History of the "One Book, One Community" Program

A group met in January of 2006 to explore the possibilities of a countywide read that would include Northern Michigan University and Marquette County. It was decided that we would pilot the project in hopes of making it an annual event. It is modeled after a program done at Michigan State University for the past several years with the East Lansing community.

One Book, One Community's purpose is to share the joy of reading, the life of the mind and the free exchange of ideas through a common book. Our goal is to foster a sense of community by bringing Northern Michigan University and Marquette County readers together. An invitation is extended to the entire University community, students, faculty, staff and all Marquette County residents to participate in the One Book, One Community program.

Our goals:

1. To foster a sense of community by bringing Northern Michigan University and Marquette County readers together with a common book.
   
2. To introduce new Northern Michigan University students to our community and to an academic life through the reading and discussion of a chosen book.

Partners and Sponsors

Marquette Alger Reading Council
Northern Michigan University
Peter White Public Library
Snowbound Books
Superiorland Library Cooperative
Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum

Committee members

Nheena Ittner, Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum, Committee Chair
Vince Grout, NMU Foundation
Deanna Hemmila, Director of Alumni Operations
Katy Morrison, Michigan Works!
Dana Schulz, Snowbound Books
Sue Szczepanski, NMU School of Education
Cathy Seblonka, Peter White Public Library
Becky Tavernini, University Editor
Dani Thoune, NMU student
Lorraine Thoune, YMCA
Lynn Walden, Coordinator of Disability Services
Phyllis Wong, NMU Community

The Marquette County Board of Commissioners has officially recognized One Book, One Community as part of Marquette County's desire to promote literacy. Click here to read the resolution.