"To foster, by the reading of one book, the sense of the whole community through exploring, learning, discussing and sharing ideas raised in an intergenerational atmosphere."

Cheshire Reads: One Book, One Town is an exciting new initiative to encourage reading and discussion by all ages.

The “One Book, One Community” concept originated in the urban libraries of Seattle and Chicago. In Connecticut, several communities including Hartford, Glastonbury, Middletown, and Wallingford have run successful “One Book” projects. Here in Cheshire, community representatives and library staff members reviewed many titles before choosing Julie Otsuka's When the Emperor Was Divine for the 2007Cheshire Reads selection.

Cheshire Reads committee members represent a wide cross-section of town agencies, organizations and schools. If you or your organization would like to become involved in this initiative, please contact Beth Shutts at bshutts@cheshirelibrary.org or 203-272-2245 ext. 5304.

Cheshire Reads 2005 - Love in the Driest Season - by Neely Tucker

Cheshire Reads 2007 - When the Emperor was Divine - by Julie Otsuka

Cheshire Reads 2009 - Water Witches - by Chris Bohjalian