One Book One Community: PCEF Author-in-Residence Program

Park City Education Foundation rings in the new year with a new program name and time for their popular Author-in-Residence program. Sara Hutchinson, Programs Manager, explains why. “We changed the name from ‘Author-in-Residence’ to ‘One Book One Community presented by PCEF’ because that is a national program with great name recognition. Over the past nine years, it has morphed from a student-only program to one in which the local libraries and many book groups took part. We appreciate the support of our local libraries and love the idea of the entire community reading one book.”

The program date change was inspired by feedback from students and teachers, who expressed their preference to not have the program start at the beginning of the school year. “They also suggested for the book to be optional for students to read rather than required,” added Hutchinson. The program is scheduled for January 8th and 9th, coinciding with the students' return from winter break.

A committee of staff, community members, high school teachers, and librarians selected this year’s book, Salt To The Sea, a historical fiction novel by Ruta Sepetys. The novel tells the story of four individuals in World War II who make their way to the ill-fated German ship MV Wilhelm Gustloff.

The author will visit Park City High School to speak and work directly with students on both January 8th and 9th. PCEF will also host a private event on January 9th before her community presentation. Everyone is invited to the free event at the Jim Santy Auditorium on Tuesday, January 9th at 7pm to hear Ruta Sepetys talk about her book, Salt To The Sea.

In addition to reading Salt To The Sea, there are other ways to participate in One Book, One Community. On Thursday, January 4th at 7pm, Summit County Library Kimball Junction Branch will screen ‘Sinking the Gustloff: A Tragedy Exiled From Memory’ in conjunction with the program. The film tells the real story behind Salt to the Sea, and there will be a short discussion after the film.

In speaking about future program changes and growth opportunities, Hutchinson notes that “every year we seem to have more parents and community members reading the books with the students and it truly is becoming a very special event in Park City”.

For more information, visit the Park City Education Foundation’s website: http://www.pcef4kids.org/events/author-in-residence