One Book, One Community - Chasing Lincoln's Killer

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$250
Fund Source
Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund
Recipient Type
Libraries
Status
Completed
Start Date
April 2013
End Date
April 2013
Activity Type
Education/Outreach/Engagement
Counties Affected
Nicollet
Nicollet
Project Overview
As a follow-up to our successful 2012 Community Read, our 2nd Annual Community Read was planned to be even bigger and better. The book, Chasing Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson was selected. Our plan for this event is that the community not only read the same book, but also learn something along the way. The Read began on March 1 and copies of the book flew off the displays at the library and our community partners. More books were ordered. Ultimately, the total number of books given away was 463. From that point on, we used Facebook, our library web page, utility bill stuffers and word of mouth to get the message out about the read. Several of our community sponsors did an outstanding job of promoting the program, repeatedly calling for more books for their sites.
Legal Citation / Subdivision
Laws of Minnesota for 2011 Chapter 6, Article 4, Subdivision 4
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$250
Other Funds Leveraged
$5,677
Direct expenses
$5,927
Administration costs
$6
Number of full time equivalents funded
0
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Participants will complete the book Chasing Lincoln's Killer. Participants will gain knowledge about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. People of different generations will be brought together to discuss a common topic.

Measurable Outcome(s)

Over 463 people read the book and hopefully passed it on to others. The informal discussion around town and the library indicated that people had read the book and learned new information about the Lincoln assassination. We were a bit concerned about using a Young Adult book this year, but everyone reported that they enjoyed it and learned new information. Three programs related to the book took place in March and April. The discussion of the book, moderated by Beth Christensen, had 20 people in attendance. The culminating event, historian Dale Blanshan, attracted 21 people even though we were under a winter storm warning. We were pleased with the turnout at all three events. The talk around town about the Community Read was gratifying and the connections we made with local business partners will extend into the future. We will be seeking additional financial sponsors next year.

Source of Additional Funds

North Mankato Taylor Library, Dino's Pizzeria, Mark's Barber Shop, Taj Mahal, South Central College, Las Fronteras, Indulge Salon, Curves, Mankato Public Schools, Delta Kappa Gamma Women Educators, City of North Mankato, Dale Blanshan

Project Manager
First Name
Dayle
Last Name
Zelenka
Organization Name
Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative
Street Address
1400 Madison Avenue, Suite 622
City
Mankato
State
MN
Zip Code
56002
Phone
(507)625-6169
Email
dzelen@tds.lib.mn.us
Administered By
Administered by
Location

1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113-4266

Phone
651-582-8200