The Friends of the Scarborough Library will introduce One Book – One Community to Scarborough residents at the event’s kick off on June 25-26, 2005 during The Friends’ annual book sale at the Scarborough Public Library. The One Book-One Community program invites residents to read the same book over the course of the summer and join together the weekend of September 17-18, 2005 to participate in a variety of engaging programs for children and adults based on themes found in book. The selected book, “Ernie’s Ark” by Maine author Monica Wood, is a readable series of short stories built around families in a small Maine paper mill town. Readers will undoubtedly discover one or more characters who resemble someone they know. Copies of the book will be available for loan or purchase during the kick off event, along with a brochure detailing programs scheduled for September 17-18.
A highlight of the two-day kick off will be the opportunity for residents to help create a 5ft. ark on the grounds of the Library to celebrate the book. Families are invited to join neighbors in using organic materials gathered from the community to weave into the shell of an ark designed by USM student, Jonathan Price. Once complete, the ark will be displayed on the front lawn of the Scarborough Public Library throughout the duration of the One Book/One Community event.
Additional activities during the summer will include “read ins” of “Ernie’s Ark” at senior living facilities in the community and an on-going photo exhibit in the Library depicting local mills on loan from the Saco Museum.
The Maine Humanities Council has awarded the One Book – One Community Program, sponsored by the Friends of the Scarborough Library a grant of $750. MHC is a statewide, private, nonprofit, organization with a mission to “engage the people of Maine with the power and pleasure of ideas.” This Community Outreach Grant supports projects which encourage “a deeper understanding of ourselves and others, and to provide context in a time of change.” The concept of the One Book – One Community Program meets these goals. The Program invites residents to read the same book over the summer and join together the weekend of September 17-18, 2005 to participate in a variety of engaging programs for children and adults based on themes found in the book.
This program is also being supported by the following businesses and organizations: All Points Realtors, Maine Bank and Trust, Chamberlain Construction, ALC Development, Spurwink Country Kitchen, Worthing and Going, CPA, Scarborough Community Chamber and Scarborough Public Library.
Copies of “Ernie’s Ark” will be available for loan or purchase during the two-day kick off, June 25 and 26, during the Friends annual used book sale. A brochure may be picked up that details the September programs.
For more information, contact The Friends at 883-4723 or by email at friends@scarborough.lib.me.us, or go to www.scarboroughcrossroads.org/libraryfriends.
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