CAMPUS NEWS
Windward to start first 'Common Book' project in the state
by Ka ‘Ohana staff

The city of Chicago did it. So did Otterbein College in Ohio. Now WCC is planning to become the first college in Hawai‘i to choose a Common Book for fall 2004.

Everyone at the college will be encouraged to read the book and participate in events ranging from movies and lectures to class projects and possibly even an appearance by the author if it is a local writer.

“The idea is to have a common text that everyone can have a conversation about,” said WCC librarian Brian Richardson. “We’re looking for a book that would have broad appeal and could apply to a wide range of courses.”

Anyone at Windward can nominate a book and everyone on campus will be able to vote for their favorite. Just go to the college’s Web site at www.wcc.hawaii.edu and click on “Common Book.”

Nominations are being accepted until April 19 and can be turned in to the library or e-mailed to Richardson at richards@hawaii.edu.

From April 20 to 26, the Common Book Committee will create a short list of nominations. Then campus-wide voting will take place April 26 to 30.

The results will be announced May 4.

Otterbein College’s Common Book program has been active since 1995 as a way to enrich the liberal arts experience of that campus.

Richardson sees parallels at WCC, where students can talk about a wide range of issues as part of their core courses.

“Liberal arts involves a comprehensive engagement with the world,” he explained. “It’s about challenging people to think and discuss issues that affect us all.”

In 2001, Chicago became a giant book club when residents decided to read “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Libraries, bookstores, schools, museums and community groups joined in readings, discussions and a citywide literary festival.

Chancellor Angela Meixell said the WCC program is purely voluntary, but she hopes as many people as possible will get involved. For more details, call Richardson at 235-7338.