Read With ME.
Read With ME. is funded by FairPoint Communications and is a statewide literacy program that brings books to every kindergartner in Maine. Read With ME. bookbags holding the featured book and additional materials are delivered to elementary schools throughout the state with the help of the Army National Guard and more than 70 loyal volunteers.
Maine Reads Community Literacy Project
The Maine Reads Community Literacy Project is designed to strengthen communities
and literacy by helping libraries to reach out into their communities and create
new literacy initiatives. Libraries have the opportunity to apply for seed money
for these initiatives. Please note that the grant deadlines are November
15, 2008 for planning grants and April 1, 2009 for implementation grants. All recipients of planning grants from 2005 must reapply in November for renewed planning grant status.
The Maine Festival of the Book
Returning in Spring 2009 to Portland (see Festival 2008 program schedule)
The Maine Festival of the Book is held in the spring in downtown Portland and celebrates the written word by presenting programs appealing to all ages and reading abilities. With the exception of two events, the programs are free. This literary extravaganza consists of panel discussions, signings, readings, performances, and other events, and attracts Maine's cadre of outstanding authors, as well as some major writers from outside the state. Past presenters include Pulitzer-Prize winners David McCullough, Richard Ford, and Maxine Kumin, as well as Tess Gerritsen, Wesley McNair, David Baldacci, Brian Wood, Crystal Zevon, Elizabeth Strout, Julia Spencer-Fleming, Monica Wood, Patrick Quinlan, and Elizabeth Hand and many others.