Sometimes a tiny spark can flare into a beacon. In fact, it happened here! In 2002, a small idea—that everyone in Deschutes County would read and discuss the same book—was pitched as a way to build community, promote lifelong learning and the love of literature, and bring outstanding authors to our region. As a Library Foundation board member then, I was excited about the possibilities, but had no idea this small idea would blaze into the beloved community program it is today, enjoyed by more than 13,000 people last year.

Through the dozens of free Novel Idea programs held each year, we’ve traveled the world (Afghanistan, New Guinea, Ireland, Oregon trout streams, and the Deep South); learned how to survive an apocalypse; crafted Mexican retablo altars; cooked biscuits in Dutch ovens; listened to the pounding beat of Japanese taiko drumming; peeked into the sleeper cab of a long-haul truck; and laughed and learned together. Some memories are poignant (Khaled Hosseini describing the devastation of his beloved homeland in Afghanistan); some uproarious (María Amparo Escandón leaning on the air horn of a chromed-up semi in front of the Tower Theatre); and many unforgettable (Myrlie Evers-Williams reflecting on Civil Rights advances and remaining challenges). Through the years, we’ve learned about literature, ideas, issues, and places but, just as importantly, we’ve learned about ourselves and our neighbors through shared experiences and enriching discussions. A Novel Idea enters its 20th year burning brightly.

In early 2001, we began the vision to create a community read program to bring residents from all corners of Deschutes County together through reading, discussing, listening, and sharing experiences through one book. The library was not able to finance the project, so we raised the financing and support from local sponsors and regional grantors to make it happen. And, make it happen we did!

We launched the “A Novel Idea…Read Together” community read program in 2003 due to the incredible support of local sponsors who have supported us for more than a decade, such as the Echo Foundation, the Roundhouse Foundation, the E.H. & M.E. Bowerman Advised Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, Bend Research/Lonza, the Starview Foundation, the Pacific Power Foundation, and thousands of individual donors along the way.

We created life-long friendships with authors whose generosity set the stage for our success. The authors we worked with have graced us with their knowledge and kindness, always willing to do a little extra to make the program more special for our participants. Things felt simpler when we first started where a phone call to David James Duncan and Khaled Hosseini sealed the deal. Today, we work with publishing houses and agents to solidify author visits and details.

We partnered with more than 400 local, regional, and statewide organizations and individuals to bring our programs to life with enriching presentations, cooking demonstrations, dance circles, fly fishing lessons, civil discourse, history tutorials, and so much more. Local bookstore owners partnered with us to select and sell the books. ...