Program/Grant: NEA Big Read

The University of Florida, in partnership with the Alachua County Library District and local community organizations, will use the novel Their Eyes Were Watching God as a lens through which to explore the intersections of environment, people, and history in Alachua County and the surrounding area.

Inspired by Andrew Krivak's The Bear, WPSU will collaborate with environmental groups, libraries, and grief experts to spark engaging and meaningful conversations. Through discussions centered on nature, mental well-being, and the art of storytelling, we will cultivate an appreciation for the environment, fostering a deeper understanding of human impact on their natural surroundings.

PLMVKC celebrates Charles Yu’s Interior: Chinatown with book discussions and on our “What Are You Reading?” podcast; a Teen Makerspace craft series; prose, poetry, and screenwriting workshops with Ira Sukrungruang, Cindy Ok, Jon Tazewell and Hao Zhou; dance, foodways and martial arts demos and more! PLMVKC will host an author visit at Woodward Opera House, with Lion Dancers and a community meal.

Universidad Ana G. Méndez, Recinto de Gurabo’s NEA Big Read project will center on the reading and discussion of Rudolfo Anaya’s novel entitled Bless Me, Ultima. Through the discussion of the novel and the different activities relating to it, we will reflect on the importance of the natural environment for the spiritual and physical wellbeing of our communities.

The FY24/25 NEA Big Read Program in LA will offer activities to explore ourselves and the places we shape and that shape us. More than two thousand high-school students in seven schools participate. DCA Neighborhood Arts Centers will offer afterschool programs, and 15 community non-profits will host creative activities and field trips. The Los Angeles Public Library will lead adult reading groups.

Presented by the Newburgh Enlarged City School District in partnership with the Newburgh Free Library and the City of Newburgh, NEA Big Read: Newburgh will explore "Where We Live" through poetry and the featured reading of Hustle by David Tomas Martinez. With a focus on the rich history of our community programming will inspire meaningful conversations and celebrate local creativity and voices.

Big Read Rapid City celebrates where we live through literature and art. Join us to read, connect, create, and explore together through Andrew Krivak's fable, "The Bear."

Inspired by Andrew Krivak's The Bear with its homage to earth, wilderness, and survival, our Big Read project will explore the theme of WHERE WE LIVE with programming that will honor our homeland of Lake County, California. With our community, we will explore our local resources, landscapes, and survival skills while turning to The Bear for meaningful discussions.

Irving Public Library will present an NEA Big Read celebrating Andrew Krivak's The Bear. Our programming will be centered around the Irving community and our environment, and it will include book discussions, creative writing workshops, opportunities to learn about our natural surroundings, and a celebration of Irving residents' stories.

Prairie Cultural Commons is a non-profit that is dedicated to creating opportunities, equity, and understanding for High Plains communities through arts and culture. Rooted in the geographical terrain of the Colorado High Plains, Prairie Sea Projects', part of Prairie Cultural Commons, work reflects creative transformation of our regional landscape and rural communities.