SAN DIEGO – KPBS and the San Diego Public Library are pleased to announce the One Book, One San Diego project is taking an exciting turn this year. Beginning in January 2012, the project will be featuring all three top selections, one at a time. This year book lovers will have an opportunity to read, discuss and attend free community events focused on: Into the Beautiful North, Sky of Red Poppies and Moloka’i.
“We are very happy with the growth and success of this program,” said KPBS Station Manager, Deanna Mackey. “We’re excited to have an opportunity to enhance the project with three selections.”
“The One Book, One San Diego program is in its sixth year and continues to bring our community together by encouraging a shared reading experience,” said Deborah Barrow, San Diego Public Library Director. “Whether you participate in one of the organized community events, join a book discussion group, or just share your thoughts with friends and neighbors, we encourage you to enjoy a great book and community conversation.”
The decision to go with three books happened by accident. Since the One Book, One San Diego project began six years ago, an Advisory Committee has selected the top three books. Then, the community votes online to pick the winner. Each year, the online engagement has grown topping off this year with more than 6,000 votes in less than a month. While the event organizers were thrilled with the participation there were technical problems with the online voting system. After careful deliberation, the Committee decided to honor all three authors.
“We believe showcasing all three books is the best solution,” said Mackey. “The result will lead to a robust and exciting year of One Book, One San Diego.”
Beginning in January 2012, the structure of the program will be one book per season and feature each of the three books in the vote one at a time, throughout the year. The books include Sky of Red Poppies by Zohreh Ghahremani, Moloka’i by Alan Brennert, and Into the Beautiful North by Luis Alberto Urrea.
The goal of One Book, One San Diego is to promote a closer San Diego community through a love of reading and learning. Check in on One Book on the program’s webpage, Facebook page and Twitter handle (@OneBookSD) for updates on this exciting calendar of events.
