Plainfield Library receives “The Great American Read" grant

For Immediate Release Wednesday, May 9, 2018

For More Information

Tracey Lane, Head of Community Engagement and Marketing

815-327-2511 or e-mail tlane@plainfieldpubliclibrary.org

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Plainfield Public Library District receives “The Great American Read” programming grants from ALA and PBS

Grant will support library programs about Americans’ best-loved books

Plainfield, IL — Plainfield Pubic Library District will receive a grant from the American Library Association (ALA) and PBS to host programs around “The Great American Read,” an eight-part television series and multi-platform initiative that celebrates the joy of reading and the books we love.

“The Great American Read offers a unique opportunity to focus on what libraries have been built upon: the love and appreciation of reading” said Kara Kohn, Head of Reference and Reader Services.

More than 220 public libraries applied for the $2,000 grants, which will support public programs around the series. Plainfield Public Library was one of just 50 libraries nationwide to be selected.

The library’s programming for “The Great American Read” will kick off at 10:30 AM on May 30, with a visit from the WTTW Lab Guys. Join us for a fun-filled interactive live show that allows children to explore the BIG IDEA: Wonder, Watch and Learn! A Meet and Greet with Curious George follows the event. Caregivers will get an opportunity to learn about The Great American Read. It's a journey across the country to uncover the nation's 100 most-loved novels.

In addition to the grant money, Plainfield Public Library will receive a DVD collection of the series with public performance rights; a hardcover copy of the companion book, “The Great American Read: The Book of Books” by PBS (Black Dog & Leventhal, August 21, 2018); and other resources.

The libraries will also have the opportunity to host “sneak peek” screenings of the series premiere and five theme episodes before they broadcast to the public.

Premiering May 22, “The Great American Read” will engage audiences with a list of 100 diverse books, encouraging audiences to read the books, vote from the list of 100, and share their personal connections to the titles.

The two-hour launch episode will kick off a summer of reading and voting. In fall 2018, seven new episodes will air, featuring appearances by celebrities, athletes, experts, authors and everyday Americans advocating for their favorite book, culminating with a finale that reveals America’s best-loved novel as chosen by the American public.

The Library programs continue all summer with events to peak the interest of book lovers of all ages. The names of the top 100 books can be found on our website and voting will begin at the Summer Reading program kick-off on June 4. There will also be book discussions, trivia, crafts, and a finale to celebrate the most loved book. Specific dates and program descriptions can be found on the Library’s website. For more information about this and other events, visit www.plainfieldpubliclibrary.or...