The Mercantile Library Center for Fiction, along with partners including GCP, the Mystery Writers of America, NY Chapter and the USO of Metropolitan New York, has kicked off The Big Read, a season-long celebration of Dashiell Hammett's classic novel The Maltese Falcon. The Big Read is designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and bring the transformative power of literature into the lives of its citizens. The program brings together partners across the country to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment. Here in the Grand Central neighborhood, The Merc's festivities will include several weeks of fun activities and literary-themed events all centered around this classic crime novel. Click here to check out the entire slate of Big Read events and for more information, including tips on where you can pick up free and discounted copies of The Maltese Falcon, so you can join the fun!