Television viewers have Oprah Winfrey, Chicagoans have Mayor Richard M. Daley, and now Bartlett has Karen Pulver.

As the manager of adult and teen services at the Bartlett Public Library, Pulver is coordinating community activities for a “Big Read Grant” from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Big Read will invite Bartlett citizens of all ages to read Jack London’s novel “The Call of the Wild.”

Q Why did you decide to apply for this grant?

A This program seemed an ideal way to spread the joy of reading. I was at first skeptical that we could get the grant when Cecilia Green of Arts in Bartlett asked us to apply. The competition was fierce. Our application included a four-page, single-spaced, narrative. The grant will allow us to distribute the book free, along with reader and audio guides.

Q How will the Big Read bring the community together to read?

A Bartlett Public Library is one of only 208 organizations across the United States to receive a grant. Applicants were given a choice of 23 selections from American and world literature. It will be a stepping stone to help highlight and restore reading to its essential place in our homes and schools.

Q Why was “The Call of the Wild” chosen?
 
A The story has all the key elements to appeal to a broad spectrum of people, including dog and wolf lovers, adults, teens and children. “The Call of the Wild” is the short, but compelling, action-packed adventure of Buck the dog during the 19th century Klondike Gold Rush. The Big Read will launch the story with a party in February and activities running through March.