NEA Big Read Lakeshore

big-read-lakeshore-logo

Each year we participate in a reading program called NEA Big Read Lakeshore. This is a program created out of Hope College with the intent to get multiple communities to read the same book and discuss it. There is an adult book, middle school (tween) books, and a children's book selected that covers similar themes so everyone in your family can be a part of the conversation! Partial funding for our Big Read Lakeshore comes from the NEA Big Read, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. 

For more information on events taking place in our area, see the links below.  

NEA Big Read Lakeshore Website

NEA Big Read Lakeshore Facebook


The Howard Miller Library will have free copies of the 2022 NEA Big Read book, Circe by Madeline Miller while supplies last.  Stop in starting on October 17, 2022 to get your copy. Come back after you've read the book to put your name into a drawing for some Big Read swag!  The drawing will be held in December. 


NEA 2022 Big Read book 2022 - Circle by Madeline Miller


With unforgettably vivid characters, mesmerizing language and page-turning suspense, Circe is a triumph of storytelling, an intoxicating epic of family rivalry, palace intrigue, love and loss, as well as a celebration of indomitable female strength in a man's world.



2022 NEA Lakeshore Little Read Lake Stop on Market Street by Matt De Le Pena


This award-winning modern classic-a must-have for every child's home library-is an inclusive ode to kindness, empathy, gratitude, and finding joy in unexpected places.  It celebrate the special bond between a curious, young boy and his loving grandmother.



NEA Big Read - Middle books 2022, shows a variety of book covers


Because Circe is a retelling of Homer's Odyssey, Big Read is encouraging Lakeshore readers to read or re-read this text.  However, they are also recommending books that explore the hero's journey in different ways such as Miles Morales: Spiderman by Jason Reynolds, Superman: Dawnbreaker by Matt de la Pena and Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke.