In 1998, the Washington Center for the Book introduced the concept of “One Book” projects across the U.S.A. and around the world. Hundreds of people have participated in Howard County Reads, the annual community-wide reading program sponsored by the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library and Greentown Public Library.

In the last six years, hundreds of people have participated in Howard County Reads, the annual community-wide reading program sponsored by the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library and Greentown Public Library. The concept of “One Book” projects around the world began in 1998 by the Washington Center for the Book in Seattle, Washington and was introduced in our community in 2004.

Past Howard County Reads selections include:

 

• O Pioneers! by Willa Cather
• Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns
• The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
• The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
• Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
• The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

 

Our libraries began gathering nominations for the next great book in March 2010 and will keep nominations open through July 31. A community selection committee will meet in August and narrow the list to 10 titles. Then the fun begins! You will have the opportunity to vote for the Howard County Reads 2010 -You Decide- selection during September and October. The book you voted in will be announced in November.

The following criteria are considered for nominated books for Howard County Reads:

 

• well-written
• appropriate for group discussions
• available in paperback and other formats
• interesting to adults
• not too long

 

“Our goal is to cultivate a love of reading and to promote a sense of community.”

Read, then attend an event Step 1: Nominate Your Favorite Book! Step 2: Join the committee that narrows down the selections to the Top Ten during August. Join many of your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors in reading the same book. Step 3: Discuss! Join one of our book discussions or organize your own book discussion at your home, office, organization, or place of worship to discuss the Howard County Reads 2010 Top Ten titles during the months of September and October. If you would like us to provide a leader for your discussion, or would like some additional books or study materials for your discussion, please call 454-4710. Step 4: Vote! Vote for your favorite Top Ten title during the months of September and October: online, or by paper ballot at your favorite library location. Plan your own activity Any business, social or professional organization, group of family, friends or neighbors can easily get involved. Develop an activity or book discussion that ties in to the Top Ten titles, or the selected book. Share your ideas with Trisha Shively at 765.454.4710 or Margi Bontrager at 765.628.3534.   Here’s a list of ideas, or come up with your own events:   Form a lunch time book discussion group at your place of employment Teachers can give extra credit to students who read a Howard County Reads 2010 - You Decide - Top Ten title. Have your book club discuss the HCR selected title or the Top Ten titles. School drama departments plan theatrical readings or productions Have your civic, social, or professional organization hold a program based on the theme in the book.	Call 765.454.4710 or email read@howardcountyreads.org if you want to borrow books and Resource Guides to use with your classes.
	Businesses & Organizations
	If your business or organization would like to host a book discussion, please let us know. Call 765.454.4710 or email read@howardcountyreads.org.