The Irving community is invited to solve the mystery as the Irving Public Library presents The Big Read program beginning Oct. 1. The Big Read, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest, is a monthlong, community-wide reading event designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture.

The Big Read program aims to address the decline in reading for pleasure among American adults by providing residents with the opportunity to read and discuss a single book within their communities. The Irving community will be talking about this year’s selected title, The Maltese Falcon, by Dashiell Hammett, long after the Big Read concludes at the end of October. The Maltese Falcon, considered the first American detective novel, set the standard by which all subsequent detective fiction would be judged.

“Hammett’s comedic tone and sharp dialogue makes for an exceedingly enjoyable read with enough twists to keep the reader turning the pages in search of clues,” said Jan Bodnar, community service supervisor. “The detective/crime thriller theme of the novel has created fantastic opportunities for fun, innovative programs that complement the book.”

Irving’s Big Read features programs, book discussions and film screenings for all ages at locations across the city. The library is partnering with the Irving Arts Center, Irving Independent School District’s high schools, North Lake Community College, University of Dallas, Heritage Senior Center, and Barnes & Noble, as well as various museums and other city organizations, to bring together as much of the population as possible around this entertaining book.

Multiple copies of the book and audio book are available at all library locations. The audio book can be downloaded here.