The Idaho Commission for Libraries does not award or administer the following grant opportunity. More information can be found on the website of the grantor (the National Endowments for the Arts) at http://www.neabigread.org/ or by contacting Arts Midwest at 612-238-8010 or TheBigRead@artsmidwest.org.

The Big Read is curently accepting applications from nonprofit organizations. Community organizations participating in The Big Read develop and produce community-wide reading programs—to be held between September 2013 and June 2014—that encourage reading and participation by diverse audiences. Activities focus on one book or poet from The Big Read Library.

To review the Guidelines and Application Instructions visit http://www.neabigread.org/.

• Application Deadline: February 5, 2013
• Programming Dates: September 1, 2013—June 30, 2014
  Approximately 75 organizations will be selected.

The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment. Managed by Arts Midwest, The Big Read provides competitive grants to support innovative reading programs in selected communities. Big Read grantees receive educational and promotional materials, and access to online training resources and opportunities.