A One Book program encourages a community to read one book together at the same time.

Common reading programs began at the Washington Center for the Book in Seattle, WA. Two influential librarians, Nancy Pearl and Chris Higashi, wondered what would happen if everyone in Seattle read the same book at the same time. They conceived of a program called “If All of Seattle Read the Same Book,” and launched the project in 1998.

Since then, common reading programs have sprung up around the country and around the world. They take place in towns, cities, schools, universities, and anywhere people can come together to read.

GRCC's One Book program started in Fall, 2008. Holman Library at GRCC received a grant from the Washington State Library to fund the first program. Most of the money was used to purchase books, and free books were given to instructors and students to use in classes.

In 2010, the library received good news from Dr. Deb Casey, Dean of Student Services & Retention. The GRCC Student Senate voted to grant a set amount of annual funding for the One Book program. This funding requires that all money be spent on students, and Holman Library intends to use all of it to purchase free books for GRCC students.

Previous GRCC One Book selections:

2010/2011 - I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

2009/2010 - Three Cups of Tea by David Oliver Relin and Greg Mortenson

2008/2009 - Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi