by Zach Miller
Quick Summary
One Book | One Minnesota is a new statewide book club that will invite Minnesotans of all ages to read and come together virtually to enjoy, reflect, and discuss. The inaugural title for the program is Because of Winn-Dixie by Minnesota author Kate DiCamillo. Readers can check the book out from their library as circumstances allow, or access the book on Ebooks Minnesota.
One Book | One Minnesota is a new statewide book club that will invite Minnesotans of all ages to read and come together virtually to enjoy, reflect, and discuss. Presented by the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library in partnership with State Library Services, the program aims to bring Minnesotans together during a challenging time and to highlight the role of libraries as community connectors. The inaugural title for the program is Because of Winn-Dixie by Minnesota author Kate DiCamillo. Readers can check the book out from their library as circumstances allow, or access the book on Ebooks Minnesota for the next eight weeks. Links to resources and more information can be found at thefriends.org/onebook.
“Libraries are essential for connection, and through One Book | One Minnesota, libraries across the state – in partnership with local schools – will connect their communities through stories,” says Jen Nelson, Director of State Library Services. “Our goal is to bring Minnesotans closer together during this time of distance and adversity.”
During the months of April and May, Minnesotans are invited to read the book, and will have access to author videos, reading guides, and virtual book club discussions. All Minnesotans will be invited to participate in a statewide virtual discussion with the author in May.
Because of Winn-Dixie is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary of publication. Program coordinators selected the book for its broad appeal. It is geared for youth and is commonly part of fourth grade curriculum in schools around the state, but it’s accessible across age groups.
Kate DiCamillo expressed her excitement in her recent introduction video. “I’m so thrilled that my book, Because of Winn-Dixie, is the very first book for One Book | One Minnesota. Stories connect us, and I’m so happy to be connected with all of you through story.”
One Book | One Minnesota is presented by The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, as the Minnesota Center for the Book, in partnership with State Library Services. Program partners also include Candlewick Press, Council of Regional Public Library System Administrators, Minitex (a division of the University of Minnesota Libraries and a joint program with the Office of Higher Education), and the Minnesota Department of Education. This program is made possible in part by the State of Minnesota through a grant to the Minnesota Center for the Book through the Minnesota Department of Education.
About The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library
The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library is the Library of Congress-designated Center for the Book in Minnesota. As our state’s Center for the Book, The Friends promotes reading, literacy, libraries, and books statewide. An independent, nonprofit organization celebrating 75 years, The Friends acts as a catalyst for libraries to strengthen and inspire their communities. The friends invests in the Saint Paul Public Library through fundraising, advocacy, and programming; as a result, our Library is a nationally-recognized leader in serving its community. The Friends also serves libraries across the country and internationally through its consulting service, Library Strategies. For more information, contact The Friends at 651-222-3242 or visit thefriends.org.
About Minnesota State Library Services
State Library Services, a division of the Minnesota Department of Education, partners with libraries to achieve equity and excellence in our collective work for Minnesotans. Division staff are consultants who help libraries plan, develop and implement high-quality services that address community needs. State Library Services administers federal grant, state aid, and state grant programs that benefit all types of libraries.
About Ebooks Minnesota
Ebooks Minnesota is an online ebook collection for all Minnesotans. The collection covers a wide variety of subjects for readers of all ages, and features content from our state's independent publishers, including some of our best literature and nonfiction. Ebooks Minnesota is a joint project of Minitex and the Minnesota Department of Education, State Library Services. The collection was made possible in part by funding from the Minnesota Department of Education through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
