“Taking part in A Capital Read will connect the many people who live and work in the city of Augusta [as they] share the experience of reading the same book. Learn about lobster, island life and community by joining Governor Baldacci and me in reading Linda Greenlaw’s The Lobster Chronicles.”– First Lady Karen Baldacci, from The Capital Reads 2005 Brochure

A Capital Read

A Capital Read

A Capital Read 2005 built on the momentum and enthusiasm created by the success of the previous year’s program. A new event, an evening with author Linda Greenlaw, was a delightful success, with over 150 people filling a large hotel conference room. The lobster stew cooking demonstration with First Lady Karen Baldacci at the Blaine House was also very popular.
2005: The Lobster Chronicles by Linda Greenlaw
Synopsis A memoir of Greenlaw’s life as the captain of a lobster boat off a tiny Maine coastal island. The tales of Greenlaw’s struggle to succeed in a difficult line of work, her escapades on the boat with a crew of one (her father), and the colorful cast of neighbors on the island are simply and beautifully told.
Partners Lithgow Public Library, Bennett D. Katz Library of UMA, the Maine State Library, Maine General Medical Center Library, the Maine State Law and Legislative Reference Library, and the Augusta Public School Libraries.
Activities The book lent itself to a variety of activities, including performances, demonstrations and hands-on programs for all ages. There were also traditional book discussions, some held in nontraditional venues.
  • Live performance of traditional seafaring music by musician/historian Bob Webb.
  • Kids’ clay workshop, “Island and sea creatures.”
  • An evening with the author: reading and book signing at the Senator Inn.
  • “The Story of Claws,” Maine lobster program for grades 3-12.
  • Screening of the films, “The Perfect Storm” and “Eight Ways to Fish.”
  • “Celebrating Island Life: A Panel Discussion” featuring Rep. Hannah Pingree, (whose constituency includes 10 Maine island and coastal towns) and island essayist and humorist Phil Crossman.
  • “Ocean Adventure! Live Animal Touch Tank” (grades 1-12).
  • Cooking Demonstration by First Lady Karen Baldacci and Blaine House Chef Heather Hopkins: “How to Make an Authentic Lobster Bisque.”
  • “Safety on the Water” presentation by Dr. Robert Day, orthopedic surgeon and boater.
  • Book discussions at four venues: a bookstore, restaurant, senior housing facility and the Lithgow Public Library.
Materials/ Promotions
  • Bookmarks, flyers, and detailed calendars were distributed in advance throughout the community, and at each event.
  • A Capital Read 2005 was featured prominently in the Library Newsletter.
  • Press releases led to advance write-ups, and an editorial endorsement in the local newspapers.
 
Book Distribution Over 350 books and five audiocassette versions were distributed through the Lithgow Library and 12 area locations, including the public schools, Augusta Seafood (retail fish store) and Beale Street Barbecue (popular eatery and one of the discussion venues).
Attendance More than 500 people attended one or more A Capital Read 2005 events. Some of the events, such as Bob Webb’s performance of seafaring ballads and shanties in the elegant and historical setting of the Lithgow Reading Room, lent themselves especially well to intergenerational audiences. The success of A Capital Read 2004 created momentum and enthusiasm for the 2005 program.
Budget/ Funding The cost of A Capital Read 2005 was approximately $7,500. The biggest portion of the budget was allocated to purchasing books and promoting the program; other costs included speakers and refreshments. In-kind contributions of approximately $1,500 included donated space and a substantial discount on program- related printing costs.
Funders Friends of Lithgow Library, Kennebec Journal, J.S. McCarthy Printers, Kennebec Savings Bank, Nicholson & Ryan Jewelers, G&E Roofing, John and Charlene Bridge, R.J. Energy Services, and the Senator Inn & Spa.
Challenges
  • Keeping up the momentum, and sustaining staff energy!
  • Extending informal, open invitations to events made it difficult to gauge needs for space, materials, refreshments etc.
  • Attracting more participants to book discussion groups.
  • Dealing with the author’s publicity agent in New York City (none of the organizers had actually met or spoken with Greenlaw until she arrived at the event).
For More Information
Contact Betsy Pohl,
Lithgow Library Director
or
Jodi Crawford,
Adult Services Librarian
207-626-2415
adultref@lithgow.lib.me.us

 

Read more about what participants thought of their A Capital Read 2005 experience!