On April 11, 2016, the Yerevan American Corner organized a William Saroyan Reading Marathon to mark America’s and Armenia’s National Library Week (which runs from April 10 to 16). During the Marathon, more than 55 participants shared in the effort to continuously read out loud William Saroyan’s novel ”The Human Comedy.” U.S. Embassy Information Resoruce Center Director Nerses Hayrapetyan was the first reader to set the Marathon in motion. U.S. diplomats, literary critics, representatives of the cultural sector, library officials, students, and library patrons each took a turn reading for five minutes. There was also a live connection via webcam with the other four American Corners, located in Gyumri, Kapan, Vanadzor, and Charentsavan. The honorary guest, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills, Jr., participated in the event as well by reading for five minutes. Then he expressed his thoughts about William Saroyan, who he called a cultural bridge between two great nations that benefited both. Different TV representatives were also present to illustrate this important event. The mission of the event was to spread English-language skills and connect Armenian audience with American literature and culture. The William Saroyan Reading Marathon was also aimed at marking the celebration of 10th year of The American Corners in Armenia. At the end of the reading, the participants, who were really impressed by the event, expressed their gratitude to the organizers. This was the first Reading Marathon organized by the Yerevan American Corner and hopefully not the last. We are grateful to all the people who expressed enthusiasm and took part in our event.

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