What is Alamance Reads?
Alamance Reads is a civic event designed to encourage reading and significant conversation among Alamance County citizens by gathering people around a common book and providing a shared reading experience. The 2010/2011 Alamance Reads will be the fourth time this event has taken place in Alamance County.

How is Alamance Reads funded?
Friends of the Alamance County Public Libraries, a nonprofit 501(c) (3) corporation funds this program from money raised through the annual book sales and other events. Additional support is offered through various partnerships with local businesses and individual contributors. All Alamance Reads events are free to the public.

How is the book chosen?
In the year prior to the event a volunteer committee is formed to read, review, discuss programming opportunities offered by each book, and hash out all aspects of answering the question “Which would be the best book/author for this year’s community read project?”. This year’s committee evaluated over 75 books based on a specific list of criteria. From this intensive evaluation came the choice of The Pleasure Was Mine..

How are the programs developed?
Once the book selection committee has finished its task, a volunteer program committee is formed that reviews all the programming opportunities offered by the book, paying extra attention to creating programs that will be of interest to everyone in the community. Subcommittees are then formed to develop the individual program ideas and make them a reality.

How can I participate in Alamance Reads?
There are numerous ways to be part of Alamance Reads…

As a reader of the selected book;
As a program participant  Participate in events such as the cooking class, the writing contest, and the various other events. See our Google calendar of events.
As a volunteer  Contact your local library or the Contact Alamance Reads on our website to participate on a committee or at a function.
As a donor  While Friends of the Library is the main supporter, additional financial support is always appreciated.
As a member of Friends of the Library  For a mere $5 per individual or $10 per family, you can become a supporter of the library and its program with benefits like first day access at the annual book sales.

Where can I get a copy of this year’s selection, The Pleasure Was Mine?
All branches of the Alamance County Public Libraries began selling trade paperback copies on Wednesday, October 6, 2010. Books will be available for $5. (Be sure to bring your book to one of the author events to have it personally signed by the author, Tommy Hays.) Of course you will be able to use your library card to check out copies of The Pleasure Was Mine.  We have put a large number of copies throughout the library system.

Will the library be supporting The Pleasure Was Mine in their book club packs?
Yes, book club packs will start being available Wednesday, October 6, 2010. Be sure to have your book club make a reservation as soon as possible.