‘One Book One Community’ to begin in October

In October, everyone in Kitsap County will be reading the same book.

Kitsap Regional Library is hosting its second annual “One Book One Community” program, a reading initiative designed to bring all Kitsap County residents together by reading and discussing the same book. This year’s book is John Steinbeck’s “Cannery Row.”

“Cannery Row,” published in 1945, is one of Steinbeck’s best and most widely read fictional works, immortalizing Cannery Row as a one-of-a-kind neighborhood of fish-packing plants and flophouses, and made it the most famous street in America, according to KRL.

Set on California’s Mont-erey Peninsula in the days long before famed golf courses and resorts, this post-depression tale depicts the life of an uproarious cast of characters.

KRL will host Island Theatre’s performance of “A John Steinbeck Evening” at three KRL branches:

• Wednesday, Oct. 7: Bainbridge Public Library

• Friday, Oct. 9:

Manchester Library

• Friday, Oct. 16:

Poulsbo Library

All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and are free to the public. This is a performance of dramatic readings from plays, novels and speeches by Steinbeck and also will feature songs by Side by Side Vocal Ensemble.

Other “One Book One Community” events include a Steinbeck film festival, presentations by nationally renowned Steinbeck scholars Susan Shillinglaw and Michael K. Hemp, book discussions and other programs. For a complete list of events and related reading and viewing materials, visit www.KRL.org.

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