One Book One County is a community read program for Wells County held in September and October every year. The program is designed to create a countywide discussion by encouraging all residents to read the same book. There are also a number of special events at the library related to themes found in the featured book and potentially an author visit.
2020 One Book One County
This year’s book title is “The Year We Left Home” by Jean Thompson. We have several in-person and virtual events during the months of September, October, and November going on to help celebrate One Book One County.
About The Book
“The Year We Left Home”
by Jean Thompson
“The Year We Left Home follows the Erickson family through the many changes
affecting American life at the end of the twentieth century. From city rooftops to country farms, college campuses to small-town main streets, the characters in Thompson’s novel search for fulfillment and happiness in an ever-changing, often alienating country. The story asks us to consider the enduring, uniting power of place—why we choose to leave and when we decide to come home.” – book jacket
How To Participate
It’s very easy! Just stop by the Main Library or Ossian Branch to get a copy of the books or check out the eBook or eAudiobook at the Northeast Indiana Digital Library. Then start reading. That’s it!
Book Discussions
If you’d like to join us to talk about the books, you are welcome. Please register at the library and pick up a book at that time.
“The Year We Left Home” by Jean Thompson
- Thursday, October 8 at 6:30 pm (Main Library – Bluffton) (Adults)
- Monday, October 12 at 1:30 pm (Main Library – Bluffton) (Adults)
Past Programs
Past community reads include “Rocket Boys” by Homer Hickam, “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein, “Room” by Emma Donoghue, “The Reading Promise” by Alice Ozma, “The Bone Garden” by Tess Gerritsen, “Where Am I Eating? An Adventure Through the Global Food Economy” by Kelsey Timmerman, “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain, “A Place Called Hope” by Philip Gulley, “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson, “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie, and “Diamond Willow” by Helen Frost.
Sponsors
This program is presented by the Wells County Public Library with financial support from the Friends of the Library.
For 2020, the selection is also the One State/One Story title for the state of Indiana and programs and books were made possible through Indiana Humanities as part of One State/One Story. One State/One Story: The Year We Left Home is presented by Indiana Humanities in partnership with the Indiana Center for the Book and the Indiana State Library.