I wanted to follow up on Ceci Marlow's post with a recommendation for the Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company from Grand Haven. They performed at our September 20th kickoff/book distribution event and people loved them - our audience ranged from high school students to patrons in their 80s and we had great comments from them all. Even with additional travel costs for the trip to northern Michigan, the total cost was under $450. They introduced the book and spoke briefly about the connections to Shakespeare's time, and also read excerpts from the book between scenes. We also scheduled a cooking program, but took ours outdoors. For our Campfire Cookery class we built a big fire pit behind the library and showed participants how to cook a full meal (including dessert and coffee) on an open campfire using various techniques. Even though the temperatures dipped into the 50s on the night of the program, we had a good turnout . People came bundled up and stayed beyond the end of the program to enjoy the warmth of the fire. Our instructor donated her time and equipment, staff donated the firewood, and our total cost for food and travel was $103.00. I think I might do this again in the spring before camping season begins because we had so much fun. Paper collage artist Beth Bynum from Kingsley led a very successful "Read and Create" art program for us. I highly recommend her! We wrapped up our Great Michigan Read on Monday night with a visit from the author. It has been a hectic six weeks, but worth all the effort put into it. I agree with Ceci.if you are still considering participation in the Great Michigan Read, go for it. Maureen Maureen Derenzy, Library Director Otsego County Library 700 S. Otsego Avenue Gaylord, MI 49735 (989) 732-5841 x15 mderenzy@otsego.org