Time to Apply for The Big Read
Institute of Museum and Library Services | November 20, 2009
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and in cooperation with Arts Midwest, announces the 2010 deadline for The Big Read, a program to revitalize the role of literature in American culture. Organizations may apply for grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000, with the grant size determined by community population, number of activities planned, and artistic excellence and merit. Selected communities will participate in The Big Read from September 2010–June 2011.
Communities across the country have strengthened their Big Read projects by enlisting the support of art, science, history, and children’s museums as well as aquaria, arboreta, botanical gardens, nature centers, and zoos. Since 2006, more than 800 awards have been made to communities across the country. Learn more about Big Read events and access free online versions of reader’s, teacher’s, and audio guides at The Big Read Web site
. Applicants must choose one of thirty-one available Big Read selections, including this year’s new title, In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez.
Big Read grants require the participation of a library as a lead applicant or a partner. Grant funds, which must be matched with nonfederal funds, may be used for such expenses as book purchases, speaker fees and travel, salaries, advertising, and venue rental.
Organizations selected to participate in The Big Read will receive a grant, access to online training resources and opportunities, educational and promotional materials to support community involvement, an organizer’s guide for developing and managing Big Read activities, inclusion of the organization and its activities on The Big Read Web site, and the prestige of participating in a national program.
The proposal deadline is February 2, 2010. Apply now. Questions should be directed to Arts Midwest at 612-238-8010 or TheBigRead@artsmidwest.org.
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.
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