# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Macon County Big Read Kickoff
- **Event Start and End Date**: Sat, 10 Oct, 2026 at 01:00 pm (-05:00)
- **Event Description**: In partnership with The Decatur Public Library, NOW Decatur, the DAAC, Richland Community College, Millikin University, Decatur Public Schools, the Decatur Police Department, Project READ, the City of Decatur, Young Leaders in Action, and many other area organizations, we welcome all in the Macon County community to join us in the reading and discussion of "A Lesson Before Dying" by Ernest J. Gaines. This community centered campaign is made possible through NEA Big Read Grant granted to the Heart of Illinois Foundation and a part of national Freedom250 celebrations. 

Schedule of Kick-off:
1:00 p.m | Doors and Light Refreshments

1:20 p.m. | Community Welcome & Big Read Launch
Julia Livingston and Natalie Beck, Big Read Macon County Co-Chairs

1:25 p.m. | Featured Reading
Pastor Matt Samuels

1:35 p.m. | Community Conversation: “What Gives a Life Dignity?”
Panel discussion moderated by Brian Byers with Deputy Chief of Police Erik Ethell, Julie Pangrac and Gina Taylor

1:55 p.m. | Supporting Literacy in Our Schools
Presentation of $1,000 grants to restock book vending machines at Argenta-Oreana Elementary School, Parsons Elementary School and South Shores Elementary School

2:00 p.m. | Literacy and America at 250
Recognition our country’s 250th anniversary and literacy's civic value across our community. 

2:10 p.m. | The Big Read Ahead
Preview the programs, conversations and events planned throughout the Big Read.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/decatur/macon-county-big-read-kickoff/200030791261010
- **Event Categories**: business
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 26

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Decatur
- **state**: IL
- **country**: United States
- **location**: Decatur Public Library-Illinois
- **lat**: 39.842022413287
- **long**: -88.952565193176
- **full address**: Decatur Public Library-Illinois, Decatur, United States

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Macon County Big Read Kickoff
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events6/banners/b3fc4cad9116b0e2f8e35527f5cd97a70cb34136341ad5f6e6b0ba68e201a694-rimg-w1200-h628-dc585878-gmir?v=1791310690

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Macon County Big Read Kickoff being held?
  - **A:** Macon County Big Read Kickoff takes place on Sat, 10 Oct, 2026 at 01:00 pm to Sat, 10 Oct, 2026 at 01:00 pm at Decatur Public Library-Illinois, Decatur, United States.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Macon County Big Read Kickoff?
  - **A:** Macon County Big Read Kickoff is organized by Heart of Illinois Community Foundation.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** Macon County Big Read Kickoff is ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs, startup founders, and networking enthusiasts eager to grow their connections. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Decatur, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If Macon County Big Read Kickoff sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast.

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