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. 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 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 the 2025-26 program, featuring Curtis Chin’s Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant, launched in October 2025. Registration is now open.

There are two ways to be a 2025-26 Great Michigan Read partner organization:

Lending organizations will receive a book kit at the time of program launch in October. Each kit will come in a Great Michigan Read tote bag and include copies of Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant, conversation starters, promotional materials, and a partner guide with links to digital resources. The materials will be yours to use and distribute throughout the program period—late October 2025 through late August 2026. During that time frame, kits should largely be available for check-out by other local community partners. Please complete our online Google form by Dec. 1 to indicate your lending partner interest.

If you are interested in reading Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant in your local community and prefer not to serve as a lending partner, we invite you to register through our online form as a participating partner. Instructions are included below. Once lending partner locations are established, you will receive information about locations in your part of the state where you can check out a book kit. It is our goal to establish lending partnerships in every county to ensure continued statewide access to the Great Michigan Read.

Both participating and lending partners have an opportunity to express interest in co-hosting a Great Michigan Read author event with Curtis Chin.