The BIG READ

The BIG READ is a national initiative through the National Endowment for the Arts that encourages communities to come together through the shared experience of reading and discussing a great book.

It’s more than just reading—it’s about connecting with your neighbors, exploring new ideas, and celebrating the power of stories.

The theme for MPL’s Big Read is based around FOOD - FAMILY - TRADITION.

For adults the book is Bite by Bite Nourishments and Jamborees by Aimee Nezhukumatathi.

For kids the book is Fry Bread A Native American Family Story by Keith Noble Maillard.

Pick up your free copy of the books at any Muncie Public Library branch or community partner locations while supplies last!

Check the MPL Facebook and website for updates about events and dates.

All events are FREE.

Community Cookbook Project

• Family recipes are powerful tools for preserving traditions and creating lasting memories. Help MPL create a unique Community Cookbook that celebrates your culture, memories and traditions by dropping off a cherished family recipe or a passed down favorite recipe and the stories behind them.
• Submissions can be written and dropped off at one of the recipe boxes located at any MPL branches or one of our partner venues- Ross Community Center, Minnetrista Gardens and Museum or the Muncie Children’s Museum. You can also create an audio or video version and submit online at mplbigread@gmail.com

• The Community Cookbook will be available digitally in May 2026.

   

Book Discussions

• MPL will host several book discussion groups throughout the year, facilitated by MPL librarians, BSU faculty, and community members and will focus on themes from Bite by Bite and Food, Family and Tradition. Discssions will be held at

• various locations including MPL branches, Ross Community Center, Minnetrista Gardens and Museum, and on the campuses of Ivy Tech and Ball State.

   

Presentations

• Panel discussion titled “How Food Shapes Our Identity”
• Demo and exhibit on canning and food preservation, in partnership with Minnetrista Museum and Gardens, will offer hands-on learning about food sustainability.

• Art History and Food presentation, led by MPL librarian Alastor Planton and David Owsley Museum of Art staff, will explore the connections between food, art, and culture in paintings.

   

Community Art Projects

• A photography contest on the theme Meals & Memories or Food & Family. Community members can submit photos from November through May, with winning entries displayed at MPL branches from May to June 2026. Watch for submission guidelines and rules
• Art in the Garden workshops, will offer family friendly creative workshops using various art mediums including painting and drawing will be held in various community gardens,

• Take-home craft kits will be available at the Maring-Hunt and Kennedy branches starting in January based on the theme food, family and tradition

   

Creative Writing Workshops

• MPL will host several creative writing workshops in partnership with Ball State University’s Creative Writing Program and BSU faculty including short story, poetry, and prompted writing.

   

Photography Workshops

• MPL will host several photography workshops for the community in preparation for the photography contest. Learn the basics of lighting, composition, and other things to look for when taking the perfect photo.
• Youth Activities
• MPL will offer youth activities inspired by Fry Bread at its Kennedy and Maring-Hunt branches, Ross Community Center, and the Muncie Children’s Museum, facilitated by library staff and local educators. Family gardening workshops, in collaboration with the Delaware County Master Gardeners, will teach families how to grow food using the Three Sisters Native American planting method and about seed saving.