Bozeman is a wonderful place to call home not only because of the many natural and cultural resources available, but also for the sense of community. A fine example of the many ways that we come together, the annual One Book-One Bozeman program, kicked off in September. The basic idea is that the Bozeman Library Foundation and its partners make a community-wide book recommendation, and invite us all to participate in a series of activities that open the door for conversation.
This year, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Dr. Maya Angelou, was selected from a list of six inspirational works provided by the Montana State University freshman convocation speaker, Dr. Condoleezza Rice. One of the greatest evenings of my time in Bozeman to date was spent in awe of Dr. Angelou at her presentation last year. Suffice it to say, I was very exited by the selection of one of her works. Two companion books were also adopted to accompany I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. The first was the Montana State University Summer Read, Extraordinary, Ordinary People by Dr. Rice. The second, Oswald, an American Osprey, by Carol Hemingway and illustrated by R. Tom Gilleon of Great Falls, was donated by the local author to over five hundred first graders as part of the Bozeman Schools Foundation Links to Literacy program. In an effort to learn more about this month long occasion to engage in a community-wide dialogue, I had the opportunity to speak with Paula Beswick, Director of the Bozeman Library Foundation.

Beswick explained that this was the fifth year that One Book-One Bozeman has taken place. The concept was first promoted by Sarah Glover, who was a member of the school board at the time. Inspired by similar programs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as well as Austin, Texas, she met with Beswick and successfully proposed Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder as the first book recommendation. At this time a partnership was explored with the recently conceived MSU summer reading program; however, MSU had already chosen a different book. Throughout the years the two reading programs have worked in close partnership to develop meaningful selections, speakers, and activities while retaining distinct identities, committees, and guidelines. Past books have included The Soloist by Steve Lopez, Double Take by Kevin Connolly, and 127 Hours by Aron Ralston. According to Beswick, One Book-One Bozeman strives to choose books that will “engender conversation and discussion” and if possible, involve a speaking opportunity from the author.

To that end a number of interesting and varied activities took place in September. At the beginning of the month, the Bird Art Exhibit opened at the Bozeman Public Library. In the words of Dr. Angelou, “A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” Local artists created different bird-related works for the exhibit to correspond with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Oswald, an American Osprey. Next on the agenda was the convocation presentation by Dr. Condoleezza Rice, which was open to the community. Attendance by community members at the convocation presentations has risen since the beginning of One Book-One Bozeman. Beswick explained that this year the general public attendance was estimated at 3,800 people, which represents a dramatic increase from the approximately 400 community members in attendance for the convocation presentation in 2009. Other conversation starting activities included different book discussions offered at the public library and the senior center, a read-aloud for parents and children at the Country Bookshelf store, and an Oral History Workshop with George Cole also at the public library.

One Book-One Bozeman provided many activities for the younger members of our community through the Links to Literacy program. In the past, activities have tied in with the presentation by the speaker. This year was no exception, and different partners came together, including the Montana Raptor Center, to provide activities that were related to birds. According to Beswick, this was aimed at making “it a more enriching program.”

With this wealth of opportunities for thoughtful, engaged dialogue again this year, I think it is safe to say that the mission was accomplished. If you are interested in becoming more involved in One Book-One Bozeman, contact Paula Beswick. The book selection for the year is usually made known in March, so be on the lookout for the 2013 book after spring break.   The details regarding the selection will be widely available in local media, the library newsletter, and on the website.   For more information on this program, as well as access to a Reading Guide and discussion questions, please visit their website

After visiting the west at the age of fourteen, Jamie Balke has been coming up with progressively more elaborate schemes to never leave.