Research shows that active readers play a more vigorous and involved role in their communities. The decline in reading parallels a similar retreat from participation in civic and cultural life. We believe that over the long term this program will positively impact not just literature and the arts, but social activities such as volunteerism, philanthropy and political participation.
Literary reading in America faces increasingly stiff competition from electronic media such as television, internet surfing and portable recording devices. Reading a book requires a degree of active attention and engagement. It is a progressive skill that requires years of education and practice. In contrast, electronic media is most effective when the audience suspends critical thought processes yielding to a simple, passive absorption of content.
According to the NEA report “Reading at Risk,” literary reading in America is declining rapidly, especially among the young. The report states, “Less than half the adult population now reads literature” and “the rate of decline for the youngest adults (18-24) is 55 percent greater than that of the total adult population.”
The Big Read program is a community-wide effort to encourage literary reading for pleasure and personal growth. Reading is not a timeless, universal aptitude. Advanced literacy is a specific intellectual skill and social habit. As more Americans give up literary reading, our nation becomes less informed, less active, and less independent-minded. These are qualities that a free, innovative and productive society cannot afford to lose.
Participant Responses
"The Winton Reading Group chose The Maltese Falcon as its September selection. Even though our meeting fell before the October kickoff to “The Big Read,” the members of our group were excited to be participating in the program—and none had read the book before. We had the largest turnout we have ever had! The discussion was lively and interesting; there certainly was a lot of material in such a slim book. Everyone was eager to learn about the other 11 titles included in The Big Read. Community-wide reading programs—as we have seen with “If All of Rochester Read the Same Book…”—certainly bring people together in a fun—and important—way."
Diane Premo, Winton Branch Library, Rochester, New York
"Penfield Public Library collaborates often, easily, and very well with Writers & Books. As a result, we took the opportunity to join with them and other community members to enthusiastically promote The Big Read. We program very heavily for all ages; having The Big Read gave us a meaty context to offer some fun literary experiences for our patrons. We indeed appreciate the fact that Writers & Books presented this opportunity to us, so that we could have the benefits of fun with our patrons without having to do the background work required.
Book discussions, displays, reading games, movie showings, a live falcons presentation for families, and prizes including movie posters and a falcon statue replica were all part of the fun. We could sense the enjoyment of our patrons. We would do it all again."
Mary Maley, Library Director
Penfield Public Library
Penfield, New York
"Our Book Club is an eclectic group of [people] from a range of ages and education levels, and we all truly enjoyed the book. We are talking about reading more fiction that was written at the time in order to compare Hammet’s work to other popular works. Some of the group members were planning to attend other events during The Big Read as well. The resources you provided and the other events available really added to the experience of reading. Thank you Writers & Books!"
Deb Leary, Librarian
Maplewood Community Library
Rochester, New York
"The Geneseo and Avon Book Clubs would like to express our appreciation for the excellent discussion session headed by Ms. Low [of Writers & Books]… We all enjoyed her expertise and the in-depth analysis of The Maltese Falcon. Thank you so much for sending someone to lead our discussion group and we will be happy to participate in any future programs. Thank you again. "
Vicki Universal, Librarian
Geneseo Library book Club
Geneseo, New York
