MPL to Celebrate Food, Family, and Tradition Through Books, Community, and Culture
By Dottie Kreps—
MUNCIE, IN – The Muncie Public Library (MPL) is proud to announce it was selected as one of only 65 organizations nationwide to receive a 2025–2026 Big Read grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), in partnership with Arts Midwest. The grant, totaling $20,000, will support a year-long series of free programs designed to bring the Muncie community together through a shared reading experience centered on the theme of “Food, Family, and Tradition.”
The NEA Big Read fosters meaningful conversations, encourages artistic expression, and builds deeper connections across communities—all through the joy of reading a common book. MPL’s project will run from September 2025 through June 2026 and will feature events, workshops, and creative activities for all ages, plus a visit by one of the authors – Aimee Nezhukumatathil.
MPL’s Big Read will focus on two books that explore identity, food, and family through powerful storytelling:
Adults and teens are encouraged to read Bite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees by Aimee Nezhukumatathil. NEA describes this book as an illustrated, lyrical memoir told in short essays by Mississippi-based poet, essayist, and NEA Creative Writing Fellow Aimee Nezhukumatathil about 40 different kinds of food that evoke her memories of childhood, friendships, travel, family, and connections to nature and the cultures of the Philippines and India, where her parents are from.
Kays Keesling and Hannah Simon, MPL Information Services Specialists, help put stickers in books in preparation of the Big Read Kick Off event. Photo by Spenser Query, MPL Webmaster & Social Media Specialist.
For children and families, MPL chose the book Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, illustrated by artist Juana Martinez-Neal. According to the publishers, Fry Bread, a Caldecott Honor-winning picture book, is an evocative story about family, history, culture, and traditions, new and old. Dottie Kreps, MPL Community Engagement Specialist, submitted the successful grant proposal and will oversee all activities of the grant. According to Kreps, “We hope to spark creativity and connection through the simple and powerful act of reading together.”
The Muncie Big Read Kick Off event will be held on Thursday September 4 from 5-7 pm at Madjax Maker Force and will feature free book giveaways, Filipino food tastings by the local restaurant, Baryo, reading from the books, partner organization info and activity booths, family crafts, and more.
Free copies of both books will be available beginning September 5 at all four MPL locations and at several community partners, including Ross Community Center, Muncie Children’s Museum, Madjax Maker Force, and Minnetrista Museum and Gardens.
Throughout the year, MPL and its community partners will present a variety of free public programs including:
- Muncie Community Cookbook Project – Community members can submit favorite family recipes andstories for inclusion in a printed and digital cookbook
- Creative Writing Workshops – In partnership with Ball State University’s Creative Writing Program and other faculty members, these sessions will encourage exploration of poetry, short stories and prompted writing
- Photography Contest based around the theme “Food & Family, Meals & Memories”
- Art in the Garden- adults and children will create their own watercolor masterpieces
- Book Discussions
- Special Cultural Programs – Including panels on food and identity, Muncie’s history in foodpreservation, and food traditions tied to America’s 250th
- Special youth programming
All programs are free and open to the public. No library card is required to attend.
According to MPL Library Director Alan Kornblau, “This Big Read project invites everyone in Muncie to join in the conversation and celebrate the stories, recipes, and traditions that make us who we are.” Kreps added, “Let’s read together. Let’s eat together. Let’s grow together.”
For more information about events, book distribution, or how to get involved, please visit the library website at www.munpl.org.
About the NEA Big Read
The NEA Big Read is a national initiative that broadens our understanding of the world, our neighbors, and ourselves through the power of a shared reading experience. The program supports organizations across the country in hosting community-wide reading programs. This project is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
Dottie Kreps is MPL Community Engagement Specialist.
