We are pleased to announce: *HARTLAND’S CROMAINE LIBRARY ONE OF 77 ORGANIZATIONS NATIONWIDE* *TO RECEIVE AN NEA BIG READ GRANT* *Cromaine Library to Read and Celebrate Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich* *During the NEA Big Read* June 2, 2016—Hartland, MI—Hartland’s Cromaine Library is a recipient of a grant of $5,000 to host the NEA Big Read in Hartland. A program of the National Endowment for the Arts, the NEA Big Read broadens our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book. Hartland’s Cromaine Library is one of 77 nonprofit organizations to receive a grant to host an NEA Big Read project between September 2016 and June 2017. The NEA Big Read in Hartland will focus on Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich. Activities will take place in November 2016. According to Ceci Marlow, Cromaine’s library director, “Big Read is an exceptional opportunity for our community to explore and be enriched by cultural experiences often absent from busy, daily lives. This is especially true of "Love Medicine" by Louise Erdrich. Native American cultural events, foods, music, and artifacts will bring the pages to life. We are excited and grateful to our supporting partners!” Managed by Arts Midwest, the NEA Big Read offers grants to support innovative community reading programs designed around a single book. The program supports organizations across the country in developing community-wide reading programs which encourage reading and participation by diverse audiences. Organizations selected to participate in the NEA Big Read receive a grant, access to online training resources and opportunities, and educational and promotional materials designed to support widespread community involvement. Our kickoff event is scheduled for Saturday, November 5, 2016 from 10 am until 1 pm. We are pleased to have Reg Pettibone and his wife Marca bring their Authentic Native American Program complete with artifacts, a tipi, and music and dance to start the day, followed by food samples, games, crafts and more for this family-friendly event! Ceci Marlow, Director Cromaine District Library 3688 N. Hartland Road Hartland, MI 48353 Ph. (810-632-5200) cmarlow@cromaine.org