Welcome to Andover Reads
What would happen if everyone in Andover Reads the same book?
As part of Andover’s first community-wide reading program, Memorial Hall Library invites residents to read Timothy Egan’s, The Worst Hard Time. This book illuminates the Dust Bowl years of the 1930s and shares the stories of the families who endured one of America’s largest ecological disasters. The Worst Hard Time follows families through deadly dust storms, drought, and economic devastation of the Great Depression. This book was selected because it will appeal to a variety of readers and will provide many opportunities for discussion and exploration of topics relating to American history and the environment. Teens and older children are encouraged to read Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse.
During Andover Reads, the community will be encouraged to attend book discussion sessions around town to share their feedback about the book. The celebration of reading will continue with several special events related to the themes and topics in the book.
Andover Reads is an opportunity for the community to gather together and to discuss great literature. In 2009, let’s find out what would happen if Andover Reads the same book. Join the discussion!
Goal of Andover Reads 2009 - “Andover Reads is designed to encourage a community-wide appreciation of reading which invites friends, families, and neighbors to share the experience of reading and discussing the same book. The project is further intended to engage the community in a dialogue on environmental topics by providing intergenerational events and forums for discussion, the exchange of ideas, and an exploration of different points of view.”
Selection Committee
- James Sutton, Library Director
- Beth Mazin, Assistant Director
- Emily Classon, Community Services Librarian
- The Board of Trustees: Karen Herman, Mark Spencer, Ann Handley, Carolyn Fantini, Frank Castle, Laurence Lamagna, and Matthew Russell.
- John Hugo, owner of Andover Bookstore
- Linda Meltzer, Sanborn School Reading Specialist
How was the book selected?
The committee reviewed several books with the following criteria:
- High literary quality;
- Fits the goal of the Andover Reads project;
- Capable of encouraging provocative discussions;
- Is accessible and interesting to a variety of readers;
- Appeals to adults and teens;
- Currently in print and available in large quantities; and
- Available in paperback.
The Worst Hard Time was selected in April of 2008.
