Why Authors Love One Read

One ReadThe idea behind One Read first took root in Seattle in 1997. We adopted the concept in 2001, modeling ours after Chicago’s “One Book, One Chicago.” Many of our One Read authors have been part of other similar community-wide adult reading programs. Even so, they are routinely impressed with the level of involvement from our community and tell us that the quality of the One Read events sets our effort apart.

“Even from most of a continent away, Columbia’s warmth toward my book could be felt. ‘The Whistling Season’ has had many community reads, including one entire state, but the enthusiasm of the One Read organizers in ‘bringing’ me by video conference was memorably singular, as was the response of the library crowds.”

~ 2008 author Ivan Doig,
“The Whistling Season”

We attribute the longevity of One Read, now in its 15th year, to the strength of support we get from the community throughout the process, from selecting each year’s book to planning interesting programs. We thank you, our community partners and One Read participants, for making the last 15 years so wonderful for everyone involved. We know you’ll make it another

“The One Read program is among the best I’ve seen. With an amazing variety of programs, it engages readers from all corners of their community and all walks of life.”

~ 2014 author Daniel James Brown,
“The Boys in the Boat”

We tweak One Read a bit each year to keep it fresh. We added the flash fiction contest six years ago, and participation increases each year, as do entries to the art contest. We encourage you to enter one or both, to read the book “Bettyville” by Mid-Missouri author George Hodgman and get ready for another fascinating series of programs and an author talk in September.