In 2024, the Quincy Public Library (QPL) has once again attained the prestigious National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) Big Read grant. The Big Read awards recipients up to $20,000 to execute community-wide programming around a chosen book. The goal is to get everyone reading the same book, using that book to bring a community together in conversation and exploration of the Arts. In 2024 the NEA assigned a theme for the first time ever: “Where We Live.” Grant applicants were required to build their programming platform around the theme “Where We Live.”
Why did QPL choose “The Bear” for this theme?
The Bear has strong themes concerning humanity’s role in the natural world. Humans have an innate instinct to connect with nature called biophilia. Hundreds of studies and scientific papers show that as little as two hours a week spending time in nature is positive for both physical and mental health. Further, we don’t even have to exercise to gain this benefit: just being outside, with little on our minds but the nature around us, helps! [1] Armed with this knowledge, QPL teamed up with the Quincy Park District and many other organizations that are vested in the physical and mental health of our community. Quincy has a long, rich history of valuing its natural spaces, preserving over 900 acres throughout 28 parks - most of which even long-time Quincy natives are not aware of!
The Bear, the Big Read resources available to us, the commitment of our partners, and the nature that so abundantly surrounds us “where we live” allows us to use the arts and nature as tools to restore our connection with nature. We are challenging people to bring nature back into their lives. Throughout this Big Read, our community has multiple incentives to get outdoors, as well as multiple opportunities to learn more about why they should get outdoors. Check out our calendar to discover all Big Read programs.
Now, stop looking at your screens, and go outside!
P.S. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of nature on your physical and mental health, start here: “Nurtured by Nature” at https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature
[1] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-waves/201906/how-much-time-in-nature-is-needed-see-benefits#:~:text=The%20authors%20see%20it%20as%20a,of%20fruits%20and%20vegetables%20per%20day.&text=The%20authors%20see%20it,and%20vegetables%20per%20day.&text=see%20it%20as%20a,of%20fruits%20and%20vegetables