NEA Big Read at Portage Public Library

Our Portage Public Library encourages you to be part of the NEA Big Read 2026.  Read with us from October 1 - November 30, 2026.     During the months of October and November there will be various opportunities for book discussions, author talks, walking history tours, a documentary screening, poetry workshop and a community art project.    

Get your FREE Copy of the Big Read Book at the Library.  
Book Selection: Women of the Revolution: Bravery and Sacrifice on the Southern Battlefields by Robert M. Dunkerly

Our community read program will explore Wisconsin women's role in defining American history since the signing of the Declaration of Independence through the immersive and interdisciplinary study of Robert M. Dunkerly's Women of the Revolution. Working alongside local community organizations and program partners, we will explore themes of diversity, representation, untold stories and revolutionary women.  We plan to celebrate the influential and everyday women of Wisconsin over the last 250 years through book discussions, author talks, walking history tours, a documentary screening, poetry workshop and a community art project. 
 
What is the NEA Big Read 2026:  The National Endowment for the Arts Big Read - a partnership with Arts Midwest - broadens our understanding of ourselves and our neighbors through the power of a shared reading experience.  The goals of the NEA Big Read are to inspire meaningful conversations, celebrate local creativity, elevate wide variety of voices and perspectives and build stronger connections in each community.  

Big Read Program Schedule

Wednesday, Oct 7
Documentary Screening “Vel Phillips: Dream Big Dreams”
Hosted at: Portage Public Library Bidwell Room
Time: 5:30pm 
 
Thursday, Oct 8
Book Discussion and Museum Tour
Hosted at: Historic Indian Agency House
Time: 1pm
 
Wednesday, Oct 14
“Washington’s Spies” DAR Presentation
Hosted at: Portage Public Library Bidwell Room
Time: 5:30pm  
 
Saturday, Oct 17
Poetry Workshop Pt. 1 - “Revolution and Revelation”
Hosted at: Portage Public Library Bidwell Room
Time: 9:30am-1:30pm
 
Wednesday, Oct 21
Author Visit – Kathleen Ernst
Hosted at: Portage Public Library Teen Room
Time: 5:30pm
 
Saturday, Oct 24
Poetry Workshop Pt. 2 - “Revolution and Revelation”
Hosted at: Portage Public Library Children’s Program Room
Time: 9:30am-1:30pm
 
Wednesday, Oct 28
Book Discussion and Art Gallery Tour
Hosted at: Portage Center for the Arts Drury Gallery
Time: 1pm
 
Monday, Nov 2
Community Art Project Submissions Due
Hosted at: Portage Public Library
Time: All Day
 
Tuesday, Nov 10
Book Discussion and Museum Tour
Hosted at: Museum at the Portage
Time: 1pm
 
Wednesday, Nov 18
Author Visit – Susan Apps Bodilly
Hosted at: Portage Public Library Bidwell Room
Time: 5:30pm
 
Month of November
Community Art on Display
“Portraits of Wisconsin Women”
Hosted at: Portage Public Library
Time: During open hours