VIRGINIA BEACH — The Virginia Beach Public Library has been awarded a $2,000 grant from the American Library Association and Public Broadcasting Service to host programs related to “The Great American Read,” an eight-part PBS television series and multi-platform initiative that celebrates the joy of reading.
VBPL is one of just 50 public libraries selected to receive a grant from more than 220 that applied nationwide, according to a news release from the city.
It kicks off “The Great American Read” programming at 6:30 p.m. on May 18 at Central Library, with an exclusive advance screening of the premiere and discussion led by representatives from local PBS station, WHRO.
Titles of the top 100 books will be announced and voting begins to decide what book is “The Great American Read.”
For more on the advanced screening and other programs, click here.
In addition to $2,000 for programming, VBPL will receive a DVD collection of the series with public performance rights; a hardcover copy of the companion book, “The Great American Read: The Book of Books” by PBS (Black Dog & Leventhal, Aug. 21, 2018); and other resources, according to the news release.
The library will also host additional screenings of “The Great American Read” episodes before they broadcast to the public on PBS in fall 2018.
The Virginia Beach Library Foundation submitted the grant application on behalf of VBPL and will manage the funding for the programming.
