One Book One Community

One Book One Community of Southwestern Indiana came about because of one simple sentence: "You should do this." It was attached to an article from the Syracuse, NY newspaper describing that community's One Book program. The message was from Georgine Ward to her cousin, Evelyn Walker, at the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library.

One Book One Community of Southwestern Indiana is now in its 11th year because of that one-sentence suggestion. Georgine attended the first program in 2001. She was delighted with guest author Vernon Jordan, with the community, and with her role in setting the idea in motion. An audience of over 1,600 people filled the Victory Theatre to hear Mr. Jordan. They, too, were delighted.

Southwestern Indiana has embraced One Book One Community and supported it for the past 10 years. Part of the support comes from our commitment to bringing authors to our area to speak, which makes us unique among One Book programs. Georgine Ward passed away March 12, 2011. Her suggestion to bring the One Book program to the area lives on as we celebrate our 11th year. We remember her fondly for her message: "You should do this."