POUGHKEEPSIE – Poughkeepsie Public Library District is one of 78 recipients included in this year’s Big Read grant list announced by the National Endowment for the Arts. The grant supports the Library District’s efforts to coordinate this region’s annual Big Read program, especially in the purchase of books.
The local Big Read program will run from October 12 through November 16, with events for all ages at over 25 locations.
The featured literature is a short story collection by Appalachian writer Ron Rash entitled Burning Bright. The companion book for Middle School readers is Saving Wonder by Mary Knight. Both of these books will be read and studied in local school districts in the fall and the Library District will bring both authors to the area. Local book clubs are encouraged to participate and can register their interest at poklib.org/events/nea-big-read-2019/
The NEA Big Read is a National Endowment for the Arts initiative in partnership with Arts Midwest. Since 2006, more than 5.7 million Americans have attended an NEA Big Read event.
In 2019, communities in 31 states were selected to receive grants to host the community-wide reading projects. “It is inspiring to see both large and small communities across the nation come together around a book,” said National Endowment for the Arts Acting Chairman Mary Anne Carter. “We always look forward to the unique ways cities, towns, and organizations explore these stories and encourage community participation in a wide variety of events.”
