One Book One Community
Program Description and History

 

Great things happen when an entire community gets together for any reason. In the case of "One Book One Community," the great things revolve around what happens when an entire community is united by a common goal - the reading, discussing, analyzing and studying the same book during the same timeframe.  A community that opens the same book together closes it in greater harmony.

One Book One Community - a partnership among Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater-Raynham Regional Schools, Bridgewater Public Library and the Senior Center - begins its fifth community read with the reading Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. 

The concept of One Book One Community began back in 2005 when Susan Brougham, director of Library Services at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School, approached Ursula Garfield, chair of the College and Community Relations Council, about organizing a community read. The rest is history.

The first year, 2005-2006, community members read Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich.  A lecture by Dr. Ehrenreich culminated that year's calendar of events.

The second year, 2006-2007, the book was My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult.

The third year, 2007-2008, the book was Night, by Elie Wiesel.

The fourth year, Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 the books were Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury and Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, respectively. 

Following one discussion held at the Honors Center at BSC with high school and college students in attendance, comments about one book from high school students included: 

              "I've learned how to look in other books for the underlying issues." 

             "I really learned how to probe and dissect a book." 

"I learned how to present and defend my own opinions by having my facts straight and arguments logical, but I also learned to be open to change my mind, if persuaded by someone else's facts and logic."

These introspective comments are what One Book One Community is all about. They show clearly what promoting literacy among young people and in the community can do to develop critical thinking, connect the community and open dialogue among a diverse group of people.

This year poses to be yet another dynamic year for One Book One Community. For more information, contact Susan McCombe, Office of College and Community Partnerships at Bridgewater State College, 508-531-1794 or e-mail smccombe@bridgew.edu and visit www.bridgew.edu/ccp

Last Modified: January 8, 2010