The Big Read, launched nationally in October 2006 by the National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and Arts Midwest, encourages literary reading by asking communities to come together to read and discuss one book. Mrs. Laura Bush is the honorary chair of the Big Read.
SUNY Fredonia has selected the Ray Bradbury novel, "Fahrenheit 451," a classic work about censorship in a dysfunctional and bleak future, as the feature of its program. The project director is Director of Reed Library Randy Gadikian. The Big Read in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties will be in full swing throughout October and November. Reed Library will partner with the Chautauqua/Cattaraugus Library system and high schools in the two county region to facilitate The Big Read activities.