The Big Read Kick-Off is Tonight! Wed. 11/8 at 7:00 p.m. on YouTube

MWC is thrilled to be partnering with Illinois Humanities on the Big Read! Illinois Humanities is supporting this project throughout the state with the National Endowment for the Arts. 

This year’s theme is “Reconsidering The American Dream” through the two books chosen: Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth by Sarah Smarsh, and Infinite Country by Patricia Engel. 

The Midwest Writing Center will be assisting with facilitating book groups here in the Quad Cities. If you do not yet have a reading a group or have not yet reaching out with a group in mind, please email Sarah Elgatian to indicate whether you are looking for a group, or if you’d like to participate in Big Read with a group you’re already in. 

Illinois Humanities has provided a limited number of books to partnering organizations, so we will be able to provide a few on a first-come, first-served basis. Illinois Humanities has also given us access to discounted copies, so once we have a better idea of how many are needed, we can do our best to provide that resource.

Lastly, today is launch day for Big Read! You can join the event on YouTube by clicking here.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Happy reading,

Sarah Elgatian (she/her)
Marketing & Program Specialist | Assistant Director Young Emerging Writers Internship

sarah.elgatian@mwcqc.org