ROSEMOUNT - Rosemount community leaders wanted to come up with a way to connect the community through a common effort. After a number of suggestions, the group, which meets once a month, decided a citywide reading effort would do the trick.
One Book One Rosemount will start Oct. 1 and run through the rest of the month. Highlighted by various community events, the effort aims to support reading while drawing the people of Rosemount together in a common project.
Robert Trail Library manager Jamie Jurgensen said other Minnesota communities have done similar projects and had success. She said the Rosemount group, made up of politicians, school administrators and others, wanted to try it to see what would happen.
"We hope a lot of people will read the book and come out to the events," said Jurgensen.
The Robert Trail librarians suggested six books to the community leaders and the group voted on A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck.
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The book is a funny coming of age tale about two children who visit their eccentric grandmother during the summers of their youth during the 1930s. The book is written at a fourth grade reading level so it's perfect for kids but Jurgensen said the story will appeal to people of all ages.
"It's hysterical. It's really an enjoyable book to read," said Jurgensen.
The library has 100 copies of the book available for the public to check out. Additionally, copies of the book will be given out at community events.
Although it hasn't even started, mayor Bill Droste said the effort already is connecting people in Rosemount. A number of community organizations have stepped forward to donate to the effort or to host events.
SKB Environmental, Taco John's and the Minnesota Heritage Legacy Fund donated money to hold the month long event. Groups including the Rosemount Area Historical Society and the Dakota County Historical Society will also sponsor events.
Events will include a kick off with the Brass Band Menagerie on Oct. 2, a visit with author Richard Peck Oct. 14, a pie baking contest Oct. 13 and more.
Jurgensen hopes residents will enjoy the book and related events. Depending on participation, the group hopes to make the One Book One Rosemount an annual event.
"People seem to be excited to participate and we hope it will become an annual event," said Jurgensen.
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For more information on One Book One Rosemount contact the Robert Trail Library at 651-480-1200 or visit the library at 14395 S. Robert Tr.
