Frequently Asked Questions - The Big Read
What is The Big Read?
The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The program provides citizens with the opportunity to read and discuss a single book within their communities. The NEA presents the Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest. The Big Read brings together partners across the country to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment.
Why has this program been organized?
The program was created in response to the National Endowment for the Arts report Reading at Risk: A Survey of Literary Reading in America, which identified a critical decline in literary reading among American adults. With communities across the country as our partners, by awarding grants and by improving access to the art of literature, the Arts Endowment is working toward reversing the decline in reading.
How are community organizations chosen to participate in the Big Read?
Berkeley is one of nearly 200 communities participating in the Big Read in 2007. Along with 117 other communities nationwide, Berkeley will host a Big Read program between mid-October and mid-November 2007. Seventy-two communities hosted Big Reads from January to June 2007. Community organizations are selected by a panel of experts based on each organization’s experience in building strong local partnerships, reaching and engaging new and diverse audiences, working with educators, involving local and state public officials, and excellence of plans to develop and implement a community-wide reading program.
Which organizations in our community are participating in the Big Read?
Berkeley Public Library is the lead organization for The Big Read in Berkeley. The Big Read partners include the Mayor's Office, Berkeley High School, Berkeley Reads Adult Literacy Program, and Berkeley Senior Centers. Our Big Read sponsors include Friends of the Berkeley Public Library and The Berkeley Public Library Foundation.
Why did our community choose to read Their Eyes Were Watching God?
The people representing the partner institutions were moved by the beauty and flow of Hurston's language and by the universal themes addressed in the novel.
When will the Big Read in Berkeley take place?
The Big Read in Berkeley will take place from mid-October through mid-November, 2007. A full calendar of events for The Big Read is available at www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.
Where can I find more information about the Big Read?
For information on The Big Read in Berkeley please contact Linda Sakamoto-Jahnke at 510 981-6275.
Visit www.neabigread.org for more information on the national Big Read program, including guidelines and application deadlines. The Web site also features information about The Big Read novels, including author biographies, discussion questions, and suggestions for further reading.