ASHLAND, Ky. — The Paramount was recently awarded $18,000 by the National Endowment for the Arts for The Big Read event.

“The Big Read” grant is a national project with a focus on getting people excited about reading.

The Paramount has several partners in this project and include Boyd County Public Library, Highlands Museum, Jesse Stuart Foundation and several area school systems.

Each recipient chooses a book and is required to host events throughout an entire month centered around that book. The Paramount chose Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and will feature numerous events throughout the month of September to include book giveaways, performances, movies, music, a tea party and a Paint a Fence project. Events will be posted on the website at www.paramountartscenter.com.

“The Big Read” is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest.

The NEA is awarding $3 million to 269 organizations during the 2009-2010 year.