Caribbean dances from the Panadanza Dance Company and butterfly-themed crafts helped kick off the Milwaukee Public Library’s MKE Big Read program on Saturday.

The MKE Big Read program is part of the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read 2017. Between now and May 13, activities will take place in several Milwaukee Public Library locations, focused on the novel “In the Time of the Butterflies” by Julia Alvarez.

“We are honored to be selected as an NEA Big Read grantee,” said Milwaukee Public Library Director Paula Kiely. “Books can inspire and create new experiences. ‘In the Time of the Butterflies’ is a poignant novel with themes that will appeal to readers of all ages and relate to members of our Milwaukee community,” she added.  “Bringing our community together around a great work of literature will have a lasting impact.”

“In the Time of the Butterflies” tells the tale of three women driven by a passion for justice.

Kickoff participants were able to view butterfly specimens from the Milwaukee Public Museum.

Shanon Vuckovic and Kamahdi King, 10, who participate in Big Brothers Big Sisters, attended the kickoff event together. Both Vuckovic and Kamahdi wrote their wishes for Milwaukee on a paper butterfly and attached them to a map of Milwaukee County that was on display.

Vuckovic said she likes the events that are available at the Milwaukee Public Library, especially at the Central Library.

“This is our favorite library,” she said.