WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – James V. Brown Library cardholders of all ages can experience Big Library Read, the world’s largest digital book club, with a Newbery Award-winning young adult novel.
From November 2-16, booklovers with a valid library card can join thousands of others around the globe by borrowing Darcie Little Badger’s indigenous fantasy novel, “A Snake Falls to Earth,” from their public library.
Library card holders may read the ebook and audiobook for free without waiting on the Libby app or by visiting https://libbyapp.com/library/ebranch2go.
Readers can then discuss online at https://biglibraryread.com/join-the-discussion/.
This Big Library Read novel is available in more than 21,000 libraries around the world, including approximately 90 percent of public libraries in North America, along with thousands of schools. During the program, readers participate in engaging online discussions about the title. The program is facilitated by OverDrive, the leading digital reading platform for popular ebooks, audiobooks and magazines and creator of the Libby app.
“A Snake Falls to Earth” tells the story of Nina, a Lipan Apache girl who always felt there was something more out there. She still believes in the old stories. Meanwhile, Oli is a cottonmouth kid from the land of spirits and monsters. Like all cottonmouths, he’s been cast from home. He’s found a new one on the banks of the bottomless lake. Nina and Oli have no idea the other exists. But a catastrophic event on Earth, and a strange sickness that befalls Oli’s best friend, will drive their worlds together in ways they haven’t been in centuries. And there are some who will kill to keep them apart.
Big Library Read is an international reading program that connects millions of readers around the world with an ebook through public libraries. A Snake Falls to Earth is the 29th selection of this program which began in 2013 and takes place three times per year. The title will automatically expire at the end of the lending period, and there are no late fees.
This is one of the many ways the library supports the PA Forward Initiative through providing information literacy opportunities for learning. When Pennsylvania residents know how to use current technology to improve their education and enhance their skills, they can fully participate in a digital society.
The James V. Brown Library is open for browsing and holds pick up from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. To place a hold, visit www.jvbrown.edu or call 570-326-0536 during the library’s operating hours. The library also is open for public computer usage and for services such as printing, faxing, copying and scanning. Walk-in passport services are available. Brown Library is the 2021 PA Library of the Year.
The James V. Brown Library, 19 E. Fourth St., Williamsport, Pa., is the place to go to learn, connect and grow. Founded in June 1907, the library champions the love of reading, opens new doors to lifelong learning, provides a haven to those who seek and ensures the preservation of public library services for future generations. The library has more than 225,000 visitors in a year and circulates a half-million items annually. A member of the Lycoming County Library System, the James V. Brown Library participates in PA Forward, a statewide initiative to promote literacies in our communities to power a better future for everyone.

