January 29, 2021 View as Webpage
Kindness Brings the Community Together
Each year Stark County residents come together to read a common book. In light of the pandemic, this year required creative minds to collaborate and redesign the seventeen-year tradition. Through a variety of new and engaging events, Stark County’s 2021 One Book One Community will explore the theme of kindness.

The 2021 One Book One Community selection – I’m Proud of You: My Friendship with Fred Rogers by Tim Madigan – tells how an assignment to write a profile of the preschool television series Mister Rogers' Neighborhood ended in an unlikely friendship. This story of the enduring legacy left to us by Fred Rogers challenges readers to create a culture of kindness and discover new ways to make it "a beautiful day in the neighborhood".

Children are included in the community event with their own suggested books – You are my friend by Aimee Reid and Fred’s Big Feelings by Laura Renauld (both available as read alouds on YouTube).
Two virtual "Meet the Author" events are scheduled – one on February 17th at 6:30 pm (reserve your free virtual seat here) and another to be held for students on February 18th at 10 am. Both events with the author, Tim Madigan, will be recorded and include question and answer opportunities and insight into the story and writing process.

Along with the student Virtual Art Show and several book/movie discussions, this year there are three new events scheduled throughout the month of February:

1) "A Neighborhood of Kindness" Video Contest will allow teams of students in three categories (K-4th, 5-8th and 9-12th grade) to produce a three-minute video describing “If you were given $250, what would make your school, neighborhood or community a kinder place?” Winners in each category will be announced in March and receive $250 to carry out their plans and report back on the impact it had. 

2) A variety of Kindness Kit(s) with a make and take craft/activity will be available at local libraries. Families will be able to create projects enabling everyone to learn what can be done from home to help neighbors or community.

3) If fashion statements are your style, take part in the Cardigan Contest. Celebrate Kindness Day by submitting a photo wearing your favorite cardigan by February 13th to compete for a prize. All photos will be displayed on facebook.com/ starklibrary where a winner will be chosen by voters.
Further details on One Book, One Community may be found at https://starklibrary.org/Bekind.
The Stark Education Partnership (a 501(c)3 non-profit organization) collaborates with education, business, civic and community members across the entire spectrum – cradle to career – to create and respond to opportunities that will provide ALL students with education and career success.