One Book, One Community underway in Tusc County
The featured book for 2022 is “Kent State,” by Deborah Wiles, a two-time National Book Award finalist.
The Tuscarawas County Literacy Coalition has announced that the 15th edition of its annual One Book, One Community project is now under way in the Tuscarawas Valley and will run through Nov. 10.
The featured book for 2022 is “Kent State,” by Deborah Wiles, a two-time National Book Award finalist. “Kent State” is a masterful exploration of one of the darkest moments in history, when American troops killed four American students protesting the Vietnam War on May 4, 1970 at Kent State University. As protestors roil the campus, National Guardsmen are called in.
In the chaos of what happens next, shots are fired and four students are killed. To this day, there is still argument of what happened and why. Told in multiple voices from a number of vantage points -- protestor, Guardsman, townie, student -- Deborah Wiles’ “Kent State” gives a moving, terrifying, galvanizing picture of what happened that weekend in Ohio, an event that, even 50 years later, still resonates deeply.
“What happened on May 4, 1970 at Kent State was something that defined America in so many ways,” said Jim Gill, 2022 One Book, One Community chair. “We have put together a great committee that is committed to honoring the legacy of those impacted by the Kent State shootings. We encourage the community to get involved, to read the book and to join the conversation. Over 1,000 copies of “Kent State” have been distributed to students, teachers, schools and libraries thanks to our generous sponsors and donors.”
One Book, One Community is a nation-wide grassroots reading movement that aims to bring communities together by giving them the shared experience of reading the same book.
“When we all read the same book we have something to talk about,” said Lori Douglass, president of the TCLC. “One Book’s goal is to break down barriers between different groups and to strengthen Tuscarawas County. We are excited about bringing a lineup of diverse programs and events to our community. From book discussion groups, to art and writing contests, to a panel discussion, to a presentation by the author on Nov. 7 at Kent State Tuscarawas, there is no doubt there is something for everyone.”
Copies of “Kent State” are available at any library in Tuscarawas County.
Complete listing of book discussion groups, programs and events:
Book Discussion Groups
O.B.O.C Book Discussion Group
TCPL Tuscarawas Branch
Thursday, Sept. 29 at noon
Chautauqua Book Club
Dover Public Library
Monday, Oct. 10 at 1 p.m.
Sugarcreek Book Discussion
TCPL Sugarcreek Branch
Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m.
LGBTQ+ Alliance Beyond Book Club
Starbucks
125 Bluebell Drive SW in New Philadelphia
Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 1:30 p.m.
Afternoon Book Discussion Group
TCPL Main Library in New Philadelphia
Thursday, Nov. 3 at 6:30 p.m.
Hoodletown Brewing Co.
424 W. 3rd Street in Dover
Monday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m.
Reeves Readers
Reeves Victorian Home & Carriage House Museum
325 E. Iron Avenue in Dover
Community Programs
Film Night: “The Day the 60’s Died: The Kent State Shootings”
Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Dover Public Library
“The Day the ’60s Died” is a PBS documentary that chronicles the chaotic month of May 1970, when it seemed America was at war with itself. Call 330-343-6123 to register.
Field Trip to May 4th
Visitor’s Center
Friday, Oct. 7 at 10 a.m.
Kent State University in Kent
Tour the Kent State campus and the May 4th Visitor’s Center. Call 330-343-6123 for details and registration information.
Back in the Day Storytime
Saturday, Oct. 8 at 11a.m.
TCPL Main Library in New Philadelphia
Songs, stories and fun in this interactive family storytime celebrating books from the 1970s for children ages 2-5. Call 330-364-4474 to register.
Retro Crafts (Teen
Program)
Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 3 p.m.
Dover Public Library
Call 330-343-6123 to register.
Remembering May 4th: A Panel Discussion
Thursday, Oct. 13 at 6 p.m.
TCPL Main Library in New Philadelphia
A panel discussion with people from the Tuscarawas Valley and beyond who have connections to the May 4 shootings at Kent State. Panelists include Chic Canfora, John Cigavic, Laura Davis, Pam Ferrell, Dan Fuller, Carey Gardner and more. Call 330-364-4474 to register.
Four Dead in Ohio: From Both Sides Now
Wednesday, October 26 at 6:30 PM
Dover Public Library
Join living historian Chris Hart as he plays dual roles of student Alan Frank and Guardsmen Robert Hatfield as each tries to come to terms with the emotions of that terrible day. Call 330-343-6123 to register.
An Evening with Author Deborah Wiles
Monday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.
Founders Hall at Kent State Tuscarawas
Join the author of “Kent State” at this special culminating event for the 2022 One Book, One Community project. A book signing will follow the program. No registration required.
The British Invasion and American Answer: A Musical Journey
Thursday, Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m.
TCPL Main Library in New Philadelphia
Take a fun and nostalgic journey through the most iconic and greatest era of rock-and-roll history with author and pop culture historian Marty Gitlin. Call 330-364-4474 to register.
May 4th Traveling Exhibit
This exhibit focuses on the lives, not the deaths, of Sandy Scheuer, Bill Schroeder, Allison Krause, and Jeff Miller. This exhibit will be on display at the Dover Public Library during the month of September at the Tuscarawas County Public Library in New Philadelphia in October, and at Kent State Tuscarawas in November. The May 4th Traveling Exhibit is on loan from the May 4th Visitor’s Center at Kent State University.
Writing Contest
Sept. 1-Oct. 7
Teens and adults are invited to participate in this year’s One Book, One Community writing contest. Sponsored by the Tuscarawas County Writers Guild, this year’s writing prompt is: “Broken Crayons Still Color: How Did You Find Peace After a Tragedy?” Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three teens and the top three adults. Submission deadline is Oct. 7.
Teen Art Contest
Sept. 1-Oct. 14
This year the Tuscarawas County Center for the Arts will hold an art contest for area teens based on the book “Kent State” by Deborah Wiles. The theme and art media will be left open for the interpretation of the students. A reception featuring all the submissions will be held at the art center on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 2-4 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners.
For more information, contact Jim Gill at 330-343-6123 or go to www.tuscliteracy.org.