Portland nonprofit wins prestigious NEA 'Big Read' grant

Annie Leahy in front of the Mechanics' Hall library in Portland

PHoto / Jim Neuger Mechanics' Hall, a member-supported cultural hub and library in Portland led by Executive Director Annie Leahy, has been awarded a matching $20,000 NEA "Big Read" grant for a year-long literary series.

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By Renee Cordes

Mechanics’ Hall, a member-supported nonprofit cultural hub and library in Portland, has landed a prestigious $20,000 matching grant for a year-long literary series.

Funding comes from the National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with Arts Midwest, for public programming in 2025-26 celebrating a book from the NEA's "Big Read" library. The goal is to inspire meaningful conversations, celebrate local creativity and build stronger connections in each community.

Mechanics’ Hall, one of 65 grant recipients from 33 states plus Puerto Rico, plans to use its funding for a series of public programs around the theme “Our Nature,” inspired by Daniel Mason’s acclaimed novel “North Woods.” The book, about a single house in New England, is told through the lives of its inhabitants over the course of three centuries.

“We’re honored to bring 'North Woods' to life through conversations, creativity and collaboration across the state,” said Annie Leahy, executive director of Mechanics’ Hall. “This project celebrates our shared history and asks how nature can guide us toward belonging, resilience and transformation.”

In partnership with Trust for Public Land, Momentum Conservation and Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters, Mechanics’ Hall will present a wide range of programming celebrating Maine’s deep legacy of conservation and exploring the ways the relationship with land shapes identity, community and resilience.

Events will include author talks, writing workshops, guided nature walks and a special installation by sound artist Thomas Rex Beverly.

Series highlights

The series will launch on Oct. 3 with a public book giveaway during Portland’s First Friday Art Walk at Congress Square Park and throughout the month at the Mechanics’ Hall Library in the heart of the downtown Arts District.

Public programming is scheduled to kick off on Thursday, Nov. 13, with a conversation between celebrated writers Monica Wood and Richard Blanco.

The series will culminate in spring 2026 with outdoor book clubs hosted by Momentum Conservation, as well as a writing workshop in northern Maine, in collaboration with Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters.

How businesses can help

For Maine businesses interested in getting involved with the program, Leahy suggests becoming a season sponsor.

“Our season sponsors play a critical role in covering the costs that the NEA grant doesn’t, and their support extends beyond this program to help sustain all of our year-round programming,” she told Mainebiz. "It's a meaningful investment — and excellent visibility — for any business or organization.”

More information

Find out more about the NEA "Big Read" here.

Mechanics’ Hall has information about all upcoming events here.

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