Congresswoman Laura Richardson Announces Grant Opportunity Through "Big Read"

WASHINGTON—Today, Congresswoman Laura Richardson announces a new competitive grant opportunity through "The Big Read," a program of the National Endowment for the Arts. "The Big Read" is designed to encourage Americans to read for pleasure through community reading programs, where members of the public can read and discuss a single book or work of a poet.

"The Big Read" grant program provides matching grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and public libraries. Past recipients have used the funds to support a wide variety of activities, including author readings, lectures, art exhibits, theatrical performances, and film series.

"I encourage all interested organizations to apply for this grant opportunity," said Congresswoman Laura Richardson. "Less than one half of American adults read literature for pleasure, but this grant program is making great strides in keeping an appreciation of great literary classics alive. Reading fosters a lifelong love of learning, and these programs truly enrich the entire community," added Congresswoman Richardson.

The application period will close on February 5, 2013 at 4:00pm CST. For additional information on application instructions, please visit http://NEABigRead.org/ or contact the National Endowment for the Arts at (202) 682-5477.

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Congresswoman Richardson is a Democrat from California's 37th Congressional District. She is a member of the House Committees on Transportation & Infrastructure and Homeland Security. Her district includes Long Beach, Compton, Carson, Watts, Willowbrook, and Signal Hill.