Calling its townwide reading program "Andover Reads" proved prophetic for Memorial Hall Library. Andover's first attempt at a townwide book club held earlier this spring was wildly successful, according to Emily Classon, community services librarian at MHL.
Move over, Oprah. Classon has some impressive numbers when she talks about "Andover Reads."
"The Worst Hard Time" by Timothy Egan was the book selection. It is the story of those who survived the Great American Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. Overall, Andover readers gave the book choice a thumbs up.
Classon said 1,900 participants attended 48 "Andover Reads" programs during the six-week series. These programs included book-discussion sessions, movies, speakers, concerts and events for children and teens. Events related to the environment and the 1930s were held at the library and at partner locations including the Andover Senior Center and Phillips Academy.
Print and audio copies of "The Worst Hard Time" and its teen book companion, "Out of the Dust" circulated 725 times during "Andover Reads," and many copies of the books are still being checked out.
A second "Andover Reads" chapter is being planned for 2011.
"The feedback from readers was overwhelmingly positive," Classon said. "To partner with various groups around town, like Addison Gallery and Phillips Academy, was great. We had themes related to the book, like the environment and the 1930s, and many groups participated."
The Andover Historical Society stepped up with a 1930s fashion show while the library hosted a well-attended jazz night at Old Town Hall featuring the sounds of the 1930s.
"We wanted to try something different and it worked out very well, the community responded," Classon said.
Readers can fill out a survey on the library's Web site (www.mhl.org) and say whether they enjoyed the book. Suggestions about what book the town should read for the next "Andover Reads" can also be made on the Web site.
