Irving Public Library Celebrates NEA Big Read with Genealogy Events Inspired by Andrew Krivak's “The Bear”

(IRVING, TEXAS) – As part of the 2024 NEA Big Read, the Irving Public Library will host a series of
genealogy events honoring the themes of memory, family and connection found in the novel
“The Bear” by Andrew Krivak. These events encourage residents to explore their own family
histories, just as library staff member Sylvia Leal did while tracing her Hispanic lineage.
Sylvia’s journey began with a family tale about her great-grandfather, a charismatic figure said
to have run away to America who worked as a barber before tragically passing away after her
grandmother’s birth. “My mother’s stories were so extravagant, we doubted he even existed,
especially since my grandmother took her stepfather’s name,” Sylvia shared. Using Irving Public

Library’s resources, she uncovered records matching her family’s stories, proving her great-
grandfather’s existence while also discovering new details about her family’s past.

Residents are invited to embark on their own journey of discovery at the following events:
• Sat., Oct. 26 | 1 p.m.: Genealogy for the Hispanic Community | South Irving Library
• Tues., Oct. 29 | 2 p.m.: MiY Preserving Family Memories | West Irving Library
• Sat., Nov. 9 | 1 p.m.: Personal Storytelling and Archival Recordings | West Irving Library
• Thurs., Nov. 14 | 6 p.m.: Genealogy for the African American Community | Valley Ranch
Library
These events provide hands-on opportunities to use the library’s free genealogy tools and
uncover family stories, just as Sylvia did. Readers are also invited to meet “The Bear” author
Andrew Krivak in person at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. from 1 to 3 p.m.
Nov. 16.
The NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts
Midwest. For more details and participation, visit CityofIrving.org/Library.

SOURCE: Irving Public Library