I have always thought that books, reading, and libraries connect us in a “pay it forward” kind of way.  When you think about it, a good book isn’t half as good if you can’t share it with someone.  There is a primal need, in fact, of wanting to challenge and excite someone else with the discovery of a great author or book.  That is why, I believe, the whole One Book, One Community idea has taken off across the country.  It is an exciting event in which all residents are encouraged to read the same book at the same time and discuss it with friends and family, with a book club or at a program.

For our first title, we have selected To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.  Set in the South during the Great Depression, this coming-of-age novel is probably the most widely read book dealing with race in America.  We chose it because it is filled with tenderness, humor, and heart wrenching moments that are thought provoking and discussable.  It is also perfectly fitting that this year is the 50th anniversary of this all American classic and Pulitzer prize winning book.

As we planned this event it was amazing how this book created enthusiasm and started to pull people together as ideas evolved and excitement grew surrounding the book.  Everyone we talked to had a unique way in which they wanted to participate and celebrate To Kill a Mockingbird.

Thank you to Better World Books for partnering with us and for donating 100 copies of To Kill a Mockingbird that are being read around the community at such places as the Center for the Homeless, The Robinson Center, and St. Margaret’s House.  I personally dropped off many of these books and I can’t tell you the smiles, joy, and gratitude I received for sharing this generous donation.

We also want to thank many of our other partners including Friends of the St. Joseph County Public Library, Center for History, Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore, Indiana University South Bend, St. Joseph County Bar Association, South Bend Area Genealogical Society, Thyme of Grace, and WNIT Public Television.

One Book, One Michiana will take place from April 11 to May 9, 2010.  If you’re in the area, we invite you to read this story with us and find an interesting program to attend, so you can join in the synergy as we discuss what we love about this book.

One Book, One Michiana.  Read the book and “pay it forward.”

– Dawn Matthews, St. Joseph County Public Library

Just last week we had a visit from Shaun Skelton, Executive Director of Visions In Action and Pat Plonski, Executive Director of Books For Africa where we  discussed ongoing collaborative opportunities.

Visions In Action is shipping seven containers of books to South Africa, Uganda, and Tanzania, with Books For Africa providing the books and Better World Books and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) providing funding.

“Better World Books is our number one funder, our number one source for college textbooks, and our number one source of visibility on some 800 college campuses across North America,” Plonski noted. “Their support has been critical to our success, and it was great to tour their facilities and meet their staff.”

–Always a pleasure Pat!  We’re so glad you do what you do.  Thanks for stopping by!

Most recently, we received a visit from our local public television, WNIT, and their awesome program Outdoor Elements. Host Evie Kirkwood, who also serves as the director of our county park system, brought a film crew to tape a segment for the program which will air in Feburary 2009.

We walked our distribution center for about an hour, exploring all of the ways in which our little company in the corn fields has really embraced its sustainbility focused mission. From waste recycling to our co-op garden to our committment to reuse just about everything that we come in contact with (including our shelving and furniture), there was plenty into which to sink our teeth. I’m actually curious to see what will air during the short, 10-minute segment, given that we must have filmed more than 45 minutes worth! I’ll be sure to update you when the segment is available.

We recently joined the National Recycling Coalition as part of our continued effort to be green.  We attended the 2007 Indiana Recycling Coalition state affiliate conference in Bloomington IN and it was great meeting so many other people as passionate about re-using and recycling as we are.

One of the organizations we met publishes newsletters for county recyclers.  Trash Talk loved the Better World Books story and published an article about us that reached 1.5 million people!

Here’s the link to the article.