That’s a wrap for the Big Read! We hope our “What’s in a name?” celebration of Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake was as fun, educational, and enriching for you as it was for us.

We wanted to say thank you very much to the public for participating in many ways, including reading the book, attending programs, submitting family recipes or stories/poems, being part of the film project, and/or creating crafty items such as mosaic name tiles or fabric squares (which, by the way, have been added to the beautiful quilt made by Zaman International).

We would also like to send a BIG thank you to Congresswoman Debbie Dingell; State Representative Abdullah Hammoud; Dearborn Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr.; Dearborn City Council Members; the Big Read partners and sponsors; the Big Read Planning Committee; all the performers, lecturers, and book discussion moderators; the entire staff of Dearborn Public Library led by Library Director Maryanne Bartles, Deputy Director Julie Schaefer, and Administrative Librarian Steven Smith; and all additional City of Dearborn staff members and others who helped bring this massive project to life.

Furthermore, we want to recognize and thank the Dearborn businesses who donated treats for our Wrap-Up event: Alcamo’s, Bartz Bakery, Byblos Banquets, Cheat Treats, Dearborn Sweets, Park Place, Prince’s Bakery, and Shatila. And we want to acknowledge Impressive Graphics for making the stunning Big Read T-shirts and banners. Finally, the Big Read would not be possible without the support of the National Endowment for the Arts and Arts Midwest.

We are truly grateful to all of you.