The 2024 NEA Big Read – Irving launches Oct. 17, offering a month of events that inspire creativity, introspection and a deeper connection to the community. This year’s featured work, “The Bear” by Andrew Krivak, invites attendees to explore themes of survival and heritage—offering a reflective journey into humanity’s role in the natural world. Free copies of “The Bear” will be available at Irving Public Library and partner locations beginning Oct. 19, while supplies last.
Please include the following if sharing this release: “NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.”
Featured Events
Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the NEA Big Read kicks off at the Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center with historical tours, a birds of prey exhibition, puppet shows, crafts and more. Through Nov. 16, Irving Library locations and NEA Big Read partners will host a variety of storytelling and self-sufficiency programs, genealogy workshops, crafting events and book clubs. Check out these featured events:
• Envisioning Future Worlds Workshop – 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26 | Irving Archives & Museum
Author Samantha Mabry will conduct a workshop centered on envisioning a future Irving. The event will also feature a museum tour.
• Homegrown & Handmade – 6:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 28 | South Irving Library
Explore cheaper, greener and healthier living with author Deborah Niemann.
• Upcycled Art Workshop – 6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 1 | Jack D. Huffman Building
Creativity meets sustainability in this adults-only art workshop.
• Night Hike & Star Party – 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 8 | Campion Trail
Explore the nighttime world with a North Texas Master Naturalist and enjoy a star party featuring professional stargazing equipment. Registration is required.
• Personal Storytelling – 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 9 | West Irving Library
Learn from personal essay coach Nicole Stewart. Create archived recordings from 3 to 5 p.m.
• Big Read Keynote with Andrew Krivak – 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 16 | Irving Arts Center
Author Andrew Krivak will present a keynote address and participate in a Q&A session. Local artists will showcase pieces inspired by “The Bear.”
This monthlong program series is made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Irving’s program partners include the Friends of the Irving Public Library. NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. This national program encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to explore new ideas through literature. For a complete schedule of events and more information, visit CityofIrving.org/3712.
The City of Irving is home to 9 Fortune 500 corporate headquarters, over 8,500 businesses, four 18-hole championship golf courses and the DFW International Airport. Centrally located in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Irving has a population of 256,000+ residents and is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the state and nation.
