University of Redlands
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Email this pageRedlands Selected to Receive Big Read Grant
Contact: Katie Ismael
katie_ismael@redlands.edu
(909) 748-8387 (Phone)
June 18, 2008 -
The University of Redlands and the A.K. Smiley Public Library have received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to host The Big Read in Redlands. Residents will be encouraged to come together to read, discuss and celebrate one of Ray Bradbury's most widely recognized books, "Fahrenheit 451," thanks to the grant.
The university and library are among 208 libraries, municipalities, and arts, culture, higher education, and science organizations to receive a grant to host The Big Read from September 2008-June 2009. The Big Read in Redlands will take place during February and March 2009.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to expand on the One City, One Book program that we have been running for the past two years," said Leela MadhavaRau, assistant dean and director of diversity affairs at the University of Redlands. "The Big Read provides us with the opportunity to work with lapsed readers to rediscover the joy of reading an entire book."
The Redlands events will be designed to attract a variety of people in the community. Family friendly events, lectures and film discussions are among the events planned, according to MadhavaRau.
"Everything the NEA does we do in partnership. I am delighted to announce our 208 new partners in The Big Read. Some are new to the program, some are returning, but all of them have answered the call to action to get our country reading again," said NEA Chairman Dana Gioia.
The selected organizations will receive Big Read grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 to promote and carry out community-based reading programs featuring activities such as read-a-thons, book discussions, lectures, movie screenings and performing arts events. Participating communities also receive high-quality, free-of-charge educational materials to supplement each title, including reader's, teacher's and audio guides.
Organizations participating in the grant could choose from one of 23 selections from American and world literature. Other cities are reading books including "To Kill a Mockingbird," "Their Eyes Were Watching God," "The Grapes of Wrath" and "A Lesson Before Dying."
The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The NEA presents The Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest. Transportation for The Big Read is provided by Ford.
For more information about The Big Read please visit www.neabigread.org.