One Book One Barrington celebrates an "Unbroken" hero

The Barrington Area Library, Barrington 220, and the PTO President's Council are joining forces in 2013 for the third annual One Book One Barrington community reading event. This year's event follows up on the popular success of the 2012 One Book program, which featured "The Hunger Games."

What is One Book One Barrington? All residents are encouraged to read one thought-provoking, discussable book, and then gather for conversation and related learning activities. Many of the book discussions take place at neighborhood bars and cafes, for those who enjoy a night on the town with their leisure reading.

Programs will take place from February-April 2013 in locations around the Barrington community, including Barrington High School and many local business establishments. Resilience will be the theme for this community-wide conversation and there are programs for all ages. The partnership is made possible with the generous support of the Barrington 220 Educational Foundation.

"Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand tells the true story of Louis Zamperini, a WWII airman and former US Olympic distance runner. After the crash of his B-24, Zamperini floated through the Pacific in a tiny life raft, ultimately traveling 2,000 miles before being captured and enduring Japanese prison camps for two years. "Unbroken" spent more than 100 consecutive weeks on the "New York Times" bestseller list. Hillenbrand also wrote the blockbuster "Seabiscuit."

In addition to book discussions about "Unbroken," Barrington community residents can participate in a wide variety of related programs for all ages. Children can try a scavenger hunt and families can help build a community mural of paper airplanes. There are special book discussions for children and teens and their parents. Learn about the Victorian language of flowers from an expert gardener. Discuss conflicts and cooperation in the 20th century with former CNN correspondent Brian Jenkins. Hear live jazz music while learning how the Nazis used American pop culture as propaganda. See a film series about World War II and talk about it with local veterans.

One Book One Barrington will wrap up on April 27 with "Swing It!" a free evening of V-E Day-inspired celebration, with swing dancing lessons and a live band.

All are welcome to attend and enjoy the One Book One Barrington events and admission is free. For full details and locations and online registration, visit the Barrington Area Library Web site at balibrary.org, and then look for the One Book One Barrington section.