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The Pioneer Library System’s Big Read went out with a bang, as nearly 200 people attended the Finale event at the Warren Theater in Moore.

Guests were greeted by several vintage cars parked outside the theater and "The Maltese Falcon" on the giant Marquee.  Neon colored fedoras were available to get everyone in the detective spirit. For the guests dressed in 1930's attire, there was a costume contest with prizes.  Noble Public Library took home the 18-inch bronze statue of a peregrine falcon perched on a stack of three books from the contest drawing.  And finally, everyone enjoyed the 1941 version of "The Maltese Falcon" with Humphrey Bogart.

The finale event wrapped up the fourth year of Pioneer’s Big Read, an annual event that is a nationwide reading initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest, designed to promote literary reading among adults.  This year, Pioneer Library System put on over 30 events to promote Dashiell Hammet's "The Maltese Falcon." Events included mystery dinners, book discussions, the Old Time Radio Players, CSI investigations, ice cream treat contests, and drawings for a hand-cast and hand-painted falcon statue.

Thanks to everyone who attended the events and made Big Read 2010: The Maltese Falcon successful.