The Morongo Basin BIG READ was established by Marie Bobin in 2019 and presented by the San Bernardino County Arts Council. From 2019 to 2022, Marie secured four National Endowment for the Arts grants to support the initiative and developed 75 free public programs for multi-generational audiences.

An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts, the NEA Big Read aims to build community, and inspire conversation and discovery through the joy of sharing a good book. The month-long program of free events and activities continues to bring together community organizations, local businesses, artists, curators and educational institutions to engage a wide range of community members around the themes of its chosen book.

Images: Bill Green photography (1-2); Marie Bobin (3-5)