The Big Marion Read
Program Dates: September 12 - October 23
We’re turning the page on something exciting. . . introducing The Big Marion Read!
The Big Marion Read is a community-wide reading experience that invites residents to connect in a new way. Through free programs, conversations, and events, The Big Marion Read will encourage residents of all ages to connect through literature, storytelling, and community dialogue.
To support The Big Marion Read, the Marion Public Library Foundation has been awarded a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read grant. An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEA Big Read brings communities together through the shared experience of reading and discussing a book.
Book Selections
In line with the United States Semiquincentennial and the NEA Big Read, programming and title selection will center around the theme America250.
Book selections for the program are:
- 1776 by David McCullough (adults)
- Scar by J. Albert Mann (young adults)
- I Survived the American Revolution by Lauren Tarshis (youth)
Free copies of each book will be available to program participants while supplies last. Additional copies will be available to check out from the library’s collection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Big Marion Read is a community-wide reading initiative that brings people together through shared stories, conversations, and experiences. Throughout the program, readers of all ages are invited to read featured books and participate in free events and activities across the community.
Everyone! The Big Marion Read is open to all ages. This year’s program features separate book selections for youth, young adults, and adults, making it easy for family, friends, neighbors, and community members to participate together.
Nope! Anyone is welcome to participate in The Big Marion read, regardless of where they live or whether they have a library card.
Participation is free. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, all events are free, and free copies of each book selection are available while supplies last.
Free copies of each book will be available for pickup starting Saturday, September 12. Books can be picked up at the library, the Marion Chamber of Commerce, and Swamp Fox Bookstore. Additional copies will be available to check out from the library’s collection.
Absolutely! Everyone is welcome to attend events and participate in different activities, regardless of if you’ve finished the book.
Nope! Participate as much or as little as you’d like or as fits your schedule.
The Big Marion Read includes book discussions, family activities, educational programs, creative workshops, and community conversations inspired by this year’s featured books. For the most up-to-date information on events, visit the library’s events calendar.
Stories have the power to bring people together. When a community reads together, we create opportunities to share perspectives and build connections across generations and backgrounds. The Big Marion Read is an invitation to discover new ideas through the shared experience of reading.
Thank You to Our Supporters For The Big Marion Read
NEA Big Read is a program of The National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.