Booklovers are invited to come together this summer for the inaugural Community Read program hosted by the University Park Public Library.
Participants are invited to read the selected title — which this year is Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry — and take part in a series of programs and discussions designed to deepen appreciation of the celebrated American classic and foster meaningful dialogue.
Beginning May 26, participants may register at the library for a weekly newsletter and sign up to receive a free copy of the book, while supplies last (library card required). Programs and events will continue through August 2026.
The Community Read program is presented by the library in partnership with the Friends of the University Park Public Library’s Meet Me at the Library Series and with support from a grant from La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas.
The initiative is modeled after a national movement that began in 1998 with the Washington Center for the Book’s “If All of Seattle Read the Same Book” project. Since that time, similar programs have been adopted by communities across the country.
Library cards are free to all residents of the Highland Park ISD school district and educators who teach within HPISD boundaries. See the University Park Public Library’s borrowing policy to learn more.
The program also includes in-person events such as a Lonesome Dove Discussion on July 31 and a Meet Me at The Library presentation with George Getschow, author and noted scholar of Lonesome Dove author Larry McMurtry. For updates and more information, visit the Friends of the University Park Public Library’s Community Read webpage.
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