By Drake Lucas
Staff writer
April 24, 2008 12:18 am NORTH ANDOVER — The Stevens Memorial Library staff wants the community to get more than just a good read out of their books this summer. For their "One Book, One Community, One Conversation" summer reading program, they hope to spark a townwide discussion about tolerance and understanding. "The books we selected had a real theme of understanding history, understanding other cultures and understanding other people within our own community," said library Director Mary Rose Quinn. She added that those themes fit in with a townwide movement started by the School Department to "build a more respectful community." A committee is being set up with community members to look at ways to incorporate respect into all aspects of the community. The library has chosen three books at three different reading levels as part of the summer reading program. The goal is to encourage everyone in North Andover to read one, or all, of the books and then participate in discussions, presentations and events centered around the theme. The picture book chosen for children is "Priscilla and the Hollyhocks" by local author Anne Broyles about a young slave on a Southern plantation owned by a Cherokee family. For young adults, the chapter book "Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy" by Gary D. Schmidt is about a minister's son in Maine who, against his father's wishes, becomes friends with a young girl from a nearby community started by former slaves. The book for adults is "March" by Geraldine Brooks, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that tells the story of a soldier from the North during the Civil War based on the father in Louisa May Alcott's book "Little Women." Children's librarian Marina Salenikas, who organized the program, said the three books are all centered around a theme to which everyone can relate. She chose them from several suggestions sent in by people in the community. "We want to encourage whole families to participate," she said. "The conversation transcends all three books." Broyles said she plans to read the two other books so she can also join in the conversation. She said she is honored to participate in the program because it is unifying, showing that the community values reading and is willing to engage in a conversation about slavery and racism. "The whole subject is important for us to be talking about. It is bigger than just our community," Broyles said. "Anytime we enter a world through a book and it expands the understanding of who we are and who our community is then that is beneficial for everyone." A similar program last summer encouraged hundreds to read "My Latest Grievance" by Elinor Lipman and "Parents Wanted" by George Harrar and then attend events featuring the authors. Salenikas said the library has a limited budget this year, so she may not be able to get all the authors, but she will have fall events inspired by the books. The books are available at the library and also at Annie's Book Stop downtown. Author Anne Broyles Married to Larry Peacock. Family: Two grown children, two dogs and a cat. Why you know her She lives in North Andover. She wrote "Shy Mama's Halloween" and "Priscilla and the Hollyhocks." What you don't know about her She wanted to be a concert pianist and actress in high school. She lived in Tucson, Malibu and Philadelphia before coming to North Andover. She was a United Methodist minister before retiring early to write books.
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