What if the entire community
read the same book at the same time?

The Kalamazoo Public Library will sponsor a second year of Reading Together, a community reads project, with funding from the Kalamazoo Community Foundation's Better Together initiative and support from 90+ partner organizations, including every public library in Kalamazoo County.

Reading Together invites people of all ages and from all walks of life to read and then discuss important issues raised by a single book. A community-wide selection committee chose Nickel and Dimed, Barbara Ehrenreich's acclaimed look at the life of the working poor as this year's Reading Together book.

How Can You Participate?

1. Get the book.
   Check out Nickel and Dimed at your local public library or buy your own copy at an area bookstore, and wear the Reading Together button that comes with the book.
   
   If you buy a copy, please consider donating it to KPL for others to read when you finish. Just drop your copy off at any KPL location for recycling. Those wanting a donated copy can pick one up at the Friends Bookstore on the lower level of KPL's downtown location. For more info, call 553-7820.
   
   KPL now has one advance copy of an audio version of Nickel and Dimed. An audio version is also available from the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in Lansing. Call 1 800 992-9012.
   
   
2. Read.
   Between January 26 and February 22, 2004, join your family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, or fellow students in reading Nickel and Dimed.
   
   
3. Use the Reader's Guide.
   A team of librarians and community leaders developed a free reader's guide to help you get the most from reading Nickel and Dimed. The guide is available at participating libraries, bookstores and community organizations.
   
   
4. Discuss.
   Come to one of the discussion groups listed in the reader's guide or organize your own book discussion at your school, work, home, place of worship or anywhere.
   
   
5. Participate.
   Come to the readers' theater, film series, lecture series, and other public events scheduled all over the county between February 23 and March 31, 2004.

Questions about the Reading Together program? Email us or call (269) 553-7914.