The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has terminated all funding to humanities councils, which impacts numerous Michigan Humanities grants and programs. The Great Michigan Read is funded in part by private dollars and planning is underway to launch a reimagined 2025-26 program. Registration will be announced in summer 2025.

One Title. One State. Thousands Engaged in Literary Discussion.

Since 2007, the Great Michigan Read, the signature program of Michigan Humanities, has united communities across the state through Michigan-centered fiction and non-fiction books. These selections inspire conversations from diverse perspectives, foster a deeper appreciation for the humanities, and connect thousands of readers with authors and engaging educational programs. Each book is chosen by seven regional selection committees, representing every corner of Michigan.

There are many ways to get involved in the Great Michigan Read! Partner organizations receive free print copies of the selection, including large-print and accessible editions, as well as audio and e-book formats. Participants also receive additional resources such as Reader’s Guides, Teacher’s Guides, and bookmarks. All aspects of the program are free and open to the public. Great Michigan Read partners include libraries, schools, book clubs, and other nonprofits.

The Great Michigan Read is funded in part by private dollars and planning is underway for the 2025-26 program, featuring Curtis Chin’s Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant. Registration is postponed.

We are taking this time to innovate, develop new collaborations, and plan for a program that will look different than what’s preceded it, yet reaches as many Michiganders as possible. As soon as we are ready to announce an exciting set of updates for this year’s Great Michigan Read, details will be shared with Michigan Humanities’ partner network.

Announcing the 2025–26 Great Michigan Read!

Apply to be a Partner

Schools, libraries, independent book clubs, colleges, universities, arts and cultural institutions, and a range of other non-profits and organizations are invited to become Great Michigan Read partners. Details about partner registration, timing, and materials will be updated as soon as program plans are confirmed.

Registering as a Great Michigan Read partner can be completed using these steps:

Login or create a new user account on the Michigan Humanities grant and program portal, located here.
After registration opens, visit the Great Michigan Read Partner Registration Form, and fill out the required details.
You will receive an automated “registration received” email after you have submitted the form.

2023–24 Program at a Glance

Contact

If you have questions or would like to discuss a
potential partnership, please contact Katie Wittenauer
at kwittenauer@mihumanities.org.

Funding for Partners

Great Michigan Read Action Grants of up to $750 are available to support Great Michigan Read programming and are awarded to registered Great Michigan Read partners. Details about grant availability will be updated as soon as program plans are confirmed.

These grants are non-matching and can be used for the following purposes:

Materials: The purchase/rental of supplementary resources that complement the Great Michigan Read title, including books, films, traveling exhibits, and other educational opportunities.
Guest speakers and venue rental: Honoraria and/or travel expenses for guest speakers, performers, and/or workshop leaders for Great Michigan Read events, discussions, and lectures.
Food, transportation, and promotional expenses: Expenses in these categories may be included, but should not be the primary emphasis of your Great Michigan Read Action Grant application.

Great Michigan Read Sponsors

The Great Michigan Read is presented by Michigan Humanities and supported by national, statewide, and local partners, including: