NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The New Rochelle Public Library today announced that it has received a grant of $15,000 to host The Big Read in New Rochelle. The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The Big Read is managed by Arts Midwest. The New Rochelle Public Library is one of 78 not-for-profit organizations to receive a grant to host a Big Read project in 2012-2013. The Big Read in New Rochelle will focus on Sun, Stone, and Shadows: Twenty Great Mexican Short Stories. Activities will take place between September 16th, when the project will be launched with a Fiesta Grande for Mexican Independence Day, through November 3rd, when New Rochelle High School will host a Day of the Dead exhibition and culminating program. The 2012-2013 Big Read will be the fifth “One City, One Book” project conducted by the library since 2007.
“We are pleased and excited that NRPL has again been selected for this prestigious grant,” said. Greg Varian, president of the library’s Board of Trustees. “The Big Read of Sun, Stone, and Shadows will provide an excellent opportunity for the entire New Rochelle community to read and discuss the outstanding stories, while also exploring the fascinating history and culture of Mexico. We look forward to working with the schools, colleges and other partners in engaging New Rochelle residents in a host of related Big Read programs.”
NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman said, “At the NEA we know that the arts can help to create strong, vibrant communities by bringing people together. Through The Big Read, these 78 organizations are giving their communities the opportunity to share both great works of literature and memorable experiences.”
The Big Read provides communities nationwide with the opportunity to read, discuss, and celebrate one of 31 selections from U.S. and world literature. The 78 selected organizations will receive Big Read grants to promote and carry out community-based reading programs featuring activities such as read-a-thons, book discussions, lectures, movie screenings, and performing arts events. Participating communities also receive high-quality, free-of-charge educational materials to supplement each title, including Reader’s, Teacher’s, and Audio Guides, which also are available for download. For more information about The Big Read please click here.
The New Rochelle Public Library is a community resource that seeks to improve the life of every citizen in our city. It is dedicated to encouraging learning in all stages of life, to protecting intellectual freedom and to providing fair and equal access to information. The Library offers a comprehensive collection that includes retrospective and current materials; up-to-date technology by which information can be accessed; a wide range of community services and programs tailored to a diverse audience; and professional, knowledgeable and courteous service to its patrons. Since 1979, when the Library’s present building was completed, it has developed into New Rochelle’s primary community center, providing over 2,000 cultural and educational programs each year, as well as computer training and a host of services implemented to meet the complex needs of the New York’s seventh largest city.
The National Endowment for the Arts was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. To date, the NEA has awarded more than $4 billion to support artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities. The NEA extends its work through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector. To join the discussion on how art works, visit the NEA.
Arts Midwest promotes creativity, nurtures cultural leadership, and engages people in meaningful arts experiences, bringing vitality to Midwest communities and enriching people’s lives. Based in Minneapolis, Arts Midwest connects the arts to audiences throughout the nine-state region of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. One of six non-profit regional arts organizations in the United States, Arts Midwest’s history spans more than 25 years. For more information, please click here.