The Buncombe County Public Library system is delighted to welcome you to an exciting new chapter with the inaugural countywide book club called One Book, One Buncombe.
The vision for this communal effort is to have as many people as possible read, discuss, meditate, and ultimately have the shared experience of collectively reading the same book this spring. “Hosting a community reading program has long been a goal for our library system. With so many divisive issues in the world today, now feels like the perfect time for us to launch a program that seeks to bring people together,” says Library Director Jason Hyatt. “Our hope is for participants to engage with their friends, family, neighbors, fellow library patrons, and the community at large through meaningful shared experiences.”
For the first One Book, One Buncombe picked The Violin Conspiracy by North Carolina-based author Brendan Slocumb. “We selected The Violin Conspiracy for several reasons: the author’s real-life roots and the story’s primary setting in North Carolina; the theme of the power of the arts, which is so important to our region’s unique cultural landscape; and the examination of racial identity and discrimination, which has the potential to spark thought-provoking community conversations,” explains Jason.
They will officially kick off the countywide book club on March 2 and there will be a number of events and activities centered around the reading material for people of all ages. Some of the events we have planned will help you engage with not only the book, but other people reading The Violin Conspiracy. Some activities you can look forward to include book club meetings, Saturday reading sessions in various parks, musical performances, craft projects, and more. For a complete list of events, click here.
Additionally, they are encouraging local book clubs to use The Violin Conspiracy for their spring reading and will have material that will help you facilitate discussions and more. The One Book, One Buncombe experience will culminate with an amazing opportunity to listen to author Brendan Slocumb speak about his story, answer questions, and sign books. This free event will be Saturday, April 27 at 2 p.m. at A-B Tech’s Ferguson Auditorium.
Buncombe County hopes you will join in for the first installment of One Book, One Buncombe as we write a new story celebrating community and collaboration through a shared reading experience. “We’d love it if one of those readers is you! Your participation will help us discover the many ways that one book can bring us all together,” exclaims Jason. “The Violin Conspiracy is a page-turner brimming with heart and soul that is sure to resonate with readers across Buncombe County.”
For a complete list of events, places to borrow or buy the book, how to get a book club facilitation kit, and additional details, click here. Please note this page will be updated with new information, additional events, and more.
Where to get the book
Buncombe County Public Libraries have purchased a limited number of copies of The Violin Conspiracy to be given away to readers on a first come, first served basis. These copies will be available to the public beginning on March 2. Interested readers can visit or telephone their local Buncombe County Library branch to learn whether copies are available.
Library staff can also assist library patrons in accessing circulating library copies of the book at any time. Limited free downloads of e-reading and audiobook versions are also available digitally through the Libby app.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase at three local independent bookstores and they are offering a 10% discount through the end of April:
- Daymoon Coffeebar and Booksellers at 381 Old Charlotte Highway in Fairview
- Firestorm Books at 1022 Haywood Road in West Asheville or via Firestorm Online Ordering with promo code BOOKCLUB10
- Malaprop’s Bookstore / Café at 55 Haywood Street in Downtown Asheville or via Malaprop’s Online Ordering with promo code VIOLIN
Buncombe County is encouraging all readers to share their free and purchased books copies with friends and family to expand the circle or readers more widely.
Written by Buncombe County.