About Centre County Reads
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Since 1998, when Seattle asked its residents to read Russell Banks'
The Sweet Hereafter, the idea of a community reading and talking
about the same book has spread across the United States and to countries
as far away as Australia. The idea spawned "One City, One Book" events,
county- and state-wide programs, and even the nationwide All America Reads and Canada Reads projects.
Centre County's efforts began early in 2002 when a group of book folks
from the library, education, literacy, and bookstore communities began to
discuss the merits of a county-wide effort to share a book. In 2003,
Centre County residents read and discussed Harper Lee's To Kill a
Mockingbird. The community response was terrific, and so the project
continued.
Centre County Reads encourages county residents of all ages to explore
the human condition and the issues of community by reading the same book
and coming together in discussions anytime, anywhere, with anyone.
Centre County Reads selects books that…
- promote meaningful discussion for a wide range of ages,
- are reflective of universal issues common to the majority of Centre
County residents,
- are written at a reading level accessible to emerging adult readers,
and
- are available in a variety of formats, including an inexpensive
paperback edition that is readily obtainable.
Centre County Reads is a joint effort by several local libraries,
school districts, organizations, and businesses. Representatives from
those groups organize the event, backed by generous local sponsors and
community volunteers.
| Chair: |
Dotty Delafield, Librarian, Mt. Nittany Middle School |
| Secretary: |
Kristina Yezdimer, Schlow Library |
| Treasurer: |
Pat Griffith, Adult Services Librarian, Schlow Library
|
Coordinators
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