The five Erie County libraries (Bellevue, Huron, Milan-Berlin, Sandusky, and Vermilion) will be offering their first annual One Book, One Community: Erie County Reads. This nationwide reading program began in Seattle in 1998. The concept — developed by the Washington Center for the Book — is to have people come together through the reading and discussion of a common book. The One Book, One Community program has been adopted by hundreds of
communities across the country, and this fall, the five libraries in Erie County are planning to do the same.

Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog, by John Grogan (on the New York Times Best Seller List for 76 weeks - 23 of those as #1), will be read and discussed throughout Erie County at libraries, schools, and local reading groups. This book was selected because it is universally appealing and appropriate for all ages. Grogan has also recently written two books about Marley for children: Marley: A Dog Like No Other, geared for ages 9-12, and Bad Dog, Marley!, geared for ages 4-8.

Our project is particularly exciting because we are privileged to have John Grogan speak at the Sandusky State Theatre on Thursday, November 1, through the courtesy of the Norbert A. and Marion Cleaveland Lange Trust of Sandusky Library. The author visit is free and open to the public. Tickets will not be required for this event. Mr. Grogan will discuss his book, answer questions, and autograph books. Copies of Marley & Me can be purchased prior to the event at the Sandusky Library's AfterWords Gift Shop or that evening at the Sandusky
State Theatre.

Additionally, during the month of October, each library in Erie County will be sponsoring a wide variety of programs and book discussions on dogs for children, teens, and adults. To find out more about the programs being offered at each of the five Erie County libraries, click on the Library's link, located on the left side of this page.

We invite you to take part in this unique opportunity to share your love of reading with others in your community!