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Libraries Participate in Go Big Read, the 2009 Common Book Program
Posted 2/27/2009
MADISON, Wis. –Chancellor Biddy Martin has introduced plans to start a common book project called “Go Big Read” at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall of 2009. Many groups have been interested in initiating a common book program and Martin, inspired by the success of Cornell’s program, thought it would be a great way “to generate exchange between members of the campus and the larger Madison and alumni communities.”
Go Big Read joins other smaller common book projects already established on campus including one in the College of Letters and Science honors program. The books for the honors program are funded by library gift funds provided by the UW Foundation Parents Enrichment Fund. The Libraries are also a major sponsor of Go Big Read.
While participation in the program is not mandatory, some professors on campus have expressed interest in using the selected book in their high-enrollment classes this fall. Director of the General Library System, Ken Frazier said that he hopes there will be strong student participation in the program, as well as staff, faculty, community members, parents, and alumni.
There are other universities across the country with established common book programs. Books that have been used in those programs include such classics as Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, and books by contemporary fiction and non-fiction authors.
Book title nominations are closed as of March 6, 2009. There will be many other ways to participate in the program after the chancellor chooses the book, including attending or leading discussions. Go to the Go Big Read web site to find out more.