About The Big Read

1. 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 Big Read brings together partners across the country to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment. Big Read grantees comprise a variety of organizations including libraries, municipalities, colleges, and arts, culture, and science organizations. By 2009, approximately 400 towns and cities nationwide will have hosted a Big Read program.

The NEA presents The Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest. Support for The Big Read is also provided by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The Big Read in the Pacific Northwest is also supported, in part, by a grant from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation.

2. Why has this program been organized?

The Big Read 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 partners and by awarding grants and by improving access to the art of literature, the Arts Endowment is working toward reversing the decline in reading.

To Read or Not To Read: A Question of National Consequence, the NEA’s 2007 follow-up report to Reading at Risk, reported that not only are Americans reading less, they are also reading less well, and these declines in reading have civic, social, and economic implications. To Read or Not To Read assembled data on reading trends from more than 40 sources, including federal agencies, universities, foundations, and associations.

3. How was Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library selected to participate in The Big Read?

Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library  is one of 127 communities participating in The Big Read from January-June 2008. 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, working with media, and excellence of plans to develop and implement a community-wide reading program.

4. Which organizations in our community are participating in The Big Read?

Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library is the lead organization for The Big Read. Our Big Read partners include University of the Pacific, Delta College, Lodi Public Library, Haggin Museum, San Joaquin Reading Association, Stockton Civic Theater, and Tracy Community Theater. Our Big Read sponsors include Library & Literacy Foundation for San Joaquin and Friends of the Stockton Public Library.

5. Why did our community choose to read The Maltese Falcon?

Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library choose The Maltese Falcon because of the mystery and intrigue of the story that takes place in a local setting, San Francisco. Through our waterways Stockton has a direct connection to the time period of the book.  

6. When will The Big Read in Stockton-San Joaquin County take place? 

The Big Read in Stockton-San Joaquin County will take place April 13-May 30, 2008 A full calendar of events for The Big Read is available at http://www.neabigread.org/events.php?mode=communityCalendar&communityID=2730.

7. What types of events will take place during The Big Read in Stockton-San Joaquin County?

Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library is offering a variety of events for all ages during The Big Read including author visits, movies, music, craft, book discussions, and more.

8. Where can I find more information about The Big Read at the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library?

For information on The Big Read please contact (209) 937-7778.

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.