Quincy Public Library is Awarded the Big Read Grant by The National Endowment for the Arts and Arts Midwest
QUINCY, ILLINOIS – The Quincy Public Library has been selected as one of 62 organizations nationwide to receive a 2024-2025 Big Read grant. The $20,000 grant will support a community reading program centered on The Bear by Andrew Krivak, exploring this year's theme of "Where We Live." An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, Big Read broadens our understanding of the world, our communities, and ourselves through a shared reading experience.
Quincy Public Library will give away 1,500 copies of The Bear and host author Andrew Krivak at the Big Read Kick-Off on September 19th at Washington Park in Quincy, IL. During his visit, Mr. Krivak will conduct a Q&A session with local writing students and discuss the creative writing process with aspiring authors.
"Receiving the NEA Big Read grant is a wonderful opportunity for residents of Quincy and the surrounding area. We chose The Bear by Andrew Krivak for its themes of perseverance through loss and the value of spending time in nature," said Eric Brandhorst, Big Read Committee Chair.
Big Read 2024 in Quincy, IL, is not just about a shared reading experience. Programming from September 19th through October 26th includes a guest ecotherapist who will discuss the health benefits of maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature, four book discussion groups facilitated by library staff, creative writing workshops for all ages, and a star-gazing party in collaboration with the Quincy Park District.
Quincy Public Library is partnering with The Art Center for the Our Natural Community in Art exhibition. This open-call exhibition invites local artists to submit works interpreting Quincy's natural landscapes. This is designed to inspire creatives within the community to share their work through photography, collage, painting, sculpture, or any other medium. The Art Center will begin accepting submissions by September 4th, 2024, and will showcase the works at Artfest and at their gallery through October 26th, 2024.
"The Big Read grant means we have more resources to provide engaging programs to the community, to strengthen our partnerships, and really showcase what Quincy Public Library provides for local residents," said Kathleen Helsabeck, Executive Director of QPL, on receiving the NEA Big Read Grant
For younger readers, the Little Read program will feature I'm With Me by local author Ron Kinscherf and illustrator Holly Brogaard. This book emphasizes patience and the power of community. Quincy Public Library is excited to host both the author and illustrator for a discussion and Q&A about their creative process on October 5th, 2024, at the library.
The National Endowment for the Arts Big Read, a partnership with Arts Midwest, broadens our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book. Since 2006, the National Endowment for the Arts has funded more than 1,800 NEA Big Read programs, providing more than $25 million to organizations nationwide. In addition, NEA Big Read activities have reached every Congressional district in the country. Over the past 15+ years, grantees have leveraged more than $57 million in local funding to support their NEA Big Read programs. More than 6 million Americans have attended an NEA Big Read event, over 100,000 volunteers have participated at the local level, and over 40,000 community organizations have partnered to make NEA Big Read activities possible.
The mission of the Quincy Public Library is to provide its patrons with materials, facilities, and programs to meet lifelong learning, cultural, and recreational needs.
Comments