2004 One City, One Book Selection Announced
December 11, 2003

The Greensboro Public Library has selected The Middle of Everywhere: Helping Refugees Enter the American Community by Mary Pipher for the 2004 "One City, One Book" project. The project is scheduled to begin October 1 and culminate November 1, 2004.

This will be the second citywide reading effort sponsored by the library. In the fall of 2002, the Friends of the Library sponsored the first One City, One Book in commemoration of the Centennial of the Greensboro Public Library. The selection, A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines, was read and discussed by over 12,000 people.

Steve Sumerford, who was the project director for the 2002 project, believes that The Middle of Everywhere is an excellent choice for Greensboro in 2004. "In the 2002 project we found that the people of Greensboro were ready and willing to discuss difficult issues such as racism and segregation. The Middle of Everywhere will give us an opportunity to learn more about immigrants and refugees who have become part of our community, and to grapple with the challenge of being a welcoming community for all who have chosen to live here."

Sumerford said that the book describes the cultural collisions that occurred in Lincoln, Nebraska when refugees from over 52 countries were settled there. The book also describes the enormous generosity of ordinary citizens of Lincoln who assisted the newcomers in becoming part of the community. "The whole human experience is here. And, in many ways, this book could have been written about Greensboro."

The community volunteer committee charged with selecting the book read dozens of books and held extensive conversations about each. "This was a very difficult decision, " said Library Director Sandy Neerman. "A committee of volunteers chaired by Dr. Whitney Vanderwerff, worked very hard over a period of several months to make recommendations to the library staff.

Vanderwerff notes that many individuals sent in book suggestions. "People called us, faxed us and emailed us with their ideas," said Vanderwerff. "We started with a list of over a hundred books and held vigorous discussions about all of them. It was a wonderful process and this group of volunteers gave hundreds of hours of their time." Vanderwerff said that some of the books nominated were Nickel and Dimed, The Color of Water, July 7th, The Secret Life of Bees, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Caramelo, The Street Lawyer and Animal Dreams. "There were dozens of books that are wonderful works of literature, but we had to select a book that would be engaging and meaningful for the whole community. The criteria, developed by a group of over 50 volunteers, stated that the book should be 'socially relevant' and that the author should be alive so that we would have the option of inviting the author to come to Greensboro."

Vanderwerff noted that Dr. Mary Pipher is a highly respected author. Her book about adolescent girls, Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls, was #1 on the New York Times bestseller list for 27 weeks. She is the author of several other books, including Another Country: Navigating the Emotional Terrain of Our Elders, Real Boys: Rescuing Our Sons from the Myth of Boyhood, and The Shelter of Each Other: Rebuilding Our Families.

The "One City, One Book" project is sponsored by the Friends of the Greensboro Public Library in partnership with the library staff. The group has already begun planning a variety of programs including book discussions, cultural programs, workshops and a visit by the author, if funding can be obtained.

Willie Taylor, president of the Friends of the Library, said that in planning the project, the library will work closely with Lutheran Family Services, Jewish Family Services and numerous other nonprofit organizations and faith groups. "We also want to work with the school system, colleges, arts organizations and the faith community," she added.

"I think that the 2004 city-wide read is going to be one that will have a lasting impact on Greensboro," Neerman said. She announced that Steve Sumerford, Assistant Director of the Library, will direct the project. The Friends of the Library has appointed Whitney Vanderwerff as their representative on the project organizing team. Leaders from various nonprofits with expertise in diversity and human relations will also be asked to join the project team.