown about this year's book selection from the National Endowment for the Arts and to access discussion questions.
Visit www.charlesyuauthor.com to learn more about the author.
Book Pick-Up Locations
Pick up your free copy of Interior Chinatown at the following locations while supply lasts. It is advised to call your preferred location before visiting to ensure copies remain available and to confirm the location's hours. This list will be updated as distribution sites receive their copies of the book.
Canal Fulton Public Library John Strauss Furniture Kent State Stark Library Kozmo's Grille Massillon Family YMCA Massillon Museum Massillon Parks & Recreation Massillon Public Library—Main, Askren, and Belloni Branches |
Massillon WestStark Chamber of Commerce North Canton Community Building YMCA Paul and Carol David YMCA of Jackson Township Schalmo Family YMCA of Canal Fulton Tremont Coffee Co.—All Locations Towpath Trail YMCA of Navarre Walsh University Library |
2023 NEA Big Read Massillon Programs
Saturday, March 25, through Sunday, May 7 Exhibition Reception: Saturday, April 1, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. |
Accessible Expressions Ohio Exhibition Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, OH 44646 A juried exhibition created by artists with disabilities. Presented by Art Possible Ohio. On view in the Aultman Health Foundation Gallery at the Massillon Museum. Opening reception during the NEA Big Read Kickoff on April 1. Free. No registration required. |
Saturday, April 1 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. |
Do the Mu with Allison Smith Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, OH 44646 Enjoy a free, family-friendly activity during the in-person Do the Mu at MassMu on Saturday, April 1, led by instructor Allison Smith. Stop by the Museum between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. to join Allison as she walks you through a beginner-friendly weaving project, perfect for any age or skill level. All supplies will be provided. Free. No registration required. |
Saturday, April 1 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
|
2023 NEA Big Read Massillon Kickoff Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, OH 44646 Pick up your free copy of the 2023 NEA Big Read Massillon book selection, Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu! Join the Massillon Museum for the 2023 NEA Big Read Kickoff celebrating Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu and pick up your free copy of the book! Massillon Public Library will be onsite with the Bookmobile. Enjoy receptions for the complementary exhibitions Accessible Expressions Ohio in the Aultman Health Foundation Gallery and Finding Identity: Heritage as Inspiration in the Fred F. Silk Community Room Gallery and Flex Gallery. Exhibition remarks will begin at 2:00 p.m. in Gessner Hall. Free. No registration required. |
Saturday, April 1, through Sunday, May 21 Exhibition Reception: Saturday, April 1, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. |
Finding Identity: Heritage as Inspiration Exhibition Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, OH 44646 Ohio artists Aimee Lee, Chi Wong, and Jordan Wong connect their work to Interior Chinatown. Guest curated by Tim Arai. Exhibition on view in the Fred F. Silk Community Room Gallery and Flex Gallery. Free. No registration required. Learn more about the exhibition at MassMu.org/Finding-Identity. |
Saturday, April 1, through Sunday, April 30
|
Chinese Lotus Flower Paper Craft Massillon Public Library, 208 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, OH 44646 Enjoy a free take-home activity for those 18 years and older at the Massillon Public Library! Each kit includes: enough paper to make one lotus, a folder, rubber bands, and instructions. Available at the reference desk while supplies last! Free. No registration required. |
Saturday, April 1, through Sunday, April 30
|
Chinese Five Spice Kit Massillon Public Library, 208 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, OH 44646 Enjoy a free take-home activity for those 18 years and older at the Massillon Public Library! Each kit will include a sample of the spice, a brief of history of the spice, some recipes, and a list of recommended cookbooks to check out! These free kits will be available at the Massillon Public Library reference desk on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last! Free. No registration required. |
Thursday, April 6 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. |
Perry Sippo Branch of the Stark County Library Book Discussion Perry Sippo Branch of the Stark County Library, 5710 12th St N.W., Canton, OH 44707 Join the library to discuss this year’s Big Read selection Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu. Books available at the desk. Free. No registration required. |
Friday, April 7, through Saturday, May 13 |
Bedel Tiscareño: Detumescence Exhibition KSU Downtown Gallery, 141 East Main Street, Kent, OH 44240 Solo exhibition of painter and sculptor Bedel Tiscareño's work. The artist is from Las Vegas, Nevada. Learn more about the exhibition at www.kent.edu/galleries/bedel-tiscareno-detumescence. Free. No registration required. |
Friday, April 7 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. |
Bedel Tiscareño: Detumescence Reception KSU Downtown Gallery, 141 East Main Street, Kent, OH 44240 Reception for Bedel Tiscareño: Detumescence Free. No registration required. |
Saturday, April 8 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. |
Author Talk: Christopher Craft Massillon Public Library, 208 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, OH 44646 Local author Christopher Craft, will discuss the importance of family when writing, and will read from his works. Activities and book signing to follow. Refreshments provided. Free. No registration required. |
Monday, April 10 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. |
Women's Impact Virtual Book Discussion Women's Impact Zoom Women's Impact welcomes guests to an online book club to discuss Interior Chinatown. The group meets monthly to discuss books about women who changed the world. As working and retired women, members support each other in their careers and volunteer activities to "unleash our power to realize our full potential." Open to attendees 20 years and older. Free. Registration required. For more information and to register, please visit womensimpactinc.com. |
Tuesday, April 11 5:30 p.m. |
Strauss Studios Book Discussion 236 Walnut Ave NE, Canton, OH 44702 Join John Strauss to discuss this year’s Big Read selection Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu. Free. Register by emailing John@StraussFurniture.com. |
Wednesday, April 12 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. |
College Readiness Program with KSU Stark Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, OH 44646 Join Lester Sanders from Kent State Stark for a free presentation about college readiness, financial aid, first-generation student experience, and more. Lester Sanders helps students, student-athletes, and young adults excel by providing college, career, and life strategies. In this inspiring College Readiness 101 Program, Lester will empower college-bound students and parents with the core strategies to navigate the high school to college transition successfully. For more information, visit LesterSanders.com and Youtube.com/@LesterSpeaks. Free. Register at MassMu.org/Tickets or call 330-833-4061. |
Thursday, April 13 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. |
Massillon Public Library Book Discussion Massillon Public Library, 208 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, OH 44646 The Massillon Public Library invites the public to a book discussion of the 2023 Big Read book selection Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu on Thursday, April 13 at the Massillon Public Library. 18 years and older. Free. No registration required. |
Thursday, April 13 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. |
Concept to Completion: Screenwriting Workshop Massillon Museum Zoom So, you have a great idea you think could translate to a movie. But how do you develop that concept into a logline summarizing the entire story in only one or two sentences? How do you then transform that logline into an outline? And, that outline into a fully formed. feature-length screenplay that attracts the attention of decisionmakers? Screenwriting isn't an exact science. Every writer has their own method. In this workshop, writer George Nicholis will explain what's worked for him, how he's honed his process, and what he's still learning. Free. Register at MassMu.org/Tickets or call 330-833-4061. A recording of the program is now available at MassMu.org/Videos. |
Saturday, April 15 12:00 to 3:00 p.m |
BeYoutiful Weirdo Workshop Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E., Massillon OH 44646 MassMu invites the public to join artist Ke'Aunte Harris, Executive Director and Founder of BeYoutiful Weirdo, for a "What I See When I Look at Me" self-portrait workshop where she will demonstrate how to make a self-portrait in the form of a magazine cover. This workshop is geared toward students in third grade or older. Free. Register at MassMu.org/Tickets or call 330-833-4061. |
Saturday, April 15 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. |
History of Cleveland's Chinatown Documentary and Q & A Massillon Public Library, 208 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, OH 44646 Filmmaker Johnny K. Wu will show his film and answer questions. It's a fascinating look at 150 years of Chinese Americans/immigrants in Cleveland, and the transformation of Chinatown into AsiaTown. Free. No registration required. |
Wednesday, April 19 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. |
One-Act Plays Washington High School Auditorium, 1 Paul Brown Drive, Massillon, OH 44646 A collection of locally written One-Act Plays based on the book Interior Chinatown will be performed by the high school Drama Club and directed by some of the senior members of the club. Playwrights include Judi Christy, Dawn Dagger, Brayden Frascone, and Drama Club students. Free. No registration required. |
Thursday, April 20 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. |
Finding Identity Artist Panel Massillon Museum Facebook Live Join Finding Identity: Heritage as Inspiration guest curator Tim Arai and artists Aimee Lee, Chi Wong, and Jordan Wong for a live online panel to discuss the exhibition and the artists' work. Free. No registration required. A Facebook account is not needed to view the program. A recording of the program is now available at MassMu.org/Videos. |
Saturday, April 22 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. |
PBS Asian Americans Film Screening Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, OH, 44646 Join MassMu for these free screenings of two episodes of the PBS documentary series Asians Americans. The series chronicles the contributions and challenges of Asian Americans. Personal histories and new academic research cast a fresh lens on US history and the role Asian Americans have played in it. The first screening will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EPISODE 1 BREAKING GROUND: In an era of exclusion and US empire, new immigrants arrive from China, India, Japan, the Philippines and beyond. Barred by anti-Asian laws they become America’s first “undocumented immigrants,” yet they build railroads, dazzle on the silver screen, and take their fight for equality to the US Supreme Court. Free. Register at MassMu.org/Tickets or call 330-833-4061. Registration is separate for each screening. Attend one or both! |
Saturday, April 22 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. |
Live Music at the Massillon Public Library Massillon Public Library, 208 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, OH 44646 The Massilon Public Library is proud to present Janice Liu, award winning soloist. Liu has been playing the Erhu since she was 7 years old and has performed at many cultural events in and around the Cleveland area. Enjoy this program of traditional Chinese music live in the Auditorium or tune in on Youtube!Registration is required for an in-person viewing. For more information, contact the Library at 330-832-9831. |
Saturday, April 22 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. |
PBS Asian Americans Film Screening Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, OH 44646 Join MassMu for these free screenings of two episodes of the PBS documentary series Asians Americans. The series chronicles the contributions and challenges of Asian Americans. Personal histories and new academic research cast a fresh lens on US history and the role Asian Americans have played in it. The second screening will take place from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. EPISODE 3 GOOD AMERICANS: During the Cold War years, Asian Americans are simultaneously heralded as a Model Minority, and targeted as the perpetual foreigner. It is also a time of bold ambition, as Asian Americans aspire for the first time to national political office and a coming culture-quake simmers beneath the surface. Free. Register at MassMu.org/Tickets or call 330-833-4061. Registration is separate for each screening. Attend one or both! |
Monday, April 24 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. |
Page Turners Book Club Book Discussion Massillon Public Library, 208 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, OH 44646 On Monday, April 24, from 1:00 until 2:30 p.m. the Massillon Public Library will host “The Page Turners Book Club” in the MPL Auditorium. Join the group each fourth Monday to talk about books you just can’t put down! In conjunction with the 2023 Big Read, April’s book selection is Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu. For more information, contact the library at 330-832-9831, x350. Free. No registration required. |
Tuesday, April 25 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. |
Brown Bag Lunch featuring Brian Hayashi Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, OH 44646 Brian Masaru Hayashi, Professor of History at Kent State University, will present "Who Do You Believe? The Office of Strategic Services and Asian Americans, 1945." Admission to Brown Bag Lunches is free, and no reservations are required. The Museum provides free cookies and coffee for attendees. Guests can purchase sandwiches, salad, and smoothies at Greatness Cafe in the Museum lobby or they can bring their own lunches. Free. No registration required. A recording of the program is now available at MassMu.org/Videos. |
Tuesday, April 25 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. |
Poetry Read-In Massillon Public Library Auditorium, 208 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, OH 44646 17th annual Poetry Read-In: Bring your original poems, share the work of your favorite poet or just sit back and enjoy the art of poetry in a coffeehouse atmosphere! Free coffee and cookies. Free. No registration required. |
Wednesday, April 26 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. |
Book Discussion with Christina Haas Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, OH 44646 As a part of the 2023 NEA Big Read, the Massillon Museum invites the public to a book discussion of the book selection Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu on Wednesday, April 26, at 11:00 a. m. Free. Register at MassMu.org/Tickets or call 330-833-4061. |
Wednesday, April 26 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. |
AsiaTown, Culture, and Racism Massillon Public Library, 208 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, OH 44646 Johnny K. Wu and Lisa Wong will speak about Cleveland's AsiaTown, culture, racism, the pandemic, and the Cleveland Asian Festival and how it helps put Asian American Pacific Islanders on the map. Free. No registration required. |
Thursday, April 27 Starting at 7:00 p.m. |
Keynote with Author Charles Yu Massillon Museum's Facebook Live Join the Massillon Museum for this virtual discussion on Facebook Live with Charles Yu about his work and Interior Chinatown. Charles Yu is the author of four books, including Interior Chinatown (the winner of the 2020 National Book Award for fiction), and the novel How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe (a New York Times Notable Book and a Time magazine best book of the year). He received the National Book Foundation's 5 Under 35 Award and was nominated for two Writers Guild of America Awards for his work on the HBO series, Westworld. He has also written for shows on FX, AMC, and HBO. His fiction and nonfiction have appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Wired, among other publications. Together with TaiwaneseAmerican.org, he established the Betty L. Yu and Jin C. Yu Writing Prizes, in honor of his parents. Free. No registration required. A recording of this program is available on the Massillon Museum's Facebook YouTube page, www.MassMu.org/Videos, through Thursday, May 11, 2023. Massillon Cable Television will air the recording on channel 621 on Sunday, April 30, at 6:00 p.m. |
Saturday, April 29 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. |
Last Saturday Hot Pot Night! Open House Massillon Public Library, 208 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, OH 44646 Join us for a Hot Pot Open House celebration for kids, including crafts, stories, activities, and more featuring the children’s book Hot Pot Night! by Vincent Chen. Free. No registration required. |
Sunday, April 30 Starting at 1:00 p.m. |
Book Discussion with Soroptimist International of Canton/Stark County Tremont Coffee (Perry), 4859 Tuscarawas Street W., Canton, OH 44708 Join Soroptimist International of Canton/Stark County for a book discussion of the 2023 Big Read book selection Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu. The book discussion will begin at 1:00pm at Tremont Coffee's Perry location. Free. Register at MassMu.org/Tickets or call 330-833-4061. |
Previous NEA Big Read Massillon Book Selections:
2022: An American Sunrise by Joy Harjo
2021: Circe by Madeline Miller
2020: Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast
2019: Burning Bright by Ron Rash
2018: A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. LeGuin
2017: True Grit by Charles Portis
2016: In the Time of Butterflies by Julia Alvarez
2015: Old School by Tobias Wolff
2014: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
2013: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
2012: The Stories of Edgar Allan Poe
2011: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
2010: The Shawl by Cynthia Ozick
2009: The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
2008: The Call of the Wild by Jack London
To learn more about the NEA Big Read, visit www.arts.gov/initiatives/nea-big-read.
NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.