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2003 was the inaugural year of the One Book New Jersey (OBNJ) initiative, an exciting program sponsored mainly by the New Jersey Library Association and the NJ State Library. The program, promoted in the Spring of 2003 by libraries and their partners across the state, was introduced to the public at a Press Conference on January 21, 2003 at the Plainsboro Public Library.

The goal of bringing people together through literature by encouraging residents across the state to read the same book and participate in discussions and other events centered on that book was more than successfully realized with over 640 programs or events held in every county of NJ, at a majority of the 464 public libraries in the state.

- At least 223 programs or events, including book discussions, lectures, film presentations and live performances, were in celebration of the Main Adult Selection, Ray Bradbury's classic "Fahrenheit 451"

- At least 110 programs or events, including book discussions, essay contests, cover design competitions, opinion polls, live on-line chat sessions and live performances were in celebration of the Youn Adult Selection, Margaret Peterson Haddix's "Among the Hidden"

- At least 137 programs or events, including book discussions, essay contests, fountain design contests, mural paintings and live performances were in celebration of the Middle Reader's Selection, Kate Klise's "Regarding the Fountain: A Tale in Letters, of Liars and Leaks", Illustrated by Sarah Klise.

- And at least 173 programs or events, including story times, puppet shows, live performances, arts and craft activities, costume designs, coloring contests, sing-a-longs, dance contests, penguin house building projects and visits by live penguins were in celebration of the Read-to-Me Selection, Helen Lester's "Tacky the Penguin", Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger.

The single most active day in the life of OBNJ 2003 was on April 10, 2003 when 36 distinct One Book New Jersey events happened at libraries all over the state.

In 2003 OBNJ focused public interest and awareness on books, reading and literacy, and celebrated all that New Jersey’s libraries do. And while this was a library promotion, our goal is to make it easy for people to obtain the book, read it and participate in local and statewide activities.

The New Jersey Library Association’s Public Relations Committee, and the Children’s Services and Young Adult Sections worked with the New Jersey State Library and the Secretary of State’s office to plan this collaborative effort. The First Lady of New Jersey, Mrs. Dina Matos McGreevey, served as the program's official spokesperson.

The book selected for adult readers in this first year of OBNJ by New Jersey Librarians was Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. 2003 marked the 50th anniversary of its publication, and the book remains still as fresh and intriguing as when it was first published. Available in many languages, Fahrenheit 451 addresses the issues of knowledge and freedom vs. ignorance and censorship. It’s also a powerful story of human nature and the desire to learn and think independently.

The OBNJ selected titles for younger readers include:

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix. A wonderful book for young adult readers.

Regarding the Fountain: A Tale, in Letters, of Liars and Leaks by Kate Klise. This delightful book is appropriate for elementary school age readers.

Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester, a heartwarming “read-to-me” selection, ideal for very young book lovers.

Promotional materials, web resource links, statewide marketing and “how-to-do-it” resource guides will make participation easy for libraries and their partner organizations. The program's aim was to inspire New Jersey’s residents to participate and come to libraries and other community venues to celebrate reading, literacy and books.

PLEASE VISIT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY OR CONTACT US AT
[email protected] FOR MORE INFORMATION,
AND BE A PART OF One Book New Jersey