Book Crossing 2012: An Intercontinental Book Discussion
The librarians of Mount Prospect and its Sister City, Sèvres, France, work cooperatively to create Book Crossing, an international, intergenerational reading program. The books selected for discussion seek to spark a dialogue among different age groups, and to offer many ways to participate—with no need to speak French!
Book Crossing/Lectures Croisees Kick-off and Lobby Display Friday, July 6 through Saturday, July 14
Book Crossing titles and related programming were highlighted with a colorful and trés Français lobby display during the week before Bastille Day (July 14). To engage passing patrons, staff hosted the display during busy lobby hours, offering crème puffs, a raffle for French treats, and information about Book Crossing. The display generated a lot of interest in Book Crossing itself, as well as in Sevres, France.
Storytime at the French Farmers Market
Sunday, September 9
Our French Farmers Market Storytime featured this year’s Book Crossing picture books, The Travels of Babar by Jean de Brunhoff, and Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Crouse Rosenthal, along with other stories, a flannel board, and music. A little bit of easy, fun French was woven into the storytime, including the hilarious A Boy and His Bunny by Sean Bryan, counting (“un-deux-trois-quatre-cinq” in the French style with thumb first), and traditional songs Sur le Pont d’Avignon and Frere Jacques. We finished up with a Guess-What’s-Missing game at the flannel board, then stickers and bookmarks for all. Fifty children and parents joined us on this beautiful day.
Chat & Chew Book Discussion
Monday, October 8, 1-2 p.m.
Thirteen children in 4th-6th grades attended this special Book Crossing event featuring two titles set in Paris: The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick and The Boy Who Ate Stars by Kochka. Everyone had read and enjoyed discussing Hugo Cabret. Discussion about the setting, a Paris train station, led to some exciting possibilities for other locations, such as the Sydney Opera House. The discussion on The Boy Who Ate Stars centered on experiences with autism. After the book discussion, the children made origami star boxes. Everyone had a good time and both books received enthusiastic “thumbs up.”
Teen Book Crossing book discussion
Monday, October 15
The three teens that were in attendance actively discussed the book, The Rules of Survival, with each other and the two teen librarians. The book provided plenty of discussion points. It was a great choice! “Makes me really dig into the book,” said one teen.
Adult Book Discussion in Sèvres, France: Au Saut du Livre
Patrons in our sister city discuss the books Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann and Delicacy by David Foenkinos.
Did you participate in Book Crossing 2012? You can still share your thoughts on our blog: bit.ly/BookCrossingBlog
View a Library Life interview with Mount Prospect staff discussing the 2012 Book Crossing events.
Watch for the 2013 selections and join us next year!