The second One Book – One Lincoln community reading program began on Aug. 4, 2003, with the announcement of Ann Patchett’s novel Bel Canto as the selected title for 2003, and concluded with programming events in November 2003. Information about Bel Canto and One Book – One Lincoln 2003 is still available on this page. This is a joint venture of the Lincoln Journal Star and the Lincoln City Libraries.
About One Book – One Lincoln – 2003
One Book – One Lincoln is a community reading program co-sponsored by Lincoln City Libraries and the Lincoln Journal Star. The program encourages all adults in Lincoln and Lancaster County to read and discuss the same book at the same time. The goal of the program is to encourage reading and dialogue by creating a community wide reading and discussion experience.
In the fall of 2002, thousands of Lincolnites read Plainsong by Kent Haruf. For 2003, Ann Patchett’s award-winning novel Bel Canto has been selected for our second city-wide reading experience. Copies of the title are available at Lincoln City Libraries in hardback, paperback, large type, audiocassette, and compact disc forms. Copies of the book are also available in Spanish.
Lincoln City Libraries Reference staff have compiled additional resources about Bel Canto and Ann Patchett.
How can I set up my own discussion group?
Special Bel Canto kits are available to organizations and businesses interested in sponsoring a discussion group. The kits, which will include copies of the Resource Guide, with discussion questions, posters and bookmarks, can be acquired by calling Lincoln City Libraries at 441-8503.
Three training sessions for those interested in setting up their own discussion groups will be provided in early September:
Preregistration is not necessary for these training sessions.
What programs will there be? Will the author visit?
Several special programs have been scheduled at various branches of the public libraries during September, October and November with ties to the themes and events of Bel Canto. The programs include such topics as opera appreciation, hostage negotiation, language translation, the music of South America, writing techniques and the different forms which love may take. A list of currently scheduled programs is available here.
At present, Ann Patchett is not scheduled to visit Lincoln. This Web site will be updated to reflect any new information as it becomes available.
What other books were considered for 2003?
Other finalists for One Book – One Lincoln – 2003 were:
Interested in last years’ One Book – One Lincoln selection?
In 2002, Plainsong, by former Lincolnite Kent Haruf, was chosen as our city’s first One Book – One Lincoln selection. The citizens of Lincoln became familiar with a group of resilient rural Coloradans who were able to forge new and unexpected family bonds after their original family relationships fell apart. Attendees enjoyed five special programs tied in to the themes of Plainsong, joined over 40 organized book discussion groups at libraries and other locations around Lincoln, and a packed house of over 500 gathered for the grand finale to hear Haruf speak.
The Lincoln Journal Star and the Lincoln City Libraries thank the following supporters of One Book – One Lincoln:
Back to the main One Book – One Lincoln – 2003 page
One Book – One Lincoln – 2002: Plainsong by Kent Haruf