Program Description

Community-wide reading, or "One Book," programs are designed to promote the value of reading by recommending a compelling book that links the community in a common conversation. One Book programs encourage dialogue about a particular book, but also foster lifelong learning and the development of a strong community identity.

Launched in Seattle in 1998 with great success, the "One Book" concept has swept the nation, including such cities as Chicago, New York, Detroit, Philadelphia and Houston. In 2002, the Cumberland and Dauphin County Library Systems cooperated to launch Pennsylvania's first such effort, called "One Book, Two Counties." In February of 2003, the Library System of Lancaster County and York County Library System launched their own one book campaign, entitled "United We Read”. Both campaigns were extremely successful and "One Book, Two Counties" was repeated again in 2003 with even greater participation.

Building on Success-Reading Campaign Expands to Seven Counties

Since 2004, the public libraries in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York Counties have been cooperating to bring One Book, One Community to the region. This year, the 72 libraries in the seven counties will combine efforts to celebrate reading. In addition, the libraries plan to strengthen regional ties through community-based programming that reaches a diverse audience of Central Pennsylvanians.

Program Dates

This year’s program was launched at a media event on August 26, 2009, including the unveiling of the web site and announcements of library and affiliate organization events and programming. Participants will be encouraged to read a specially selected book throughout September and October and attend book-related events and discussions in October. The library systems want to reach out to both avid readers and those who may not think that reading is part of a lifelong enrichment experience. As a result, many ways to engage with the book, including showings of related films, lectures and informational programs are being considered as part of the programming.

Selection Criteria

For the 2009 One Book, One Community choice, the Selection Panel developed a two stage process to involve more members of the community in selection. Community leaders, sponsors, librarians, booksellers, members of the media and known lovers of books were asked to be Book Advisers. Book Advisers suggest titles to the panel and may vote on the 2 to 4 finalists. Panel members [Book Readers] committed to suggesting titles, to reading and reviewing 4 to 6 books, to miss no more than two of the discussion meetings and to making the final vote. By the process of review, discussion and consideration, the list is narrowed each time. The books that continue on the list are those that are:

• A good, discussable book (books that make successful subjects for discussion tend to have well-developed characters who are dealing with issues in their lives with which readers can identify);
• An author, or recognized experts on the author, who would be willing to engage in discussion with readers at several events;
  
• A book that is available in quantity, at reasonable cost, in various media formats (paperback, large print , audio, CD, DVD or video);
  
• A book that is written at a high school reading level that is accessible to emerging adult readers); and
  
• A book that varies in type from others previously selected.
  

Interested in learning about our Past Title Selections?

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