The purpose of the Big Read is to revitalize the role of literature in American popular culture. Grants ranging from $5,000 - $20,000 are available to encourage local communities to inspire reading through the Big Read program.

Organizations selected to participate in the Big Read will receive a grant, financial support to attend a national orientation meeting, educational and promotional materials for broad distribution, an organizer’s guide for developing and managing Big Read activities, guidance on working with local media, inclusion of the organization and its activities on the Big Read Web site, and the prestige of participating in a highly visible national initiative.

The application deadline is February 12, 2008.

Visit the following website for additional information: www.imls.gov

The deadline for submitting applications is February 1, 2008.

Visit the following website for additional information: www.imls.gov