More About the CU Big Read
See our news releases for more information: The CU Big Read Kickoff and Film Finale
The Champaign Public Library received a $12,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to partner with The Urbana Free Library in hosting The Big Read in Champaign-Urbana in 2009.
Big Read books are chosen from a list compiled by the NEA. In 2008, the first Champaign-Urbana Big Read was coordinated by the U of I and focused on a short novel by Leo Tolstoy, The Death of Ivan Ilyich. This year, it’s The Maltese Falcon, a cultural landmark that introduced the iconic hard-boiled private eye.
Why Have a Big Read?
In 2004, the NEA noted a significant, long-term downward trend in reading for pleasure. The Big Read was designed to reboot interest in reading great literature, with the goal of generating shared enthusiasm equal to that for the latest popular movie or TV series.
It’s not clear how much credit The Big Read might deserve, but figures released by the NEA this February brought good news, with the reading of literature on the upswing at last.
The Big Read also gives communities a chance to get on the same page, literally, by reading the same book. Across the country, more than 200 libraries, cities, and arts or educational groups are leading a Big Read effort this year.
Do You Have the Falcon?
Champaign Mayor Jerry Schweighart has the falcon; do you? Send us your photo with the book. Bring it to our Information Desk, or e-mail it to cufalcon@gmail.com.
