A Walk in the Woods cover

“The advertising, endorsements and meetings I attended [of the South Portland Lions Club and of the City Council] created a “buzz” in our community bringing awareness to reading, to library services, and to resources in our community.”– Marian Peterson,
Director,
South Portland Public Library

Mirian Peterson, Director
South Portland Reads

South Portland Reads

New people were brought to literature and reading. Endorsement and participation by other city departments helped to bring home a greater appreciation for the public library in the community. As one of the organizers put it, “The ripples of this event cannot be measured because the learning and awareness continues. Many lives were enriched; friendships were forged; and awareness was heightened.”
2005: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
Synopsis Professional travel writer Bryson decides to hike the Appalachian Trail with an old friend in order to reconnect with the United States after a long sojourn abroad. Never without humor, this account of his journey as a hiker, a friend, and an American is a pleasure to read.
Partners The program was offered by the South Portland Public Library, but project staff included representatives from the local middle school and college community, as well as the Borders bookstore, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Library Friends and Board.
Activities
  • Kick-off with Bill Green of WCSH 6 TV, music by Doc’s Banjo Band, prizes, refreshments.
  • Book discussions at main and branch libraries, congregate housing facility.
  • Appalachian Mountain Club slideshow.
  • “Awareness and the Art of Seeing,” lecture and meditation exercises.
  • “The Art of Making Journals,” presentation at local Borders bookstore.
  • “Guided walk through our woods — Hinckley Park.”
  • “From Journey to Journal: Hands-on Journal Making” led by Kevin Mann and Rita Swidrowski.
  • Film: “2,000 Miles to Maine”; with discussion led by film director, Douglas Morse.
  • “From Mice to Moose,” Chewonki presentation on Maine mammals for children and families.
Materials/ Promotions
  • Flyers, bookmarks, and lapel stickers (the latter were leftovers graciously donated by Lithgow Library, which had selected the same book for its community read the previous year).
  • A range of area businesses posted publicity on their message boards.
  • The Mayor and City Council issued a proclamation declaring March 2005 as One Community/One Book month in South Portland.
  • Events were publicized in the “Your Neighbors” section of the Portland Press-Herald; the South Portland/Cape Elizabeth Sentry, and The Current, the Friends’ newsletter, the library web page, on www.mainelibraries.com, and via local access television (SPCTV).
  • “Benefit Day” awareness and fundraiser hosted by Borders bookstore.
Book Distribution 160 copies of the book were purchased by the Library. Of these, some were given away for marketing/public relations purposes (e.g., to the city manager and department heads) and to those not in a position to purchase a book. Others were sold for $5 (a substantial discount) because the library director felt the perceived value of the book might be enhanced if it were not an outright giveaway. In addition, the Library circulated multiple copies in various formats, including audio and large print. Unfortunately, the large print version went out of print before additional copies could be obtained for the collection — this, ironically, in spite of the committee’s best efforts to select a title that was not necessarily the newest, but readily available in all formats.
Stacks of books surrounded by coordinating book tote bags, bookmarks and flyers at the library’s circulation desk drew people’s attention. Copies of A Walk in the Woods were also prominently displayed and offered for sale at a discount at local bookstores.
Attendance The project goal was to attract a target audience of readers, film lovers, nature observers/walkers, adventurers, animal lovers, and journal writers. Despite near-blizzard conditions on two occasions, a total of over 250 people took part in the 14 events offered. Fifty participants filled the room for the kick-off, and to view the film.
Community Impact From the City Council book discussion to the impromptu chat at the grocery store checkout, the whole community of South Portland was engaged in the 2005 One Book program. The roadside One Book messages displayed by businesses demonstrate how successfully the library program was integrated into everyday life. There is also clearly ongoing residual impact that is all but impossible to measure, but no less real. As Library Director Marion Peterson summed it up, “One Community/One Book provides us an important way to be woven into the fabric of the community.”
Budget/ Funding The total program cost was approximately $5,000. In-kind expenses included 80 library staff hours. Other major expenses included the purchase of books that were sold at a discount; honoraria for presenters and musicians; and printing and postage for publicity.
Funders South Portland Public Library, Friends of South Portland Public Library, Maine Humanities Council, South Portland Lions Club, and the City of South Portland.
Challenges It was difficult to sustain the momentum over a prolonged period — a core of two weeks is probably adequate, and easier to manage. It can sometimes be challenging to motivate staff to take on the task of enthusiastic advocacy. Next time, more public input will be sought — perhaps via the library website — to increase participation in title selection and ownership of the program.
For More Information
Contact Marian Peterson,
Director, South Portland Public Library
207-767-7660
mpeterson@southportland.org