About the Program

The University of Wisconsin–Madison invites you to participate in its common book program, Go Big Read. Initiated by past Chancellor Carolyn “Biddy” Martin, the program will engage members of the campus community and beyond in a shared, academically focused reading experience. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to participate by reading the book, and taking part in classroom discussions and campus events.

This shared reading experience is designed to:

• Engage the campus community and beyond in an academically focused reading experience
• Generate vigorous discussions and exchanges of diverse ideas
• Promote connections among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the wider community
• Tap into and promote the intellectual resources of the campus
• Promote educational initiatives and learning outcomes
• Bridge learning experiences inside and outside the classroom

The Go Big Read program is sponsored by the Office of the Chancellor. The program is also sponsored by:

• Center for Campus History
• Center for Humanities
• Distinguished Lecture Series
• Division of Enrollment Management
• Division of Student Life
• Madison Public Library
• Morgridge Center for Public Service
• Office of Student Transition and Family Engagement
• Office of the Vice Provost for Teaching & Learning
• University Communications
• University Housing
• UW–Madison Libraries
• Wisconsin Alumni Association
• Wisconsin Book Festival
• Wisconsin Union Directorate

Other Common Read Projects

• Chadbourne Residential College Common Read
• Library of Congress One Book Project Database

Contact Us

Go Big Read Program: gobigread@library.wisc.edu.

Go Big Read Program Coordinator: Bethany Chinedu Willig, bwillig@wisc.edu