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Do you know about the community-wide reading programs that are sweeping the country? Generally referred to as One Book, One Community, these are programs in which an entire city, county, or even state is encouraged to read and discuss the same book. Titles are selected not only for their literary quality and ability to raise awareness, but also for their appeal to readers of all ages, from middle school students to older Americans. Usually the program includes a number of events, some of which involve the author, and others of which involve speakers with personal or professional insights about the book. Several communities have selected Riding The Bus With My Sister for their One Book, One Community programs. You can learn about their approach to this important project by looking at their Web sites. You can also learn more about the program overall through the American Library Association, which has put together a CD that shows how to set up the program.

Additional Community-Wide Cool Beth Programs
Some cities have created umbrella campaigns of local organizations interested in promoting the messages of community inclusion, self-determination, and independence for people with disabilities found in Riding The Bus With My Sister. Partners in these campaigns have included service providers, advocacy organizations, transit agencies, schools, libraries, humanities councils, continuing education programs, and writer’s conferences.

The campaigns, which have included several appearances by Rachel Simon, are a great way to heighten community awareness – and to create lasting coalitions among the participating partners. Among the communities who have hosted these campaigns are Boulder, CO, where Special Transit was the primary organizer for Cool Beth’s Community on the Move (press release); and Anchorage, AK, where People Mover of Anchorage was the primary organizer for Cool Beth On The Move (archive).

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