Blanchester Public Library

Clinton County Reads started in 2006, choosing to read "To Kill a Mockingbird," by Harper Lee, along with Dayton's Big Read program. Since then, each year a steering committee — librarians, book-store owners, teachers, and bibliophiles — starts meeting during the summer months to prepare for the next year's Clinton County Reads program. The committee brings to the table a long list of book titles, culled from personal reading and outside recommendations, to whittle down to a shorter list that will be read by committee members and either recommended or rejected for the list of five final choices on a community ballot.

The community ballot is released in the fall, with the Clinton County Reads choice announced in time for holiday gift shopping.

Some years a theme develops, and the books tend to fall within that theme. Other times, the book choices may only be related by their quality of writing and storytelling.

There is a great deal of discussion among the committee members about the worthiness of each book, the mass appeal, the potential for related programming, and the similarities and differences from previous year's choices.

The goal is to connect Clinton County's residents through literature and discussion by reading one book, chosen from a varied ballot available to everyone in the area. Discussions take place among existing book groups and with scheduled speakers.

The program culminates with a keynote speaker at a community dinner, usually prepared with the book in mind, that is hosted by Clinton County Reads.

Members of the current Clinton County Reads steering committee are Eileen Brady, Joy Brubaker, Peggy Dunn, chairwoman Nancy Ehas, Chris Owens, Bonnie Starcher, Marla Stewart, Joni Streber, and Mary Thomas Watts.