For the first time, the Westminster Public Library is participating in the Northern Colorado Common Read program a communitywide initiative designed to bring people and various libraries together to read, discuss and celebrate a single book.
This year’s featured book is “Unbroken” written by Laura Hillenbrand, author of “Seabiscuit.”
The program is a collaborative effort of library systems all across the Front Range and northern Colorado and provides families with literacy opportunities, promotes reading, heightens the awareness of reading as a pleasurable activity and introduces various cultures, ideas and books, said Kelli Johnson with the Northern Colorado Common Read program.
“This year’s book ‘Unbroken’ was selected for its inspiring message of resilience, forgiveness and perseverance,” she said. “The book provides an opportunity to honor and relate to all veterans.”
Kathe Fletcher, adult services librarian for the Westminster libraries, said she was looking for a community project when she came across the Common Read program. She said she liked the idea of a program that reached across the northern region.
“We have 130 copies of the book available to check out, so I’m really hoping people take advantage of the program and read a really wonderful, inspirational book,” she said. “When we are done with the program, we will be giving the books to local high schools so students can also have the opportunity to read it.
For the past year, Fletcher has been working hard putting together local events and activities that intertwine with the program.
The program in Westminster kicked off on Oct. 3 with an evening with the Broomfield Veterans Memorial Museum at College Hill Library.
The event is the first of many that will last until Nov. 12, when the Common Read program ends. Fletcher said the program also ties into the goal of creating a transitional library.
“Libraries are changing and becoming more of a center for communities,” she said. “We want to help people connect with each other and get out in their communities, and this program promotes that idea.”
For more information on the program, contact the College Hill Library Information Desk at 303-658-2603.