Put on your reading glasses and get cozy - the beginning of One Read 2020 is a week away.
The One Read 2020 pick, as decided by local readers and One Read Task Force members, is "A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles.
Typically, the Daniel Boone Regional Library, Callaway County Public Library, William Woods University, and other local groups and businesses will host a series of events themed around the One Read book. This year, One Read will look a little different - most events have moved online, including the traditional talk by the One Read book's author.
"For the first time, pretty much all of our one read events are virtual - we'll be largely using Zoom - because of the COVID-19 pandemic," DBRL's adult and community services manager Lauren Williams said. "We just can't have people crowded into rooms."
Williams said she sees a "silver lining" to holding primarily virtual events.
"This is an opportunity for communities to participate together as a region," she said.
Though DBRL organizes One Read events in Fulton, Ashland and Columbia, most people only attend events close to home.
"This way someone from anywhere in service area, as long as they have internet access, can participate in a book discussion anywhere," Williams said.
While planning One Read 2020, task force members remarked on the surprising relevant of this year's pick - chosen before the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in Missouri.
"Mr. Towles was pleased his book was chosen," Williams said. "With themes of confinement and bettering oneself in a time you can't go anywhere, these themes really resonate with the current situation."
She said she's especially looking forward to a panel discussion planned for Sept. 15, which will feature experts as varied as a professor of Russian studies and a member of the Columbia City Council.
"We're really using the book to talk about current concerns," Williams said.
In 1922, a Bolshevik tribunal sentences Count Alexander Rostov to house arrest in the luxurious Hotel Metropol. For the next 30 years, the Count experiences his country's upheaval and transformation from the confines of his attic room, the building's grand public spaces and the behind-the-scenes domains of hotel employees-turned-friends.
This novel is a lightly drawn, episodic portrait of Russia's 20th century political history, as well as a charming tale of one man's self-discovery and dedication to family, memory and home.
DBRL has copies of the book available in hard cover, paperback, large print, audiobook, downloadable audiobook and ebook formats.
Below, you'll find the complete list of One Read 2020 events. Most events require registration; follow the included links to each event to sign up and view additional details.
Events
Ongoing
Confinement: A One Read Art Exhibit. Orr Street Studios (106 Orr Street, Columbia and orrstreetstudios.com) Inspired by this year's One Read book "A Gentleman in Moscow," DBRL invites Mid-Missouri artists ages 16 and older to contribute works that explore the experiences of isolation and confinement. Cash prizes will be awarded for three winners, sponsored by Columbia's Office of Cultural Affairs. The third place winner will receive $50, second place $75 and first place $125 plus a one-year membership to the Columbia Art League. The exhibit will take place September 1-26 and will be viewed virtually at orrstreetstudios.com. Submissions will be accepted Thursday through Saturday.
Nostalgia: Flash Fiction Writing Contest: Taking inspiration from "A Gentleman in Moscow," DBRL invites you to tell a nostalgic tale in 250 words or less. Your story can be about anything and anyone, but make sure it evokes longing, explores a memory or reflects on better days past. Winning entries and honorable mentions will be published online and in the Columbia Missourian, and the winners will receive bookstore gift cards. Starting September 1, entries may be submitted using this form, mailed or dropped off at any library or bookmobile. Participants must be 16+ and a Boone or Callaway County resident
Sept. 3
One Read Book Discussion With Kit and Cathy Salter, noon to 1 p.m. Join local authors Kit and Cathy Salter for a virtual discussion of this year's One Read selection. Please register to get a link for this Zoom event.
Sept. 10
One Read Book Discussion With Svetlana Grobman, 7-8 p.m. Join local author Svetlana Grobman to discuss this year's One Read community reading title. Svetlana is a Jewish immigrant from Moscow, Russia, who moved to the United States in 1990 and is a freelance writer living in Missouri. Please register to get a link for this Zoom event.
Sept. 14
One Read at Ragtag Cinema (10 Hitt St., Columbia), 7-9 p.m. Ragtag hosts a free screening of "Russian Ark" by Alexander Sokurov, an experimental film shot in a single take which explores three centuries of Russian history. (2002, unrated, 95 min.) A panel discussion will follow. The doors to the Cinema will open at 6:30 p.m. and a limited number of seats will be available, due to social-distancing requirements. Free tickets can be picked up at the Ragtag box office starting at noon the day of the show. Limit of four free tickets per person. A free streaming option to view the film is available for those who want to watch it at home.
Sept. 15
One Read Panel Discussion, 7-8 p.m. David Lile of KFRU moderates a discussion of "A Gentleman in Moscow" with local experts, each sharing their individual experiences and expertise related to the One Read selection. Panelists include Mataka Askari, a certified peer specialist; Dr. Martha Kelly, associate professor of Russian studies; Dr. Chris Lawrence, a licensed clinical psychologist; and Mike Trapp, a member of the Columbia City Council.
Sept. 20
Museum of Art & Archaeology Virtual Tour, 2-3 p.m. Join Museum of Art and Archaeology docent Valerie Hammons for a virtual tour of artwork in the museum that complements DBRL's One Read program exploring "A Gentleman in Moscow." This tour will highlight works of art from Russia as well as works that reflect Count Rostov's experience in the Metropol Hotel.
Sept. 18
One Read Author's Talk: Amor Towles, 7-8 p.m. Join One Read author Amor Towles for a live online conversation with KFRU's David Lile about his bestselling book "A Gentleman in Moscow." Submit your questions for Towles through September 18 via oneread.org or by mail to the library.
Oct. 1
One Read Runner-Up Book Discussion With Matt Dube, noon-1 p.m. Join Dr. Matt Dube, professor of English and director of online education at William Woods University, for a live webinar to discuss "The Last Days of Night" by Graham Moore, the runner-up book for this year's One Read community-wide reading program.