A group from Callaway and Boone counties met Friday morning to discuss plans to improve literacy in Central Missouri.
The One Read Task Force was organized by officials at the Daniel Boone Regional Library system 15 years ago and co-sponsored by a group of local businesses, academic institutions and other groups to encourage adults of all ages to read.
Group members planned their schedule for September while meeting at the Callaway County Public Library.
"We try to do a range of programs on themes and topics," said Lauren Williams, One Read co-chair and public services librarian with the Daniel Boone Regional Library system. "The idea is to bring the community together."
Members of the task force ask for public input in choosing a book to be read each year. The memoir "Bettyville" by George Hodgman, a Missouri native, was chosen as this year's winner. The task force is encouraging people to read this book and then attend the activities planned for September, including an author talk.
"We go all out," Williams said.
Hodgman worked for years as an editor in New York City, then returned to his Missouri hometown of Paris to find it in extreme decline. Hodgman formerly worked at Simon & Schuster, Vanity Fair and Talk magazine.
Betsy Collins, One Read Task Force co-chair and collection development manager of Daniel Boone Regional Library system, said "Bettyville" has been a popular book among library readers. It received the most support from the public to be the One Read summer choice.
Collins said reading can help people feel less alone.
"It helps you connect and empathize with people who are not like you," Williams said.
To learn more about One Read and other library events, visit oneread.dbrl.org.