Welcome to Hannibal, Missouri

The Springville Road Public Library concluded its celebration of The Big Read: Alabama Reads The Adventures of Tom Sawyer on April 24 with a “Welcome to Hannibal, Missouri Fair.” Patrons were invited to participate in a trip back in time to America’s Hometown with crafts, games, food, and animals.

Springville Road Circulation Department Manager Kelly Laney (pictured above) donned an era-appropriate attire and presented some of her organic produce, free-range eggs, and animal friends.

Artist Catherine Clements featured her art work and candle creations. Other items for sale included muffins, brownies, pickled pigs feet, hot dogs, and candies. The Children's Department had crafts and games available, plus a show by the Magic Man Larry Moore.

The boyhood home of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, or famously known as Mark Twain, served as the inspiration for the event. It was also the setting of his classic work The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. This year marks the 175th anniversary of his birth, the 125th anniversary of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and the 100th anniversary of his death.

The Big Read: Alabama Reads The Adventure of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain was a statewide campaign to help increase literacy and library usage in Alabama. Folks were encouraged to read Mark Twain’s classic work. The event occurs yearly from February to April.