Gwinnett Reads Kickoff Event Features Cherokee Music, Dance and Crafts on the Duluth Town Green

The Duluth Town Green will be the site of a colorful and entertaining display of Cherokee Indian song, dance, and art as the Gwinnett County Public Library's Gwinnett Reads kickoff event gets underway on Saturday, June 28 from noon until 4 p.m. The Duluth Historical Society is a library partner and co-sponsor of this year's kickoff activities.

This event is FREE and open to the public.

Other free events include:

Tuesday July 1 at 7 p.m.
Suwanee branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library
Cherokee Memories
Storytelling and historical insights

Donna Delgadillo of The Plainsmen Drum and Dance Troupe shares unique stories of the Cherokee people.

Monday July 7 at 7 p.m.
Five Forks branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library
Native American artifacts
Presented by the president of the Georgia Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association

Learn about the origins and lives of Native Americans of the Southeast through cultural artifacts.

Thursday July 10 at 7 p.m.
Collins Hill branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library
Major Ridge and the path to the Trail of Tears
Presented by the executive director of the Chieftains Museum / Major Ridge home in Rome, Georgia.

Hear the tragic story of Cherokee leader Major Ridge and the clash of cultures that led to the Trail of Tears. Discover how the government designates Indian tribal status, and learn about the current Cherokee controversy in Georgia.

Charles Frazier, bestselling author of Cold Mountain, is the featured writer at the Gwinnett Reads grand finale on July 12 at Gwinnett Center. This final Gwinnett Reads event brings everything together with Frazier reading from his latest novel Thirteen Moons, answering questions, and presenting Cherokee music, singing, and readings. He will also sign books that are available at the event in English and Cherokee. The finale's $15 admission covers food and entertainment.

Some of the proceeds will benefit the cultural preservation efforts of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation, which has honored Frazier for his dedication to helping preserve their language and traditions.

All other events are FREE and open to the public. The schedule of free community events and Frazier event tickets are available at all 14 Gwinnett County Public Library branches. For more information, visit www.gwinnettreads.org or call (770) 978-5154. For complete Gwinnett County Public Library information, visit www.gwinnettpl.org

Gwinnett County Public Library lays claim to Georgia's highest book circulation numbers and ranks among the largest systems in the country. With its dynamic position of growth in the booming Atlanta region, Gwinnett County Public Library has been able to attract top authors for Gwinnett Reads, its popular adult reading program, since it began in 2003.

For more information, visit www.gwinnettreads.org or call (770) 978-5154.