Central Mississippi Regional Library System Awarded $10,000
NEA Big Read Grant
The Great Gatsby: Stories of Us will bring literature,
history, art, and community conversation to Central Mississippi
BRANDON, Miss. — for immediate release— Central Mississippi
Regional Library System (CMRLS) has been awarded a $10,000 National Endowment
for the Arts (NEA) Big Read grant to present The Great Gatsby: Stories of Us —
Mississippi Voices & the American Dream, a community-wide reading and
cultural initiative serving Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith counties.
Centered on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the
initiative will invite Central Mississippians to explore the American Dream—its
promises, challenges, and changing meaning—through literature, history, art,
and community conversation. Themes of ambition, wealth, class, reinvention, and
belonging will encourage participants to consider how the ideas presented in
the novel continue to resonate in Mississippi communities today.
“We are honored to bring the NEA Big Read to Central
Mississippi,” said Mara Villa Polk, CMRLS Director. “This initiative gives our
communities an opportunity not only to read together, but also to share their
own stories, explore what the American Dream means to them, and connect through
meaningful conversations and creative experiences.”
Throughout the initiative, CMRLS will offer programs and
activities at libraries and community locations across its four-county service
area. Planned opportunities include free book giveaways, community book
discussions, history and heritage programs, creative activities, public
presentations, and special events inspired by the themes of The Great Gatsby.
The initiative will also feature Our Mississippi Dreams, a
community art project inviting residents to express their own hopes,
experiences, and aspirations through artwork, writing, or photography. The
project will culminate in a traveling exhibit representing the voices and
perspectives of communities throughout Central Mississippi.
Programming will connect with the commemoration of America’s
250th anniversary, encouraging participants to explore how the idea of the
American Dream has evolved throughout the nation’s history while reflecting on
the many voices and experiences that continue to shape the American story.
CMRLS will work alongside schools, civic organizations,
local governments, cultural organizations, artists, historians, and other
community partners to bring programming to residents throughout Rankin, Scott,
Simpson, and Smith counties.
NEA Big Read with CMRLS: Stories of Us Programs Began in
September
CMRLS kicked off the initiative in September with special
programs throughout the library system. Community members are invited to begin
exploring the themes of The Great Gatsby: Stories of Us through programs
featuring literature, history, creativity, and conversation. This initiative
will continue throughout December. View more great programs here.
NEA Big Read with CMRLS: Stories of Us – Gatsby Glam
Lake Public Library | Monday, October 5, 2026 | 2:30 p.m.
School’s out, so step back into the Roaring ’20s! Get
creative and add a little Gatsby-era glamour to your day by designing a
fabulous flapper-inspired headband or a dazzling 1920s party decoration. Come
ready to craft, create, and celebrate the glitz and glamour of the Jazz Age!
NEA Big Read with CMRLS: Stories of Us – Gatsby Trivia and
Mocktails Social Hour
Harrisville Public Library | Tuesday, October 13, 2026 |
10:00 a.m.
Come join us for a fun trivia game all about the 1920s and
The Great Gatsby! We'll also be sipping on some delicious mocktails inspired by
the era.
NEA Big Read with CMRLS: Stories of Us – Murder of a
Millionaire
Raleigh Public Library | Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 3:30
p.m.
Step into a world of wealth, secrets, and suspicion during
NEA Big Read with CMRLS: Stories of Us — Murder of a Millionaire. Put your
detective skills to the test as you follow the clues, uncover hidden motives,
and work to solve a mysterious millionaire’s murder. Can you piece together the
evidence and identify the killer before the mystery is revealed?
NEA Big Read with CMRLS: Stories of Us – MS Swing Band
Performance
Flowood Public Library | Monday, October 26, 2026 | 6:30
p.m.
The Jazz Age is calling! Join us for a special performance
by the Mississippi Swing Band, presented in collaboration with NEA Big Read in
celebration of The Great Gatsby! This will be an evening of live music in the
library, so it will be loud! Feel free to come wearing some 1920s attire with
some comfortable footwear! Light refreshments will be provided.
NEA Big Read with CMRLS: Stories of Us – Gatsby’s Glass and
Glamour
Richland Public Library | Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 3:00
p.m.
Bring a little Roaring '20s glamour to your next craft
night! We'll transform ordinary plastic champagne glasses into fabulous Great
Gatsby-inspired decorative pieces using glitter, embellishments, metallic
accents, and Art Deco-inspired designs. Join us for a little creativity, a
touch of glitter, and plenty of Gatsby Style!
These October events are just the beginning. Additional NEA
Big Read with CMRLS: Stories of Us programs will be offered throughout the
initiative, providing opportunities for residents of all ages to read, create,
learn, and connect.
For the most current dates, times, locations, and program
information, visit the CMRLS Events Calendar at www.cmrls.lib.ms.us/events/ and
search “NEA Big Read with CMRLS: Stories of Us.”
About Central Mississippi Regional Library System
Central Mississippi Regional Library System serves residents
of Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith counties through a network of public
library branches committed to literacy, lifelong learning, and equitable access
to information and culture. CMRLS provides public humanities initiatives,
author talks, book discussions, arts programming, heritage events, and other
community-centered programs throughout Central Mississippi.
About NEA Big Read
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