Read Along the River:
One Book – One County Program 2008
There’s something special about sharing, be it a chocolate bar, an anecdote from work, a funny joke, or a special story. Now imagine sharing that story with a community of 590,417 people.
One Book – One County program, funded by a grant from the GRPL Library Foundation, is an ongoing collaboration between the Grand Rapids Public Library, Kent District Library, Sparta Library and Cedar Springs Library. Additional support is offered by community partners Schuler Books & Music, Calvin College, the Grand Rapids Humanities Council and the Grand Rapids Community College. The goal of the program is to create a culture of reading and community dialogue throughout Kent County, with participants joining together in reading and discussing the same book. The program comes to a thrilling conclusion, with an appearance by the author.
“This year, we anticipate 9,000 participants in the program,” said Michael Cirivello, Grand Rapids Public Library Librarian. “The project engages adults and bring them to a better appreciation of the written word.”
The program has generated enthusiastic responses from participants. Comments include “I truly enjoyed seeing the book from the author’s point of view;” “Thank you for enriching our county this way;” “I really appreciate the library systems doing these programs, please keep it going.” The program was recognized by Kent County Reads, and presented with the Golden Apple award for its impact on literacy.
Read Along the River: One Book – One County runs from November 2008 to March, 2009. To make a financial contribution to help support this program, please call 616-988-5399 or click on grplfoundation.org.