James Madison University
IN-25: Innovation B

Inspired by a One Book, One Community model and infused with sustainability, "A Book for the 'Burg" is a community-wide reading program first launched in academic year 2013-14 to engage our community in conversations around a thought-provoking environmental stewardship/sustainability theme. Community members are encouraged to explore the libraries' book selections and attend a number of related events and activities. The 2018-19 program is the second A Book for the 'Burg. The focus on pollinator education and conservation will assist in using the program to fulfill JMU's Bee Campus USA application requirements. For 2018, A Book for the 'Burg joins a national conversation already underway about the importance of pollinators and their declining populations. Our approach to the reading selections this year is a unique one; rather than a single book selection, our community libraries will each have an array of books related to pollinators available, and new this year are K-12 selections. Community members can visit the Massanutten Regional Library, the James Madison University Libraries, or the Eastern Mennonite University Library for an inspiring selection of books. Programming includes workshops, guest lectures, a film screening, youth activities, and facilitated dialogues (see attached flyer). Programs are free, open to the public, and do not require participants to have read the recommended books. Both the readings and events will challenge us to think about how environmental stewardship is and can be integrated into our lives, and to recognize that our choices have significant ethical implications for our own lives, for the lives of those we know in our community, and for the lives of many others in this interconnected world. A Book for the 'Burg is the result of a partnership between James Madison University, Eastern Mennonite University, Massanutten Regional Library, and the City of Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation. Committee members include... A Book for the ‘Burg Community Planning Committee: Amanda Bodle, James Madison University; Brittany Clem, Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation; Marci Frederick, Eastern Mennonite University; Deborah Pugh, James Madison University; and Susan Versen, Massanutten Regional Library A Book for the ‘Burg JMU Faculty Advisory Committee: Amanda Bodle, Sustainability Specialist; Amy Goodall, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Geographic Science; Mary Handley, Ph.D., Professor of Integrated Science and Technology; Carole Nash, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Geographic Science; Maria Papadakis, Ph.D., CEM, Professor of Integrated Science and Technology; Michael Renfroe, Ph.D., Professor of Biology; Mikaela Schmitt-Harsh, Ph.D., Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies; and Wayne Teel, Ph.D., Professor of Geographic Science and Integrated Science and Technology

One Book, One Community model: http://www.ala.org/tools/programming/onebook