THE BIG READ

    Application for The Big Read 2008(PDF Format)

    About the Program


    The South Dakota Center for the Book, a program of the South Dakota Humanities Council, has coordinated THE BIG READ for two years. In 2006, we were one of ten organizations selected nationally to pilot the program, with the Sioux Falls area reading To Kill A Mockingbird. In 2007, we expanded to include three additional sites, Rapid City, Aberdeen and Mitchell and read My Antonia. For 2008, we want to give interested organizations a chance to host this innovative community-based literary program.
    THE BIG READ is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and bring the transformative power of literature into the lives of its citizens. Created by the NEA in cooperation with Arts Midwest, THE BIG READ brings together partners across the country to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment. Reading At Risk: A Survey of Literary Reading in America, a report issued in 2004 by the NEA, identifi ed critical issues facing literary reading. THE BIG READ aims to address this crisis by providing citizens with the opportunity to read and discuss a single book within their communities.
    Pending approval of receiving a NEA grant for this program, the SD Humanities Council invites South Dakota organizations to apply to be one of the selected communities for this program in Spring of 2008. Please follow the guidelines and use the application form attached to be considered for this grant. Applications are due to the Council by July 1, 2007. Please mail to: SDHC, Box 7050, University Station, Brookings, SD 57007. Communities will be selected for inclusion in the Council’s grant to the NEA. The South Dakota communities will be notifi ed if they were selected prior to July 31, 2007. NEA will notify grant recipients in September 2007. Pending approval from the NEA, THE BIG READ program will run for a 30-40 day period between January and June of 2008.

    Host Organization Obligations
    Prior to applying to host the program, please ensure you will be able to fulfill the following responsibilities.
    - Get “non-readers” involved in reading programs.
    Possible Events Include:
    - Organizing discussion groups at unique venues (bars, offices, etc.)
    - Giving books away to non-readers (in a parking lot, at a sporting event, etc.)
    - Working closely with area schools and universities to get young people involved in the program
    - Establish a book club that goes beyond THE BIG READ in your community
    - Use themes in the book in event planning (forums on race relations, ethnic cooking, etc.)
    - Develop community programs and activities related to the selected The Big Read text.
    Possible Programs and Activities Include:
    - Two signature events to launch and conclude the program in your community
    - A series of discussions about the book
    - Readers’ Theatre or film screening
    - Presentations about reading and the book at community-based organizational meetings (Rotary, Kiwanis, etc.)
    - Activities with local retirement/nursing homes
    - Writing/Photography/Poetry contest
    - Raise additional support from community organizations
    - Contribute in-kind support (volunteer time, supplies, etc.)
    - Publicize the event in the local newspaper and radio
    - Work with community organizations and businesses to actively engage the public
    - Promote the program within a 50 mile radius of the community
    - Complete attendance reports and fi nal paperwork for the close of the program
    - Provide one or two community project directors who will coordinate the program. Selected representatives will attend planning meetings with other community project directors in the state (a portion of the travel costs to these meetings will be paid)
    Selected Organizations Receive
    The South Dakota Humanities Council will distribute the following resources to all host organizations.
    - Readers’ Guides for the selected text
    - Banners, Posters and Bookmarks
    - Evaluation Materials
    - Audio Guide CDs with interviews of notable literary and public figures about the book
    - Access to a expert consultant or scholar on the selected text
    - National Web site to list events (neabigread.org)
    - High-quality television Public Service Announcement spots
    - Professional programming, fundraising and marketing guidance
    - Travel expenses to attend training workshops
    - Teachers’ Guides and other additional educational materials
    - Supply of selected text