Ernie's Ark cover

“I spoke at the kickoff event for the One Book: One Community program in Oxford Hills, Maine. One fellow in the book-signing line told me Ernie’s Ark was the first book he’d read in thirty years. I nearly cried with joy.”– Monica Wood, author, Ernie’s Ark

Oxford Hills Reads

Oxford Hills Reads

This was the first time that the school, libraries and volunteers from the eight Oxford Hills towns had united to launch an extended community-wide event. Fostering a sense of community was an important goal of the planning committee and the program did just that. For some of the smaller libraries in outlying towns, these events were the first public programs that they had ever offered.
2005: Ernie’s Ark by Monica Wood
Synopsis Nine interconnected short stories weave a picture of a small Maine mill town where a lengthy strike changes and sometimes shatters the lives of its people. Ernie Whitten’s creation of an ark while he tries to cope, jobless, with a sick wife, is the central story of this book, which is itself as tightly built as an ark.
Partners Bolsters Mills Library, Freeland Holmes Library, Harrison Village Library, Hebron Academy, Norway Memorial Library, Oxford Hills Comprehensive HS Library, Paris Public Library, Stephens Memorial Hospital, Waterford Library Association, and the West Paris Public Library.
Activities Activities ranged from events with the author (who graciously accepted invitations to the kickoff and the program wrap-up), book discussions in 13 venues, tap dancing lessons and a readers’ theater performance of one of the stories in the book.
  • Kick off event: Introduction to One Book, and remarks by author Monica Wood.
  • Facilitated book discussion groups with trained leaders.
  • Readers’ Theatre performance by community members and high school students.
  • Tap Dancing, introductory lessons for all ages, held at the Legion Hall.
  • “A History of Local Mills,” panel of local historians, with photos and memorabilia.
  • “Ship Building in Maine,” illustrated lecture.
  • “Henry David Thoreau’s Legacy,” illustrated lecture.
  • “Labor Unions in Maine,” illustrated lecture.
  • Journal Keeping workshop (an introduction and practical session).
  • “Outside Art in Maine,” slide presentation on landscape art and architecture.
  • “Challenges of Change,” panel discussion on personal and community transition.
  • Wrap Up Forum: “What is Change?” with program recap, Readers’ Theatre reprise, book giveaway and author signing.
Materials/ Promotions
  • A month before the kickoff, preliminary handouts were tucked into outgoing materials at library circulation desks; these were replaced by more detailed event information as it became available.
  • A contest was held to create a student-designed bookmark. The bookmarks, brochures and detailed listings of event programs were distributed throughout the community.
  • Press releases to the local papers heralded the Oxford Hills Reads program, and each specific event as it drew near.
  • In addition to a poster with general information, a template was used to create a series of flyers with more details about specific events.
  • Participating libraries and bookstores created displays related to the themes in Ernie’s Ark; a scrapbook of event photographs and press clippings was created for browsing at the Norway Library.
 
Book Distribution 550 copies of the book were made available within the participating communities. Several copies of the book were available for loan at each of the participating libraries, while others were offered for sale at a reduced price of $4. Copies of the book were also given to each discussion leader. At the wrap-up event, 20 copies of the book were distributed as coveted door prizes, with the author in attendance to sign them.
Attendance Approximately 450 people attended the Oxford Hills Reads programs and events — including a crowd of 150 for the kickoff with the author. 127 community members participated in 11 facilitated book discussion groups.
Community Impact “This mushroomed into a success beyond our wildest expectations! We could not have selected a better title, nor worked with a more accommodating author.” – Ann Siekman, Norway Memorial Library Director

By all accounts, this One Book program took the community by storm. Even among participating libraries that had hosted public programs and events before, none had experienced such enthusiastic response from patrons as well as community members who had not been library users.

Organizers measured their success in part by the stir this event created in informal venues such as kitchen tables and grocery store lines. Impromptu “book discussions” took place all over town. The book selection proved to be an ideal demographic match; readers identified with the characters and stories, and in her appearances, the author was as engaging as her book.

An adult education course became involved by incorporating Ernie’s Ark into the class syllabus. After reading the book aloud in class, students were required to attend four Oxford Hills Reads events for course credit. Students became so enthusiastic about the book and the program that each attended more events than required. One class member confessed that he had intended to read only ten pages, but couldn’t put the book down.
Budget/ Funding Funding from sponsors totaled $4,000; in-kind contributions were estimated at about $1,400 (exclusive of significant staff time). In addition to the books, PR materials, and fees for presenters and facilities, expenses included a cash prize for the bookmark contest, bookplates, refreshments for discussion leader orientation, and police department services.
Funders Davis Family Foundation, Maine Humanities Council, and Norway Savings Bank.
Challenges
  • Introducing and gaining acceptance of the One Book concept.
  • Working together as a committee, across municipal and school/public library boundaries.
  • Keeping up the momentum and sustaining staff energy!
  • Continuing publicity efforts, acknowledging participation of all partners.
  • Unpredictability of Maine winter weather — several snow cancellations.
For More Information
Contact Ann Siekman,
Director, Norway Memorial Library
207-743-5309
asiekman@norway.lib.me.us