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Library Asks Public to Choose Title for Next Year's Community Read
Apr 8, 2005 INFORMATION RELEASE Direct link to ballot: http://www.lee-county.com/library/specialevents/VoteFor2006.htm Media Contacts: Karen Sloan, (239) 461-2914 or ksloan@leegov.com Heather O'Connell, (239) 461-2924 or hoconnell@leegov.com Lee County Library System Asks Public to Choose Title for Next Year's Community Read; Fort Myers, Florida (April 8, 2005) The Lee County Library System is asking for your help to choose the book that all Lee County will read for the 2006 One Book, One Community: Lee County Reads project. "We've just completed our inaugural community reading project, and we're very pleased with the results," explains Library Development Specialist Karen Sloan. "We read Patrick D. Smith's A Land Remembered' and had great feedback from people who attended programs related to the book. Now we need to start planning for next year and we would like the public to give us suggestions of what book they feel all of Lee County ought to be reading." The American Library Association (ALA) gives guidelines on how to select a book for such a project. They suggest books with strong characters and links to community issues, interests, and demographics. It helps if the book is available in various formats like paperback, audiotapes, CDs, large print or in Spanish. "There are a lot of things to consider," says Sloan. "The idea of the project is to get as many people reading as possible, so it should be a book with broad appeal. It's also important to think about ways the book will lend itself to activities throughout the community like theatrical productions, film screenings, exhibits at local museums or attractions, mock trials, cooking or other kinds of demonstrations. There are many creative opportunities." The Lee County Library System's mission in presenting this project is to foster a sense of unity through reading and stimulating discussion of a common book, and enhance the experience with related cultural, educational and recreational program components. Paper ballots may be cast at all Lee County Library System locations, and online votes may be submitted at the Library System's web site. For library locations, call (239) 479-INFO or (239) 479-4636. To vote online, go to www.lee-county.com/library and click on the One Book, One Community icon. Voters may fill in their suggested book title, or choose from one of seven book titles on the ballot that were recommended by library staff. Ballots will be collected through May 15, 2005. |