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Funding for this project is provided by
the Library Services and Technology Act administered by the Institute of Museum
and Library Services and the West Virginia Library Commission.
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WVLC AND WEST VIRGINIA CENTER FOR THE BOOK
KICK-OFF NEW STATEWIDE READING PROGRAM
July 5, 2005
For more information contact
Susan Hayden, Adult Services Coordinator
West Virginia Library Commission
(304) 558-3978 ext. 2014
Charleston, West Virginia--
We relish the raging rivers,
untamed lands, and unwavering strength that abound our shared West Virginia
heritage. Now One Book, One West Virginia invites everyone to share the story of
Mary Ingles’ escape across frontier Appalachia. We share a history, now share a
book.
The West Virginia Library Commission and West Virginia Center for the Book will
be kicking-off the inaugural One Book, One West Virginia reading project in
July. The statewide project, which will run through December, advocates an
appreciation of reading and literature by inviting everyone in the state to read
the same book. The first title chosen for the project is James Alexander Thom’s
best-selling novel about Mary Draper Ingles’ capture and escape from Shawnee
Indians, Follow the River.
An appropriate selection, as 2005 commemorates the 250th anniversary of Ingles’
incredible journey. Follow the River retells the historic escape of Mary Ingles’
path allowing him to vividly capture the insurmountable bravery and endurance of
this pioneer woman as well as the strength of the rivers she used as her guides
on her 800 mile trek home. In its thirty-seventh printing, Follow the River
sells 30,000 to 40,000 copies a year.
One Book, One West Virginia is designed to promote dialogue among community
members gathered in various locations throughout the state. To accomplish this
goal, participants are urged to join book discussion groups and attend related
special events, such as meeting the author, James Alexander Thom, at the West
Virginia Book Festival on October 23.
Libraries across the state have been asked to take an active part in the
initiation of One Book, One West Virginia. Libraries can use the project as a
campaign to forge new alliances, build unity, and leverage support within their
communities through a shared reading experience. “Similar programs across
America have met great success, and it is our hope to generate enough enthusiasm
to make this program an integral part of West Virginia libraries and reading
history,” comments Susan Hayden, Adult Services Coordinator for the West
Virginia Library Commission.
West Virginians share a proud history and it is One Book, One West Virginia’s
intent that we share not only a story, but a story that promotes our rich
heritage. Special related events and support materials can be found at
wvcenterforthebook.lib.wv.us
beginning July 6, 2005.
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