One Book, One Community

Imagine - what if everyone in one community was reading the same book at the same time?

(no, we don't mean Harry Potter but we're enjoying that as well)

Just think - as with Harry Potter you'd stimulate dialogue. You could possibly meet new folks with similar interests. Libraries and communities could really build a core of like-minded people from diverse and exciting walks of life. You'd be one of the cool kids.

That's the whole purpose behind One Book One Community.

Launched in Seattle in 1998 with great success, the “One Book” concept has swept the nation, including such cities as Chicago, New York, Detroit, Philadelphia and Houston. In 2002, it hit Pennsylvania, and we've been going strong ever since. Folks that participate with us are Adams County Library System, Berks County Libraries , Cumberland County Library System, Dauphin County Library System, Library System of Lancaster County, Lebanon County Library System and the Perry County Libraries

So what is the book? Well, we're keeping it under wraps for now. You'll find out August 8th what the title is and all of the wonderful programs we have in store. To get an idea of what the books are like, here's a history of titles that were offered in York County.

2003 Tuesdays with Morrie
2004 Rocket Boys
2005 The White
2006 The Kite Runner
2007 ????

So keep your ears and eyes open; you'll read some awesome literature, there are many programs that will be available, and you'll be part of a movement that's sweeping the nation. What's not to like?

Graphic Novels - the new hotness!

With 1004 distinct items in the Library System, we have a veritable treasure chest of Graphic Novels. We can't keep them on the shelf, they're the most rapidly-growing niche in publishing, and many are spawning a new renaissance in Hollywood. Good Stuff!

But wait - what is a Graphic Novel? You don't know?

Graphic novels are similar to comic books. Like comic books, they use sequential artwork to help tell a story. However, they are more likely to be stand-alone stories, and plot lines are more extended.

Some are collections of comics (Usagi Yojimbo) and some are books in their own right (Pride of Baghdad) . Still others have won prostigeous awards like the Xeric Award (Clan Apis) and one has even won the Pulitzer Prize (Maus)

Better to refer to them as a format (just as we do a book, magazine, audiobook, or movie) because they cover many genres; Cyberpunk, Horror, Romance, Fantasy and more.


Does this mean that these books are only for teens?
Not at all. Graphic Novels tend to be very appealing for all ages. (This includes the staff that develop this collection) The visual presentation, great character development, well-written plots, and escapism make this format of book very appealing.


Graphic Novels are all about Superheroes, right?

Actually, no...they’re not even all fiction.

Although we do have superheroes such as Wonder Woman, Spiderman, and Wolverine we also have other fiction and non-fiction books.

Here are a few examples:

Biography
· Pedro and Me
· The amazing true story of a Teenage Single Mom
. Persepolis

Horror
· Sandman
· Tapping the Vein
. Thirty Days of Night

Cyberpunk
· Heavy Liquid
· Channel Zero

Christian Fiction
· Left Behind
· Tribulation Force

Classics
· Moby Dick - Melville
· Remembrance of Things Past—Proust

Non-Fiction
· Cartoon Guide to Genetics
· Cartoon Guide to Physics
. Jack The Ripper


BEST OF ALL many are now coming to the big screen.

So if you're interested in this 'new' format, why not give them a try?
There are many terrific books out there, just waiting for you to discover them.

Dear Reader, I'm sorry but I think it's time I started seeing more patrons....

ONLINE BOOK CLUBS coming soon!

If you are interested in one of the many genres, we'll email you a 5-minute portion of a book. (bite-sized niblets of information, if you will)

During the week you can read 2-3 chapters at your convenience, and decide if you want to check the book out of the library.

Opt out at any time, and know that in this (as in all things) we value and will protect your privacy.

No cost, no obligation, and no sweat; you can get as many or as few as you'd like.