What is The Big Read?
The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with the institute of Museum and Library Services designed to revitalize the role of literature in American Culture and bring the transformative power of literature into the lives of its citizens. The Big Read brings together partners across the country to encourage citizens to read and discuss a single book with their communities.
A 2004 survey by the NEA found that not only is literary reading in America declining rapidly among all groups, but the rate of decline has accelerated, especially among the young. The Big Read aims to address this crisis squarely and effectively. It provides citizens with the opportunity to read and discuss a single book within their communities.
The Alabama statewide Big Read effort is a partnership between the public Library Service (i.e., The State Library) and the Alabama Center fro the Book. The NEA has been very impressed with the activities from the State of Alabama and has asked that Alabama server as a pilot program for how other states can take The Big Read to a statewide level.
To make The Big Read project more manageable, the state was divided into nine regions. There will be state and regional events available for everyone to attend. However, the strength of The Big Read comes from local communities working together for a common purpose. You, your fiends, schools, clubs, organizations, and businesses can help make this event a success by attending or taking part in events included in this newsletter. Contact your local library for more information.
The Big Read is made possible by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. This project has also been mad possible in part by grants or partnerships from the following organizations.
The Public Libraries of Jefferson County would like to thank The Birmingham News, the community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, The Daniels Foundation of Birmingham, and EBSCO Industries, Inc. for their generous support of The Big Read.
Visit these websites for more information.
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