Pasadena Public Library to Receive an NEA Big Read Grant

Pasadena Public Library is one out of 75 organizations to receive an NEA grant. – Courtesy photo / City of Pasadena

Pasadena Public Library has been awarded a $14,000 NEA Big Read grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to host a community reading of When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka, with activities taking place in 2018. “Pasadena is thrilled to be a recipient,” said Library Director Michelle Perera. “We look forward to engaging the community in dialogue around this special book.”

In partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEA Big Read is meant to broaden our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book. Pasadena Public Library is one of 75 nonprofit organizations to receive funding to host a community reading program between September 2017 and June 2018.

“Through the NEA Big Read we are bringing contemporary works to communities across the country, helping us better understand the diverse voices and perspectives that come with it,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “These 75 organizations have developed unique plans to celebrate these works, including numerous opportunities for exploration and conversation.”

Since 2006, the NEA has funded more than 1,400 NEA Big Read programs, providing more than $19 million in grants to organizations nationwide. Over the past 11 years, grantees have leveraged more than $42 million in local funding to support their NEA Big Read programs. More than 4.8 million Americans have attended an NEA Big Read event, approximately 79,000 volunteers have participated, and 37,000 community organizations have lent their support. Last summer, the NEA announced a new focus on contemporary authors and books written since the NEA was founded 50 years ago. For more information, visit NEA Big Read.