Mechanics’ Hall is proud to announce it has been awarded a 2025–2026 NEA Big Read grant — one of only 65 grants awarded nationwide by the National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with Arts Midwest.

The series will launch on October 3rd, 2025, with a public book giveaway during First Friday at Congress Square Park.

Stop by the park from 5:00 to 7:00 PM for a free copy of the book. First-come, first-served.

NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.