Resources:Read About It!

PHC Explores New Book Program For Teens. [415KB PDF]

Vikas Swarup's Slumdog Millionaire is one of the books featured in the Read About It! program.

"Packaged" Book Discussion Programs for Public Libraries
PHC believes that book discussion groups are an excellent way to engage the public in humanities programs. Read About It! is a series of "packaged" book discussion programs developed for public libraries. More than 200 libraries across the Commonwealth have participated in Read About It! since the program began in 2000.

Through informal discussions with an expert discussion leader, Read About It! exposes people to new authors and gives them tools to deepen their reading experience. The programs, which occur over four sessions, appeal to popular interests and engage readers from all walks of life in the humanities.

Read About It! has two goals:

  • To reach audiences new to book discussion programs. Read About It! involves people who typically do not attend cultural programs or have limited access to them—individuals from a large variety of communities and backgrounds.

  • To help public libraries increase their value as community learning centers. The programs boost the ability of libraries to conduct humanities programs. They also improve libraries' marketing and promotional skills, enabling them to publicize their contributions to lifelong learning.

View a list of fall 2009 and spring 2010 participating libraries.

Featured Programs:

How to Apply
The application for fall 2010 and spring 2011 programs is now available. The postmark application deadline is May 15, 2010. To apply:

  1. Review the current guidelines [802K PDF] and the downloadable application form [PDF] [545K PDF] or [Word] [45K] to determine if your library can meet the program goals and requirements. To receive them by mail, contact PHC.

  2. See the Frequently Asked Questions section for help with common questions.

  3. Submit an application by fax or mail. PHC recommends that applications be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested. PHC will not be responsible for applications that are lost or damaged in the mail. The postmark deadline is May 15, 2010. Applications that are incomplete or postmarked after the deadline will not be accepted.

Please note: PHC will respond to all applicants by the end of June 2010.

Read About It! is a program of the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, supported in part by Library Services and Technology Act funds administered by the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of its We the People initiative on American history and Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania.

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