Everybody Wins When Malden Reads

Asking the question "What if all of Malden read the same book?" local community organizations, in collaboration with the city's library, have been planning the launch of Malden Reads: One City, One Book.  The program is modeled after one that began in Seattle in 1998 and has since been enacted in cities and towns throughout the country.

The idea is to engage the community in reading the same book selection, afterwards encouraging participation in related events, including book discussion groups, presentations, cultural performances, art exhibits, and social gatherings. The goals are to promote reading, highlight the library's resources, and build community connections.

But choosing a book for Malden to read was no simple process. The collaboration of groups and individuals that form the Malden Reads committee sought input from the community on which book to read. Earlier in the fall, they met to identify what was most important in a book selection. Ultimately, they wanted to choose an accessible book with broad appeal and a rich variety of themes to which the diverse community of Malden could relate.

So, which book will Malden read? The committee has decided to announce the book selection later in December and do the full rollout of promotion in January. Stay tuned!

Copies of the selected book will be given to community leaders, raffled off as prizes, and placed in laundromats, hair salons, and dentist's offices throughout the city. Of course, the public is encouraged to check out a copy from the library, or buy a copy, read it, and pass it on. Events and activities will begin in late February, and continue through March and April.

Check out this weekly column to find out more about Malden Reads!