Lynn Beard is a key organizer for the Carroll County Public Library’s “On The Same Page” program.
Written By Lisa Breslin
A creative partnership between Carroll County Public Library (CCPL), the local farm bureau and the Carroll County History Project is giving new, rich meaning to the phrase “on the same page.”
The partnership, titled “On The Same Page: Carroll County Read Together,” brings selected books to the forefront and surrounds readers with experiences that bring authors’ themes to life.
This year’s book, See You in a Hundred Years, by Logan Ward, celebrates community history, farm life, self-sufficiency, and committed relationships. It forms the focal point of a variety of family and adult events, agricultural programs, displays and book club discussions at all six of county’s library branches.
Logan Ward will visit the Eldersburg branch on April 29 at 7 p.m. to speak about how his family recreated the life of 19th Century subsistence farmers.
At Ward’s event, attendees will also have the opportunity to hear stories featured in an ongoing oral history project that captures the history of Carroll County and the memories of its residents.
Thanks to the On The Same Page program, more people are spending time with one book, said Amy Miller-Myers, CCPL’s Community Resource Specialist. “And conversations are opening up between people who hadn’t otherwise interacted.”
Past selections included The Greatest Generation, To Kill a Mockingbird, Killer Angels, Seabiscuit, Ava’s Man and A Walk in the Woods.
The popularity of Ward’s book rides on the county’s rich agricultural heritage, the locavore movement and national push to go green, said Lynn Beard, a key organizer for On The Same Page and a liaison for the North Carroll Branch.
“Just as the book selection committee had hoped, buzz about the book and those themes is growing,” said Beard.
The library’s circulation statistics confirm the program’s popularity. All 84 copies of See You in a Hundred Years had been checked out of CCPL branches by early March, and there were 17 “holds.”
Upcoming “On The Same Page” Events:
- Back to Earth program
Monday, April 5, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The North Carroll Branch, featuring a sheep shearer, dairy goats and other farm animal displays, vintage tractors, butter making and planting of heirloom tomato plants with gardening tips. - Down on the Farm – 100 Years Ago celebration
Saturday, April 10, 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Westminster Library – featuring turn-of-the-century farm activities and old-time craft demonstrations. Program will also feature farm animals for petting. The book clubs at the Westminster, North Carroll, Finksburg, Mount Airy and Taneytown branches will all be discussing Ward’s book in April. Master Gardeners will present a Grow It Eat It program at the Taneytown branch on planting a basic good garden at home. - Farm Dinner with the Farm Bureau
Saturday, Sept. 11. Finksburg Library. Time to be announced.
One of the final celebrations linked to Ward’s book will be a farm dinner at which farmers and food fans will gather around tables to eat and talk about a meal created from locally grown fare.
For more information about Logan Ward’s book: www.loganward.com
the Carroll County History Project: www.carrollhistory.org
On the Same Page: lbeard@carr.org
Carroll County Farm Bureau: www.carrollcountyfarmbureau.org
