The Big Read, a national program to encourage literary reading and revitalize the role of literature in American culture, is accepting applications from non-profit organizations, including libraries and museums, to conduct month-long, community-wide reads between September 2008 and June 2009. Big Read participants will receive

• a grant ranging from $2,500 to $20,000,
• financial support to attend the national orientation meeting,
• educational and promotional materials for broad distribution,
• an Organizer’s Guide for developing and managing Big Read activities,
• inclusion of your organization and activities on The Big Read Web site, and
• the prestige of participating in a highly visible national initiative.

Approximately 300 organizations of varying sizes across the country will be selected for this cycle.

Deadline for Intent to Apply (strongly encouraged): January 11, 2008
Deadline for Applications: February 12, 2008

Go to www.NEABigRead.org to download the Guidelines and Application.

Questions? Call Arts Midwest at 612.341.0755 or e-mail TheBigRead@artsmidwest.org

The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest.