One Book, One Springfield 2007

One Book, One Springfield

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.

With great excitement we embark upon our third One Book, One Springfield project. During three weeks in April we challenge Springfield area residents of all ages to consider what it would be like to spend one day a week with a mentor. Setting aside some time to interact with a teacher, parent, grandparent, or anyone who can teach us about what life was like in another time or place. Seeing how listening to a wiser, more experienced person can not only teach us about their life, but also help us gain a deeper appreciation of our own. Conversely, if you are a "senior", "boomer", or a person of influence, what can you do to help those who are younger and perhaps in need of inspiration and guidance?

In this year's One Book, One Springfield selection, we focus on the book Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. It is a compelling story of two men, a professor and his former student, who reconnect many years after college when the elder, Morrie Schwartz, is dying. They begin a series of regular meetings where they discuss living, dying, and what makes a life meaningful.

As we concentrate on the messages of these conversations, some profound and some humorous, we invite Springfield to dialogue as well. Read the book, come to a book discussion group, watch the movie, record a loved one's story, create a scrapbook to preserve those boxes of photos, research your family tree, read the book out loud to someone who can't read. Learn about activities that can give your life meaning and can help keep you healthy as time marches on. Exercise and dance with us at our Making Memories Community Showcase as we celebrate the life of Morrie Schwartz, the life of Springfield, the memories we want to hold on to, and the bright future we want to march into.