Historic and Thematic Context of Fahrenheit 451
What is One Book, One Springfield?
Sponsored by the Springfield City Library, it is a project that gives all of Springfield - adults, new readers, students and families - the chance to enjoy the same book at the same time by participating in a community-wide read and dialog.
One Book, One Springfield - 2006
The book chosen for 2006 is Fahrenheit 451, a cold war classic that warns of a future where the United States is at war, and rather than pay attention to the war, citizens simply watch reality television and wear personal audio players tucked into their ears; books are illegal and firefighters set fires, rather than put them out. Fahrenheit 451 has been adopted by many One Book projects around the country, and we are pleased that it is our choice for 2006.
Our 2005 One Book project culminated in a visit by James McBride, author of 2005's choice, The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother. Our 2006 project focuses instead on activities that celebrate the readers, rather than the author, and encourages active community participation. In addition to attending one or more of the numerous book discussion groups, as well as the series of lectures, panels, films and read-aloud events, community members are invited to participate by entering the "Burning Issues" essay contest, registering for a thematic art class, and developing a performance or exhibit for the final 451 Showcase event to express a creative response to the book.
As always, all events are totally free to Springfield's citizens. We are only able to offer all these events with special funding. Major financial support for this year's project was provided by the MassMutual Financial Group. Additional support was provided by the Friends of the Springfield Library, Inc.; the Massachusetts Cultural Council; the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation; Robinson Donovan, P. C., Attorneys at Law; the Springfield Business Improvement District; and individual private donors. Our supporting media partners, MIX 93.1 and The Republican, helped to get the word out to the community .
The Springfield City Library hopes to be able to make One Book, One Springfield an annual event, but we need help. If you would like to help make next year's One Book project a success by donating financial support, by donating your time as a volunteer, or even by donating your thoughts about events, activities, or books we should consider, please let us know!
E-mail us at: onebook@springfieldlibrary.org
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