For the last six months, the Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District staff has been frantically reading novels, looking for the perfect books for the 2010 One Book Two Villages program.

When it came time to make a decision, our choices were unanimous. Without further ado, it is my pleasure to announce the 2010 One Book Two Villages selections...

The Help

By Kathryn Stockett

In 1962 Jackson, Mississippi, there are lines that are not crossed. With the Civil Rights movement exploding all around them, three women start a movement of their own, forever changing a town and the way women-black and white, mothers and daughters-view one another.

Kathryn Stockett's wildly popular debut novel The Help is the Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District's 2010 One Book Two Villages selection. Kathryn will be visiting us next July to lead discussions and talk about her writing.

Find The Help in the Library's catalog

Yankee Girl

By Mary Ann Rodman

The year is 1964, and Alice Ann Moxley's FBI-agent father has been reassigned from Chicago to Jackson, Mississippi, to protect black people who are registering to vote. Alice finds herself thrust into the midst of the racial turmoil that dominates current events.

Mary Ann Rodman's award-winning children's book, Yankee Girl, is the Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District's 2010 One Book Two Villages selection. Mary Ann will be joining us in May for discussions and fun.

Find Yankee Girl in the Library's catalog

One Book Two Villages

One Book Two Villages is a program designed to inspire the Winnetka-Northfield community to read and discuss great books. The program includes author visits, reading discussions, and activities to enrich your reading experience. We encourage parents not only to read the adult book, but to read and discuss the youth book as a family. For more information, visit www.onebooktwovillages.org.

Garth Stein has rescheduled his appearances for the 2009 One Book Two Villages year. Highlights of Garth's visit on July 16 and 17 include:

• Thursday, July 16 from 12-2 at Corner Cooks - A luncheon, lecture and book discussion with Garth Stein. Tickets are $25 and are available from Corner Cooks (847) 441-0134.


• Thursday, July 16 from 4-5 at The Book Stall - Garth Stein will read from The Art of Racing in the Rain and sign copies.


• Friday, July 17 from 10-11:15 at the Winnetka Sidewalk Sale (approx. 800 Elm Street) - Garth Stein will be at the Library's sidewalk sale booth and will sign copies of The Art of Racing in the Rain


• Friday, July 17 from 1:15-2:30 at the Winnetka Public Library (Lloyd Room) - Garth Stein will lead a by invitation only film discussion for students who have been involved in the 60093 film fest.

The programs featuring Garth Stein on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26 have been canceled as a result of a death in the author's family. We hope to be able to reschedule this events for a later date.

The submissions for our Pet Photo Contest are now up. Go to our Pet Photo Contest Page and vote for your favorite photo. The winner will be announced on Thursday, April 23.

We are pleased to announce that we have selected Garth Stein's novel "The Art of Racing in the Rain" as our One Book-Two Villages title for 2009.  Mr. Stein will be visiting us next April to lead discussions and talk about his writing.  Read more about his work here.

We are equally excited about our children's title "Ida B. . .and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World" by Katherine Hannigan.  Ms. Hannigan will also be joining us next April for discussions and fun.

More information about all our scheduled One Book-Two Villages events will be coming to you later this year.  In the meantime, go to our catalog for these two books and find a copy to check out.