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An affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress

  
 

PROJECTS

The Big Read
An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The Big Read brings together partners across the country to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment. The Illinois Center for the Book is a partner in this venture with other central and west central Illinois libraries. Coming Soon!
 
Essays About Lincoln

Essays About Lincoln is a one-time statewide reading and writing contest celebrating the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth - February 12, 2009. The program is a joint effort of the Illinois State Archives, the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois State Library in partnership with the Illinois Center for the Book. More...

    Illinois Emerging Writers Competition

The purpose of the Illinois Emerging Writers Competition is to promote creative writing, encourage local writers and provide a unique opportunity and outlet for recognizing new literary talent. Winners receive cash prizes and have their works submitted for review and possible publication in several Illinois literary magazines. More...

     Illinois Authors Directory (Searchable Database)

A database of Illinois writers - past and present, popular and unsung - and their published works. The Web site features biographical information and extensive bibliographies. More...

     Illinois Literary Heritage Award

The Illinois Literary Heritage Award was established by the Illinois Center for the Book in 1995. The purpose of the award is to acknowledge extraordinary contributions to the literary heritage of Illinois over a significant period of time. More...
     Letters About Literature

A national reading and writing promotion for children and young adults sponsored by the Illinois Center for the Book in cooperation with the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress in partnership with Target. More...

     Literary Landmarks

In the endeavor to promote the rich literary heritage of Illinois, the Illinois Center for the Book has partnered with Friends Of Libraries USA (FOLUSA -- http://www.folusa.org/) and other organizations to dedicate Literary Landmarks in Illinois. More...
 

If you would like additional information about any of the activities of the Illinois Center for the Book, please contact Bonnie Matheis, the Coordinator for the Illinois Center for the Book at 217-558-2065.