What if everyone read the same book and then joined together to talk about it? That’s the idea behind the One Book project. Quiet Corner Reads began a yearly One Book project five years ago, and the collaboration of libraries throughout northeastern Connecticut still working together to encourage literacy, library support, and community development. Members include libraries in the towns of Ashford, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Eastford, Hampton, Killingly, Mansfield, Plainfield, Pomfret, Putnam, Scotland, Thompson, Union and Woodstock. 

The One Book project each year encourages residents of northeast Connecticut to read the same book at the same time, bringing people together to discuss ideas and to broaden their appreciation of reading. Past books include “In Defense of Food” by Michael Pollan, Bill Warrington’s “Last Chance” by James King, “The Language of Flowers” by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, and “Tag Man” by Archer Mayor.

The fifth annual Quiet Corner Reads launch event will be held at 10:30 a.m. April 23 at the Thompson Public Library.  The announcement of the 2014 One Book selection will be made by Rhode Island author Ann Hood. Information about the accompanying book discussions and related programs from April to June will be presented, as well as a Skype session with the author. Hood will speak at an evening event at the Pomfret School in Pomfret, CT on June 17, and limited tickets will be sold at locallibraries.  The author visit is being sponsored by The Beagary Trust and local Friends of the Libraries. For more information, visit QCReads on Facebook and at the quietcornerreads.org website.