One Book Nova Scotia Launches, Reveals Author

The One Book Nova Scotia project wants to get Nova Scotians reading the same book and sharing the same story. Today, Sept. 21, that book was revealed to be Twenty-Six, by Nova Scotian author Leo McKay Jr.

MLA Pam Birdsall, on behalf of Leonard Preyra, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage, helped launch the new provincewide reading campaign for adults at the Keshen Goodman Public Library in Halifax.

"It's about community, bringing people together, providing a common subject for discussion," said Ms. Birdsall. "The One Book Nova Scotia initiative will encourage a love of reading and life-long learning for people of all ages and foster a stronger community for years to come."

Published in 2003, Leo McKay Jr's Twenty-Six is a work of fiction about a family living in small town Nova Scotia whose lives are changed forever after a mining accident claims the lives of twenty-six men.

The One Book Nova Scotia project was organized by Libraries Nova Scotia, a group of library representatives from public, university and community college libraries, as well as the Nova Scotia Provincial Library division of the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage and the Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia.

"In selecting the book, the criteria included a living Canadian author with a conversation generating story that could appeal to a wide range of adults with varying literary levels and life experiences," said Frances Newman, chair, One Book Nova Scotia steering committee.

Other considerations included the book be in print, available in a variety of formats and not be a previous bestseller.

The One Book movement began in 1998 at the Seattle Public Library and spread to other communities in North America. This is its first year in Nova Scotia.

The program will run until Nov. 9; during this time Mr. McKay will hold readings at libraries across the province. Nova Scotians can also participate in bookclub discussions and get involved through Facebook and Twitter.

For more information on the program visit 1bns.ca .