What is One-Book Holyoke?
The idea is simple: Holyoke residents read a selected book during a set period of time. Participants then come together for a variety of activities planned around the book.

When will One-Book Holyoke 2008 take place?
One-Book Holyoke takes place for an eight-week period beginning in March ’08.

What is the book? This year’s book, selected with input from the community, is When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago.

Who is organizing One-Book Holyoke 2008?
One-Book Holyoke is truly a grassroots program. The project also has as its collaborators The Holyoke Public Schools: Juntos Adult Basic Education Collaborative/HPS and Pathways to Family Success/HPS, The Care Center, Career Point/HCC Adult Learning Center, Holyoke Community College, and the Holyoke Community College Library, Nueva Esperanza, the Holyoke Public Library and the Friends of the Holyoke Public Library, Enchanted Circle Theater, Wistariahurst Museum … and more!

How was the book selected?
Our committee, along with a group made up of representatives from our community partners, reviewed a wide variety of titles relevant to this year’s theme: “Coming to the U.S.A.” We then narrowed the list down to several finalists, and invited feedback from people around the city.

What were the criteria for selecting the book?
This year’s theme is “Coming to the U.S.A.” We looked for a book relating to that theme that is accessible to both new readers and experienced readers, a book with universal themes that will appeal to people from a variety of cultural backgrounds, and a book that is widely available in paperback, audio and/or video if possible. Most important, we were looking for a great story with memorable characters.

How can I get involved?

• Invite a group of friends or co-workers to form a reading circle. Set a time to meet and discuss the book.
• Share information about One-Book Holyoke with your community group (civic, church, synagogue, recreational, etc.).
• Volunteer to help promote and organize One-Book Holyoke events.
• Businesses and other community groups can become a sponsor of One-Book Holyoke by donating resources to help us maintain and sustain this exciting annual program.

If you have questions about One-Book Holyoke or would like to help with promotion, sponsorship and/or activities, please contact: Tzivia Gover, One-Book Holyoke Coordinator: 532-2900 ext. 103 or info@onebookholyoke.org