(Chelsea Update would like to thank Laura Brown for the information in this story.)
For the third year, Chelsea District Library (CDL) is partnering with neighboring libraries for Washtenaw Reads, a community initiative to promote reading and civic discourse through the shared experience of reading and discussing a common book.
This year’s choice is Reading with Patrick: A Teacher, A Student, and Life-Changing Friendship by Michelle Kuo. The Read runs throughout January and February with a special author appearance on Jan. 16. Participating libraries include Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Milan, Northfield Township, Saline, and Ypsilanti.
About the book: After graduating from Harvard University, Michelle Kuo arrived in the rural town of Helena, Arkansas, as a Teach for America volunteer bursting with optimism and drive. But she soon encountered the jarring realities of life in one of the poorest counties in America, still disabled by the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow.
In this stirring memoir, Kuo, the child of Taiwanese immigrants, shares the story of her complicated but rewarding mentorship of one student, Patrick Browning, and his remarkable literary and personal awakening.
Throughout January, the library will offer several events to help promote dialogue about this year’s read. These programs include:
a discussion of the memoir at our Reading Glasses Book Club on Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the McKune Room
the “ABCs of Washtenaw Literacy” presented by the Washtenaw Literacy Council on Thursday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m.
a film screening of A Raisin in the Sun, prominently featured in the book, on Monday, Jan. 21 at 6 p.m.
Please visit www.chelseadistrictlibrary.org and click on Events to register for the last two programs.
Readers are also invited to explore programing offered at other Washtenaw Reads participating libraries.
Michelle Kuo will read from her book during the Washtenaw Reads Author Event on Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m., at the Rackham Auditorium located at 915 E. Washington St, Ann Arbor. There is no charge for the event and it is open to all with a suggested age of Grade 9-Adult. A Q & A will follow, with the option of purchasing a book for signing.
CDL director Lori Coryell stresses the importance of the community read.
“At CDL we value opportunities to build community and promote understanding. Washtenaw Reads is one such opportunity where readers all across the county are united in a shared experience,” she said in a press release.
“Through reading and discussion, we are informed, enriched, and enlightened and the community we live in becomes better for it,” Coryell said.
The library has purchased numerous copies of the Washtenaw Read to ensure patrons have the chance to read the book and join in on the discussions.
For more information on Washtenaw Reads and other related events, visit www.wread.org or call 734-475-8732, ext. 219.
