The Big Read, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, is designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and bring the transformative power of literature into the lives of its citizens. The Big Read brings together partners across the country to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment.

The Big Read is presented locally by the Arapahoe Library District, the Aurora Public Library and Littleton's Bemis Public Library.