Do you have an immigrant story to share? Or a story about your name or family history?

Now’s your chance to have it immortalized on film, and it may even be selected to be part of a video to premier at the Big Read Kickoff on Sunday, March 18, 2018!

The “Tell Us Your Stories” video project is presented by Dearborn Public Library in coordination with the Dearborn Public Schools, the City of Dearborn Department of Public Information, the Dearborn Community Fund, and CDTV. This program is open to all ages and anyone who has resided in Dearborn, whether currently or previously. Click here to view the flyer.

If you’re interested, please reserve a spot to tell your story in one of three ways: 1) stop by any Dearborn Public Library; 2) call (313) 943-2330 and pick option two; or 3) visit dearbornlibrary.org and click on “Events Calendar and Registration.” Each time slot is thirty minutes, and each interview is expected to last roughly 15 minutes.

Filming times are Monday, October 23 through Friday, October 27, 12:30-2 p.m. at Dearborn High School, 19501 W. Outer Dr., and Wednesday, October 25, 6-8:30 p.m. in the Michael A. Guido Theater at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave.

Tips on how to get ready for your interview: You will be asked an opening question to the effect of: “Tell us your name and your story” or “What brought you to Dearborn?” To help improve the visual quality of the film, do not wear white or black clothes; rather wear pastels or gray. Bring any interesting family photos you would like to share. Please arrive about five minutes early so staff can get you set up for your interview. Get ready to contribute to Dearborn’s rich and varied history!

The Big Read Dearborn is celebrating Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake and is themed “What’s in a name?” featuring several related programs scheduled for March and April, 2018. Visit bigreaddearborn.org or dearbornlibrary.org for more information and for updates.

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

#BigReadDearborn