Kick off the Big Read with a great adventure from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at DeKalb Public Library. Everyone is invited to join in whitewashing the library’s “Tom Sawyer” fence, which will be displayed outside during the month of October.

Stay for a picnic as healthy snacks and refreshments are offered in the library’s new “picnic grove.” There will be games and activities that were popular in the 1800s, including jacks, hopscotch, graces, ring toss and more. Prizes will be available to the winners of each game. In the event of rain, the library will move the event indoors.

Throughout October, there are many events scheduled all over the county related to the Big Read. During the first week, there will be a panel discussion at the Ellwood House Visitor’s Center at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 2. The topic will be “Why Read Mark Twain?” The panel will talk about the language, social class, stereotype and other characteristics in “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” What makes Mark Twain relevant today?