Fairfield Announces One Book One Town Selection

Fairfield, CT -- In 2017, Fairfield celebrates ten years of One Book One Town. The Fairfield Public Library, along with its community partners – Pequot Library, Fairfield University, Fairfield University Bookstore and Fairfield Museum and History Center -- are proud to announce that the Committee has chosen two books for this year’s read: Books for Living by Will Schwalbe and A Child of Books by New York Times best-selling author-illustrator Oliver Jeffers and fine artist Sam Winston.

Both of these extraordinary titles reflect on the transformative power of reading and the pleasure that is found in sharing stories with others. Books for Living is a spirited and uplifting celebration of the books that have shaped the life of one man as he navigates the modern world. A Child of Books is an awe-inspiring journey into the imagination of young book-lovers, illuminating the power of a simple invitation to read. It is a fresh and fascinating collaboration between two gifted masters.

These books—one a powerful and persuasive manifesto on the value of a reading life, the other a stunning and irresistible work of art inviting readers of all ages to dive deeply into its magic—speak directly to the heart of the One Book One Town mission. The Library aspires to connect Fairfielders with a thought-provoking story, to explore its themes, and to engage with ideas that spark a community conversation.

Books for Living and A Child of Books demonstrate the undeniable power of story in our lives and highlight the specific delight that comes from sharing the books that move us with others. Together, these books will be the foundation for a month-long celebration in March. A full slate of events and activities are planned for readers of all ages. As Fairfield celebrates ten years of One Book One Town, this year’s selections ask us to reflect not only on these two books themselves, but also on the wider joy of reading. They remind us of the magical connection that often happens when we ask someone the simple question:

“What are you reading?”

Will Schwalbe is the author of the award-winning book The End of Your Life Book Club, published in 2012. It spent more than four months on the New York Times Bestseller list and has been translated into thirteen languages. He is also the co-author, with David Shipley, of Send: Why People Email So Badly and How to Do it Better, a business bestseller.

Schwalbe has worked for many years in publishing and is currently Executive Vice President of Editorial Development and Content Innovation at Macmillan. Previously he was the editor in chief of Hyperion Books and before that of William Morrow. He has worked in digital media as the founder and CEO of Cookstr.com, the world’s number one collection of cookbook recipes available online; and as a journalist, writing for various publications including The New York Times and the South China Morning Post.

The signature event of the Library's month-long celebration of Books for Living is the author visit of Will Schwalbe at 7 pm on March 15, 2017 at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University.  During the month-long celebration, there will be programs for all ages and, for the seventh year, the Library will be holding a One Book One Town inspired Writing Contest. The deadline for unpublished work on the topic of “A Book That Speaks to Me Personally” (maximum of 500 words) is Wednesday, February 22, 2017.  Submissions will be evaluated by professional judges.  Winners will be invited to read their works at the Writers’ Read-Around on Wednesday, March 22.   Winners will also be invited to a special reception for Will Schwalbe and receive an autographed copy of Books for Living.

The One Book One Town selection committee is comprised of library staff, community volunteers and community partners. In June, they began reading books that were relevant to our times, interesting to a wide segment of the community and that would provoke conversations.  This year they read close to 30 books over the course of four months before choosing Books for Living.

The Friends of the Fairfield Public Library are once again generously underwriting the author visit of Will Schwalbe. Community sponsors are: Anonymous, Sheila Clancy, The Cogan Family, Pat and Doug DeFauw, Fairfield Center Jewelers, Margaret Mary Fitzgerald, Barbara Frankel, Joanna Gleason & Chris Sarandon, Eleanor Gonzalez, Brian and Deborah Henry, Marta Jo Lawrence, Dr. Elizabeth and Mr. David McKinnis, James and Donna Woods Orazio, The Owens Family, The Rust Family Foundation, Bob & Kathy Scoville, Roberta and Mark Schreiber, Barbara Scinto, The Sharp Family, Sally Wanamaker and Chris Jay, Debby and David Zieff.

Registration begins on Wednesday, March 1 at 9:00 am on the Fairfield Public Library events calendar at www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org or by calling 203-256-3160.  For more information about these upcoming events visit: www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org or pick up the 2017 One Book One Town brochure, which lists all of the programs, the next time you are at the Library.  Follow the One Book One Town blog at www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org/obot.

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Submitted by Fairfield, CT

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