Geneva library giving away nearly 1,000 books for ‘One Book, One Community’ program
The Geneva Public Library is launching its third annual One Book, One Community program by giving away nearly 1,000 books, starting Saturday.
Information and Reader Services Coordinator Lauren Maxwell presented the city council with copies of the books Monday: “You Are Here” by Karin Lin-Greenberg for adults, and the picture book “In the Neighborhood” by Rocio Bonilla for children and families.
“This year, we have selected two books that will explore how many distinct individuals can come together, create a supportive community that celebrates everyone’s dreams and aspirations,” Maxwell said.
“You Are Here” is Lin-Greenberg’s debut novel, but she is recognized as an award-winning short story author, Maxwell said.
“Her debut novel encourages us to reach out to our neighbors and to appreciate what each of us contributes to a supportive and welcoming community,” Maxwell said. “It’s really genuine and thoughtful, very heartwarming. It celebrates the strength in community that celebrates uniqueness of every single person.”
The author will be at the library at 1:30 p.m. March 10.
Bonilla’s picture book features “a whimsical cast of really wonderful and unique characters and they’re all just a little bit nervous about sharing who they truly are with their neighbors,” Maxwell said.
One Book, One Community kicks off from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the library, 227 S. Seventh St., Geneva, where 700 copies of the adult book and 224 copies of the picture book will be given away.
Through a licensing agreement with the publisher, everyone can also have the same e-book or e-audio book at the same time in order to participate, Maxwell said.
“You bring such excitement and joy to this program,” Mayor Kevin Burns said.
Also Saturday, the public can participate in a community art project at the library. The theme?
“Whatever makes them happy,” she said.
The Friends of the Geneva Public Library donated $12,000 for the library to buy the 924 books to give away, Maxwell said in an email. The Geneva Library Foundation donated $5,000 for programming support and are sponsoring Lin-Greenberg’s author visit.