Dempsey, B. (2009). One Book, One Community, One Great Idea. Library Journal Retrieved from http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/communitypublicservices/855557-276/story.csp, December 7, 2010.

This article in Library Journal caught my attention since we just recently closed our vote for the next "One Book, One Bloomington," book. Since librarians in Seattle started their community read project, the idea has become a phenomenon. The article suggests that the program works so well because it can be geared toward any community, from the programs to the books to the specific groups targeted. In Philadelphia, a group started a "One Book, One Jewish Community," and started a program around Jewish people in the area reading Jewish authors. Librarians can easily adapt the program to the size of their community and the resources available at their library.

The article mentions great online resources for inspiration planning these activities, and indicates that the most important aspect of them is the experiences it gives the members of the community who come together to rediscover or discovery good books together. Different kinds of books can work - classics, slightly obscure titles, but the book should be something the reader can take seriously, and it should be discussable. Once the book has been chosen, it's the library's job to  build enthusiasm and get participation - because without it, the project will flop.

Though the evidence is anecdotal, there is reason to believe that programs like this bring people to the library and help build enthusiasm for it. In a time where we really need to make ourselves relevant, bringing the community together behind you seems like one of the best things you could possibly do.