The Quincy Public Library is giving away free books. Join us at the 2010 Big Read Kick-off Sept. 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Women’s City Club and pick up your free copy of this year’s book, “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Enjoy a free picnic lunch, 1920s music and a display of period automobiles. Mayor John Spring will welcome the crowd at 11:30 a.m., and Dr. Deirdre Fagan, Associate Professor of English at Quincy University, will share some insights to the novel in a brief Keynote address. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate literature and join your community in reading — or rereading — this classic novel.

Once you’ve gotten your book, gather with your friends, co-workers and neighbors to discuss “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. What motivated Fitzgerald to write “The Great Gatsby?” How did Fitzgerald’s experiences influence his writing? How has the American Dream evolved or stayed the same? Discuss these questions and more in your own backyard or at a Library Sponsored Book Discussion. For more information about Library Book Discussion groups, click here.

Enjoy a night out and interesting discussion at The Big Read at Martinis at 515. The Quincy Public Library and Young Professionals will host a book discussion on Sept. 30 at Martinis at 515. Enjoy some Martinis as you talk about one of the greatest books in American literature. Be sure to try the Gatsby Drink special — a martini twist on the classic Mint Julep featured in the book.

The Big Read will continue all month long with community book discussions, a Roaring Twenties film series and a Jazz Age lecture series.

The Big Read will culminate with “All That Jazz: The Final Party,” a theatrical performance, written and produced by Connie Phillips and the Quincy University Theater Department, featuring live jazz music performed by local jazz legends Bob Havens, Ben Bumbry, Les Fonza and Steve Parke. Audience members will witness firsthand the inner dialogue of Jay Gatsby’s famed parties complete with music, dancing and drama. Solo performances by local Jazz musicians Bob Havens, Ben Bumbry and Les Fonza and period “flapper” dance performances are among the highlights planned.

For more information about the Big Read, visit www.quincylibrary.org.

The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The NEA presents The Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest. Support for The Big Read has been provided by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, the Boeing Company, the Poetry Foundation and the Ford Motor Company.