HJR93 Summary

• Recognizes "The Big Read," a joint initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts and the Institute of Museum and Library Services designed to revitalize literature in American culture.

• Proclaims February through April 2010 as "The Big Read" initiative in Alabama, with The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain selected as the first featured book.

• Encourages all Alabama citizens to visit local public libraries during the designated period to check out books, audiobooks, and DVDs of the selected title.

• Supports Alabama Public Libraries' efforts to build partnerships with local officials, businesses, organizations, and schools to offer educational and community activities around the selected book.

• Notes the initiative is funded through grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and local grant funding, with participating readers receiving discussion guides for community reading groups.