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Area-Wide Reading Projects |
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Area-Wide Reading Projects |
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The idea of an entire community reading the same book originated in 1998 at the Seattle Public Library. In the fall of 2001, following suggestions from several community members, the Duluth Public Library decided to sponsor a similar area-wide reading project. Because of our city's commitment to reading and literacy, and the Duluth Public Library's role in advocating lifelong learning beginning at birth, an area-wide reading program was a natural choice here.
Early in 2002, a committee librarians, educators and bookstore staff was formed and the slogan Reading: Bridge to a Wider World was adopted. The committee selected a book and planned a series of public programs to take place during April.
In 2005, the slogan was changed to One Book, One Community in order to better identify with similar reading projects across the nation. A unique feature of the Duluth program is the inclusion of related titles for children and teens. One Book, One Community is coordinated by the Duluth Public Library with support from the Duluth Library Foundation, educators, bookstores, the Arrowhead Reading Council and other agencies.The area-wide spring read has now become a tradition that has spread throughout northeastern Minnesota and northern Wisconsin.