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.

In April 2025 the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) terminated all funding to humanities councils, which impacted 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. Partner registration is still open.

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

Lending organizations receive one or two book kits after registration is complete. Each kit comes in a Great Michigan Read tote bag and includes 10 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 are 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 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. Participating partners receive information about locations where they 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.