Library News
Booth Library will host NEA Big Read: Reconsidering the American Dream
Posted on November 10th, 2023
Booth Library at Eastern Illinois University is once again hosting the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read. The theme, Reconsidering the American Dream, will be explored by reading and discussing two books: Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth by Sarah Smarsh, and Infinite Country by Patricia Engel. A limited number of free copies of the books are available at Booth Library. Discussion groups will be organized and plan to meet in January, February and March. Dates and details will be provided to participants in early January. Additionally, look for announcements of statewide public programs sponsored by Illinois Humanities. Further information about the Big Read can be found on the Illinois Humanities website.
- In support of The Big Read from the National Endowment from the Arts and Arts Midwest, LAB students will team with librarian David Bell to host a student led book club this spring. The theme, “Reconsidering the American Dream,” will be explored through the novel Infinite Country and the memoir Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth. Both books are available for checkout at Booth Library. Join members of the LAB at the following times:
- Thursday, February 1 from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. for a kick-off book talk event to learn more about the titles, discussion groups and how to get a copy
- Thursday, February 29 from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. for book discussion in Edgar Reading Room
- Thursday, March 28 from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. for book discussion in Edgar Reading Room
- All events are open to students, faculty and staff. Questions? Contact David at dsbell@eiu.edu for more info
NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
