Read the book and get involved!  This phrase has been the slogan of the Peoria Reads! “One City, One Book” program since its beginning but during this 10^th anniversary year it has never been a stronger call to action.

In early 2011 we are asking the entire Peoria area to join us in reading The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore.  It is a true story about two young men, both named Wes Moore, who grew up blocks apart, without fathers and in poverty but one ended up in prison for life and the other leads a successful life as a combat veteran and investment banker.

 This highly readable book will keep you enthralled as the story unfolds, revealing the small steps and choices that lead to the paths these young men take.  How, while living under the same circumstances, did they make such differing choices?  The book raises the question--Why did their lives take such different paths?—and how is that relevant to our community?

 The book ends with a call to action.  Our community is filled with young people who have a choice.  They are at a turn in the road and after reading this book you just might wonder who will be there to guide them.

Be a part of The Big Read: Peoria Reads!  Here’s how:

• Does your group have an idea for a tie-in event?   If your group or business wants to participate by putting together an event, please let us know!  We can help you publicize it by adding it to our print and online calendars of events.  For more information, please call Roberta Koscielski at Peoria Public Library at 497-2186 or email her at RobertaKoscielski@ppl.peoria.lib.il.us.
• Do you value reading and want to help?  Please call Roberta Koscielski at Peoria Public Library at 497-2186 or email her at RobertaKoscielski@ppl.peoria.lib.il.us, OR call Connie Voss at Common Place at 674-3315 or email her at cvoss04@sbcglobal.net.  They can tell you about serving on a committee or making a donation to help more people enjoy reading and talking about books!