Guests will also have the opportunity to meet two influential and internationally recognized literary figures. R.C. Davis-Undiano, Executive Director of World Literature Today, and David Kipen, Director of Literature for the National Endowment for the Arts, will be present at the Kick-off to discuss Bless Me, Ultima and The Big Read, respectively.

To encourage participation in The Big Read, Bob Moore Auto Group in partnership with the Pioneer Library System will give away a 2005 Nissan Altima in the Bless Me, Ultima Ultimate Altima Give-Away. People who attend the Kick-off will be the first to be able to enter their names in the drawing for the car which will be given away on May 5.

More than 80 Big Read events and book discussions will take place in Cleveland, McClain, and Pottatwatomie counties between the Kick-off and Cinco De Mayo. Each time adult readers participate in The Big Read events, they have another opportunity to enter the Bless Me, Ultima Ultimate Altima Give-Away.

National sponsors for The Big Read are National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest. Local sponsors include the Pioneer Library System, Bob Moore Auto Group, Norman Arts Council, Telemundo and Tyler Media, El Chico of Norman with additional support from local Friends of the Public Library groups and community sponsors.