DANBURY, CONN. — The Danbury Public Library, Western Connecticut State University and the Danbury Public Schools will conduct a press conference at 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 25, at the Danbury Library to announce the launch of “One Book, One Community” (OBOC), an effort to encourage everyone in Danbury to read the same book this fall. Although many communities across the U.S. sponsor similar reading programs, this project is one of the few where a city, public school system and a university have formed a partnership to coordinate a community-wide reading initiative.

The co-chairs of the OBOC committee, Library Director Mark Hasskarl and WCSU Provost Dr. Linda Rinker, will speak at the press conference, along with Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, WCSU President James W. Schmotter and representatives from the Danbury School District.

The inaugural 2008 book selection is the best-selling novel “The Namesake” by Jhumpa Lahiri, which chronicles several generations of a family from India after a young couple immigrates to Massachusetts to start a new life. WCSU has assigned the book to all incoming freshmen as part of the university’s First-Year Experience. More than 100 books are available to check out at the Danbury Library or may be purchased at local bookstores.

In addition to being encouraged to read the same book, Danbury residents and students will be invited to participate in a variety of complementary programs between Oct. 1 and Nov. 5. Events will include book discussions, a lecture by Ms. Lahiri, an Indian film series, a presentation on spices by Suvir Saran, co-owner of Dévi Restaurant in New York City and talk by actress/author Madhur Jaffrey.

The “One Book, One Community” project will culminate in March 2009, with the WCSU President’s Lecture Series featuring the acclaimed director of “The Namesake” movie, Mira Nair (“Monsoon Wedding” and “Vanity Fair”).

Jhumpa Lahiri received the Pulitzer Prize in 2000 for “Interpreter of Maladies,” her debut short story collection that explores issues of love and identity among immigrants and cultural transplants. Published in 2003, “The Namesake” is her first novel. Her most recent work, “Unaccustomed Earth,” is another collection of short stories published in April 2008.

Funding support for the OBOC project is provided by Branson Ultrasonics Corp, FRIENDS of the Danbury Library, Savings Bank of Danbury and Union Savings Bank.

For more information, call the WCSU Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486 or the Danbury Library Community Relations office at (203) 796-8061.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.