LINKS:
Common Reading Photo Gallery
Previous Common Reading Book List
Owensboro Community and Technical
College's Common Reading
Fall 2009: Our common reading selection for the fall is House of Abraham: Lincoln and the Todds, A Family Divided By War by Stephen Berry. The book tells of Lincoln’s family, which like many, was divided by the issues of the Civil War. It also traces his Kentucky roots. You can take part this fall by reading the book, attending the reading by the author, and participating in related campus activities! Get your copy at the bookstore and join the conversation!
Announcements:
Although the events for this semester have wrapped up, don't miss the displays in the OCTC library (in the LRC) - there are panels and photos on loan from the Mary Todd Lincoln house in Lexington as well as other memorabilia and information.
Photos from Stephen Berry's campus visit and from the Civil War re-enactment and other events from this and previous semesters are at the "Common Reading Photo Gallery" page: http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?token=529949504114%3A1630854573. Thanks to Stephen Berry for his presentations and to Rob Wick for his engaging lecture on Oct. 20th. Thanks also to the re-enactors and their guests - and to those on the Common Reading committee and with OCTC maintenance who helped put the event together.
LINKS PAGE: For more information about House of Abraham, Stephen Berry, Abraham Lincoln, Mary Todd, or the Civil War - click here!
LIBRARY DISPLAY: Check out the main campus library (LRC building) for a display of materials (books, films, information, etc.) related to Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War, and House of Abraham. Some of the materials on the display include the books, music, or videos: Lincoln in American Memory; Lincoln Legends: Myths, Hoaxes, and Confabulations Associated with our Greatest President; Mrs. Lincoln: A Life; Created Equal? The Complete Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858; Honor's Voice: The Transformation of Abraham Lincoln; Lincoln of Kentucky; Land of Lincoln: Adventures in Abe's America; Songs of the Civil War; Looking for Lincoln; Kentucky's Civil War .... and many more materials!
LEND & LEAVE BOOKSHELF: On the 2nd floor of the LRC you will find the new Lend & Leave Bookshelf, sponsored by the Common Reading program. This is a space for students, faculty, or staff to donate books they no longer need or to pick up new ones. You are welcome to return the books, or you can take one and pass it on to someone else when you're finished. The bookshelf is located in the central area of the second floor. If you would like to donate books you can give them to Kaye Brown (LRC 218), Debbie Ruth (LRC 222), or Tonya Northenor (LRC 212).
COMMON READING T-SHIRTS OR SATCHELS: If you are interested in having your own OCTC Common Reading t-shirt or bookbag, displaying the logo, please contact Kaye Brown at kaye.brown@kctcs.edu or click here for an order form. T-shirts range from $12-15 dollars depending on the color and size. Long sleeved t-shirts are $13-16. Bookbag prices TBA.
Mr. Berry's fall 2009 reading will be funded in
part by the Kentucky Humanities Council - thanks for the support!
Also, thanks to the Theatre Workshop of Owensboro
for supplying us with some of the costumes for the Civil War tea events! 
What is the OCTC Common Reading?
Each semester a book is selected as OCTC’s Common Reading, with the idea that all participants could read the same material and have common ground for new discussions and mutual interests. While the book choices vary in many ways (different genres, time-periods, subject matters) they are chosen with the intention of expanding the knowledge and perspectives of readers. The background of the selected writers is diverse; however, many Kentucky and regional writers are also included in order to help us appreciate local talent, acknowledge shared concerns, and celebrate our common heritage. All OCTC students, staff, faculty, and interested community members are invited and encouraged to participate by reading the books and attending the related presentations each semester.