Lexington Public Library, Courtesy
LEXINGTON — Promotion of literacy and cultural enrichment will streamline with the are goals of a new program from the Lexington Public Library.
The library is introducing the One Book, One Lexington program this year. Similar programs are common across the country. The first “One Book” program was launched by librarian Nancy Pearl in 1998 while she was executive director of the Washington Center for the Book in the Seattle Public Library. One Book programs can be found in other Nebraska communities. There is a One Book, One Nebraska program sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book, and One Book programs in Lincoln, Omaha, and Cozad.
“I have always wanted to start a One Book, One Community program. I love the idea of people coming together as a community to read, share, and discuss a book of relevance,” said Jennifer Norton, director of Lexington Public Library.
Norton said the timing of the launch of the One Book, One Lexington program coincides with Lexington’s sesquicentennial (150th birthday) in 2024.
The book selection Running Dreams by Carlos R. Servan, was recommended to Norton by a Lexington community member less than a year ago to purchase, she said. The book was a relevant choice for people in Lexington, Norton said.
She said the book appealed to her as the inaugural title for the One Book, One Lexington program because the author currently lives in Nebraska and serves as the director for the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Servan immigrated to the United States in 1989 from Peru after an accident left him blind and with an amputated hand, she said.
“The fact that he is an immigrant from a South American country appealed to me; I feel his immigrant experience will appeal to others in our community and also give native-born residents an opportunity to learn more about the immigrant experience,” Norton said.
Mr. Servan also has dealt with physical trauma and impairment, she said. His ability to overcome these difficulties will inspire others who have had similar experiences, or at least give insight to able-bodied people as to what it’s like to live with physical disabilities, Norton said.
Seventeen copies of the book will be available to the public for checkout at Lexington Public Library.
The library is planning on hosting book discussions and other programs leading up to the 150th celebration being held the last weekend in June.
“Besides the established book clubs that meet at the library, my hope is that the public will read the book and participate in the inaugural program,” Norton said. This inaugural program will feature the author, Carlos R. Servan, at the Lexington Public Library on June 29 at 2 p.m. to present his story and to help Lexington celebrate the sesquicentennial.
Dates for other programs have not yet been set, but watch the library’s website, www.libraries.ne.gov/lexington and Facebook page for details on discussions and speakers in the coming months featuring the One Book, One Lexington program.