One Book, One Valley, and One Festive October
by Laurie Dale Marshall, Adult & Teen Services Librarian
It’s one of our biggest annual events, and it’s been many months in the making. This Sunday, the moment of our anticipation will have arrived.
A grand celebration of literacy deserves a grand party to commence a month packed with special events. We invite you to join us this Sunday, October 1, for a festive One Book One Valley Kickoff Celebration from 4 pm to 7 pm, taking place throughout the Library.
One Book One Valley is rooted in the idea that we are stronger as a community through the opportunity to come together in the discussion, discovery, and joy found through the shared reading of a single book. The initiative encourages civic dialogue and supports many of the Library’s key strategic goals based upon community feedback.
Last May, the community cast its votes and selected the title among five finalists. While the votes were close, there was a clear winner.
The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande earned this year’s distinction as the title of choice, receiving the most votes in two rankings: both number-one votes as well as overall favorability—meaning it scored highest even when tallying rankings from those who scored it as their 2nd or 3rd choice.
“Funny, heartbreaking, and lyrical,” as aptly described by its publisher, The Distance Between Us tells the compelling story of Grande’s childhood spent separated from parents while adjusting to cultures in both the U.S. and Mexico. Grande “grabs your heart and strums music upon it,” said the Dallas Morning News.
We are anxious to hear your impressions of the book. And we’re eager to convene the very conversations that be illuminated by a myriad of voices, ideas, and insights.
It all starts Sunday with an open house of festivities that will include music, cultural crafts and games, readings from the book, homemade tamales, and performances of traditional Mexican dance by talented locals.
The very next day, we host the first of two community book discussions. We’re pleased to welcome facilitator Josán Perales, a World Language Instructional Specialist who brings many personal and professional experiences to the conversation.
“Themes and Impressions from The Distance Between Us” will allow you to share your insights and hear from others. Register at estesvalleylibrary.org to reserve your spot for either or both sessions: Monday, October 2 at 6:30 pm, or Sunday, October 8 at 2 pm.
We were mindful to schedule both book discussions early in the month to help provide a framework for the One Book One Valley featured event: an author night with Reyna Grande, who will speak on Thursday, October 12 at 7:30 pm at the Mountain View Bible Fellowship Church. The event is free, and tickets are now available both at the Library and through our partners at Macdonald Book Shop.
We thank the Library Friends & Foundation for providing the financial support to make this fall’s events and activities possible, including the purchase of hundreds of copies of the book now being shared throughout the Estes Valley.
Join friends and neighbors this Sunday at the Library for a family-friendly celebration to kick-off One Book One Valley 2017.