The program encourages residents to read the same book at the same time. "One Book, One Chicago" coordinator Annie Tully joined us to tell us how the Chicago Public Library is celebrating this milestone.
Since fall 2001, One Book, One Chicago has sought to foster a culture of reading in Chicago by highlighting the benefits of reading together as a community. Twice annually a book is selected and promoted to all of Chicago. Book discussions take place in over 50 library locations as well as outside locations and several public programs are created to further enrich the experience of reading the book. More information and past One Book, One Chicago titles can be found here..
On Monday, August 8, the Chicago Public Library will begin accepting design submissions from local artists who will be challenged to create a special anniversary poster that embodies One Book, One Chicago program. The deadline for submission is Sunday, September 11. Artists' submissions will be hosted on the Chicago Public Library's Flickr page and Chicagoans will be invited to vote for their favorites between Monday, September 19 and Sunday, September 25.
Thirty finalists will move on to a special event held in the Winter Garden of the Harold Washington Library Center on Thursday, October 11 where their work will be showcased and the Grand Prize and People's Choice Award Winners will be revealed. The winning design will be featured on outdoor billboards as a part of the Chicago Public Library's forthcoming ad campaign throughout Chicago.
"The 10th anniversary of One Book, One Chicago is a wonderful opportunity to look back over the past decade, and the 20 titles we've celebrated in that time," said Ruth Lednicer, Director of Marketing for the Chicago Public Library. "We're asking artists to tell us what the program, or perhaps even just one of the books, has meant to them."
The design contest judging panel will include Chicago Public Library Commissioner Mary Dempsey, Chicago artist Steve Musgrave and a representative from AIGA Chicago. For more information and updates about the Chicago Public Library Design Contest and special events, please visit chicagopubliclibrar.tumblr.com.
The Fall 2011 One Book, One Chicago selection is The Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bellow. This is the 21st book chosen in the program. Highlights of the program this fall include: Flash Fiction Writing Contest, Martin Amis, Book Discussions all at www.onebookonechicago.org.
