Find out what everyone’s reading during the 2018 One Book One County Montcalm kickoff celebration June 21 at 6 p.m. in rooms D303-305 in the Beatrice E. Doser Building on Montcalm Community College’s Sidney campus.

Through the program, a committee selects a significant piece of literature to promote in the county’s book clubs, schools, churches, libraries, organizations, neighborhoods and homes to create interaction in the community.

 “This year’s title is fast-paced, fun and a perfect pick for summer reading,” said MCC Library Director Katie Arwood. “Readers will smile, reminisce and possibly enjoy a sense of familiarity. This title also shows family struggles and solutions, and it is appropriate for readers of every age.

“Plus, it has a kicky title that is easy to remember and reflects its upbeat charm,” she added. “We have enjoyed creating programs and read-alike lists for this year’s title.”

During the kickoff, enjoy an interactive, hands-on art project presented by artist Debbie Bell. Light refreshments will be provided. No RSVP is necessary.

“Everyone will be able to take home something they’ve created,” Arwood said. “Debbie has many community connections. In addition to teaching at MCC, she has taught Lakeview High School students dual enrolled at MCC, offered painting workshops in Greenville and is the talented artist behind wonderful murals in Sheridan, Belding and Greenville. In my book, Debbie is a first-class artist and individual, and I am thrilled that she is going to share her enthusiasm and talent with our One Book audience.”

The One Book committee is comprised of representatives from each of the public libraries in Montcalm County. This year, Hope Nobel, director of Tamarack District Library in Lakeview, is serving as the program hostess.

“It’s very rewarding to work with the other libraries in Montcalm County,” Nobel said. “It strengthens all of our libraries to work on a literacy project together like One Book.

“One of the strengths of One Book is that the program allows everyone in the county to share their experiences with the One Book title with one another, which helps everyone in the community get to know one another, and connects the county as a whole,” she added.

Nobel said this year’s title was the runner-up last year and many librarians agreed that it would be a great fit for this year’s program.

“When all the Montcalm County librarians met to choose this year’s title, this particular one was on my list. It stayed in the back of my mind since last year and I knew that it would be perfect for One Book,” she said. “This book is its own impetus.

“I think it will resonate with many people,” she added. “Stay tuned for the closing program at Tamarack in September. It’s going to be a great presentation.”

One Book One County Montcalm is sponsored by Stafford Media Solutions, MCC, the MCC Foundation and the public libraries of Montcalm County.

For more information, visit www.montcalm.edu/one-book.

About the One Book Kickoff celebration

WHAT: One Book One County Montcalm Kickoff Celebration

WHEN: June 21 at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Rooms D303-305 in the Beatrice E. Doser Building on Montcalm Community College’s Sidney campus

WHY: Learn the name of the 2018 One Book One County Montcalm selection and enjoy a hands-on project with local artist Debbie Bell.

RSVP: Not necessary

ADMISSION: Free