The Storytelling & Arts Center, with its partners the Scotland County Memorial Library and Scotland County Parks and Recreation, announces that it has received a grant of $8,000 to host "The Big Read."

"The Big Read" is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) designed to restore reading to the center of American culture.

"The Big Read" is managed by Arts Midwest. The Storytelling & Arts Center is one of 78 nonprofit organizations to receive a grant to host a "Big Read" project between September and June 2013.

"The Big Read" in Scotland County will focus on "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," by Mark Twain.

Books will be available beginning in February, and activities will take place beginning in 2013, March 21 through mid-May.

"We are so pleased that this grant provides the resources to re-institute the community reading project that is a partnership among Scotland County Memorial Library, the Scotland County Parks & Recreation and other organizations in the county," said Carol Lee, community program coordinator for the Storytelling & Arts Center.

Leon Gyles, director of the Scotland County Memorial Library, said, "'The Big Read' grant provides resources for us to match in order to purchase children's and original versions of the books to distribute in the community, making it easy for all to participate. WLNC 1300 AM will host a radio humorous read-along for all to enjoy. The Laurinburg Exchange will co-sponsor a poetry and poster contest."

NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman said, "At the NEA we know that the arts can help to create strong, vibrant communities by bringing people together. Through 'The Big Read,' these 78 organizations are giving their communities the opportunity to share both great works of literature and memorable experiences."

"The Big Read" provides communities nationwide with the opportunity to read, discuss and celebrate one of 31 selections from U.S. and world literature. The 78 selected organizations will receive "Big Read" grants to promote and carry out community-based reading programs featuring activities such as read-a-thons, book discussions, lectures, movie screenings and performing arts events.

Participating communities also receive high quality, free-of-charge educational materials to supplement each title, including reader's, teacher's and audio guides, which also are available for download on neabigread.org.

Jan Schmidt said, "I am pleased we are working with so many local organizations, the local newspaper and radio stations, and individuals, the universities, the public schools, book groups, Encore! Theatre, and others, making this a dynamic project incorporating a colorful spectrum of diverse activities to entice people of all ages and backgrounds."

For more information, visit neabigread.org.

Local websites, www. storyarts.info and www. scotlandcounty.org/library. aspx, will have current information and online activities as of February 2013.

To volunteer or to assist with activities, contact Carol Lee at (910) 277-3599.