The following is a text-only press release from the federal Institute of
Museum and Library Services (IMLS). An HTML version of this release can
be read on the agency's Web site at
http://www.imls.gov/news/2009/062309.shtm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2009

Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Jeannine Mjoseth, [log in to unmask]
Mamie Bittner, [log in to unmask] 

IMLS Joins the NEA in Announcing More Than $3.7 Million in Grants for
The Big Read
269 grantees include arts groups, libraries, science organizations,
colleges, and municipalities.

Washington, DC-The Institute of Museum and Library Service (IMLS) in
partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) awarded Big
Read grants to 269 arts, culture, and science organizations, libraries,
and municipalities on June 23. The communities and institutions will use
the grants, totaling $3,742,765, to host Big Read celebrations that
bring communities together to read, discuss, and celebrate one of 30
selections from U.S. and world literature. To see the list of grantees,
please go to
http://www.arts.gov/national/bigread/press/bigread2010list.php?sortby=al
pha

"The Institute is pleased to support The Big Read, which brings
communities together to enjoy literature in their public libraries,"
said Anne-Imelda M. Radice, IMLS Director. "Libraries are community
anchors that serve as centers of engagement, literacy, and lifelong
learning. There is nothing better than reading a great book and sharing
your delight and insights with others."

"The Big Read highlights not only literature, but also what can be
accomplished in partnership, " said NEA Acting Chairman Patrice Walker
Powell. "I'm grateful to IMLS, Arts Midwest, and the many, many
nonprofits, local governments, and media outlets around the country that
have partnered with the NEA to present hundreds of Big Read projects
nationwide. We welcome our new community partners to The Big Read family
and look forward to continuing this transformative dialogue between
neighbors and across borders."

The selected organizations, representing 44 states, the District of
Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, will receive Big Read grants
ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 to promote and carry out:
* a kick-off event to launch the program; 
* activities devoted specifically to its Big Read book or poet such as
panel discussions, lectures, and public readings; 
* events using the selection as a point of departure like film
screenings, theatrical readings, exhibits; and book discussions in
diverse locations aimed at a wide range of audiences.

Since the 2006 pilot program, IMLS, NEA and project administrator Arts
Midwest have given more than 800 grants to support local Big Read
projects. Support for The Big Read is provided by the W.K. Kellogg
Foundation. Transportation for The Big Read is provided by Ford. 

New this fall, the NEA will premiere films about The Big Read authors
Rudolfo Anaya, Ernest J. Gaines, Cynthia Ozick, and Tobias Wolff. The
educational films offer intimate portraits of each author, including
their writing philosophies, work spaces, and favorite books. The films
produced by Red Car Productions will be available at www.neabigread.org
in a 20-minute and five-minute version. The Big Read film series debuted
last fall, featuring conversations with Ray Bradbury and Amy Tan. To
learn more about The Big Read, please visit www.neabigread.org.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services 
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of
federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums.
The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that
connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the
national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to
sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and
innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about
the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov. 

About the National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Art is a public agency dedicated to
supporting excellence in the arts, both new and established; bringing
the arts to all Americans; and providing leadership in arts education.
Established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal
government, the Arts Endowment is the nation's largest annual funder of
the arts, bringing great art to all 50 states, including rural areas,
inner cities, and military bases. For more information, please visit
www.arts.gov.

About Arts Midwest
Arts Midwest connects people throughout the Midwest and the world to
meaningful arts opportunities, sharing creativity, knowledge, and
understanding across boundaries. Arts Midwest connects the arts to
audiences throughout the nine-state region of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,
Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
One of six non-profit regional arts organizations in the United States,
Arts Midwest's history spans more than 25 years. For more information,
please visit www.artsmidwest.org.

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