What is Wake Reads Together?
Wake Reads Together is a community-wide reading initiative that aims to get everyone in the area reading the same book at the same time. Readers then come together for book discussions, lectures, films, author appearances and other book-related events.
View the main Wake Reads Together site for information on the 2008 selected books and event listings..
Where did the idea come from?
In recent years, libraries throughout the country have launched community-wide reading programs based on a simple question – “What would happen if everyone read the same book?” Seattle was the first to undertake this endeavor in 1998, and since then communities from Alabama to Wisconsin have followed.
In early 2007, more than 2,000 copies of Kim Edwards’ Memory Keeper’s Daughter circulated to Wake County Library readers, and nearly 3,000 of them attended programs on adoption and adoptive parents, memory and families, Down syndrome, photography and general book discussions.
In 2006, 3,229 Wake County citizens attended book discussions and special events held in conjunction with Tim Tyson’s Blood Done Sign My Name. Regional book sales reported 460 purchases of the book, and it circulated 2,924 times in Wake County Public Libraries between January and March.
In 2005, 3,610 residents read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Hadden in our libraries, and 2,110 attended special community programs and events.
In 2004, more than 5,200 Wake County residents read Wolf Whistle by Lewis Nordan, and 1,000 people attended events throughout the county at libraries, bookstores and museums.
In 2003, more than 5,000 Wake County residents read Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, and nearly 1,500 attended events as a part of the very first Wake Reads Together program.
When does Wake Reads Together take place?
Each fall library staff compile book titles for consideration, coming up with a slate of books to be considered by the public. In 2008, a new approach to Wake Reads Together will pair adult and juvenile books with the same theme in an effort to appeal to a wider range of library customers. Public voting for the theme to be explored will occur in October, and the titles will be announced in early January 2008 with a kickoff program and a formal announcement. In February and March book discussions and ancillary programming will occur throughout the community in each library and with independent book clubs and venues. A systemwide finale concludes the program in late March/early April. Contact your local library for more details about the current program.
Why community-wide reading?
Part of the mission of the Wake County Public Library System is “to promote the love of reading” for the residents of Wake County. We think this is a great way to fulfill this mission! Additionally, this program is an avenue for neighbors, families, co-workers and friends to take a break from their busy lives and gather together for open discussion and exchange of ideas. We have learned from experience that people enjoy talking about the books they are reading, and the library enjoys providing the venue for that to happen.
How can people and/or organizations participate?
- Read the book!
- Encourage others to read the book!
- Donate funds: Monetary donations will be accepted and used for purchasing books, promotional materials, events, and other costs associated with this program.
- Donate copies of the book to the library system: Because of increased demand for the book, the library system will need to acquire (through purchase or donation) hundreds of additional copies.
- Help promote the program: We will need local merchants to display posters, community groups to get the word out, and media outlets to help advertise the program.
- Host a book discussion or event: From February through March, we will coordinate book discussions and events throughout the county – in libraries, community centers, bookstores, etc. We will need places to hold these events and people to facilitate discussions (discussion materials will be provided).
- Get your book group involved: Are you a member of an area book club? Why not choose the Wake Reads Together title for your group? Also, we will encourage book groups to join in events and facilitate discussions.
- Write a letter of support: We will be asking for letters of support from across Wake County – government officials, community leaders, merchants, celebrities, media personalities and others. In addition to building interest in the program, these letters will help us with requests for funding.
