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The Big Read is a nationwide program created by the National

 Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with the Institute of

Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts

Midwest. It is designed to revitalize the role of literary reading in

American culture. The Big Read invites neighbors to read a single

book of American literature in their communities, then come together

for book discussion groups, panels, lectures, film screenings and

other activities related to the book.

In 2009, the NEA awarded 269 grants across the county, one of

which went to the Virginia Foundation Center for the Book to

conduct The Big Read in Virginia. The Center, in Charlottesville,

supplies NEA-produced educational and promotional materials such

as Reader's Guides, Audio Guides, and Teacher’s Guides to

participating localities in Virginia. The Big Read Roanoke Valley is

part of The Big Read in Virginia.