In 2002, the director of the Handley Regional Library in Winchester, Va., and the superintendent of the City of Winchester schools called together a group of community partners, including Shenandoah University - represented by Dr. Tracy Fitzsimmons - to bring the nationally recognized One Book, One City concept to the area. Since the program was to include Winchester, Frederick and Clarke counties, the name One Book, One Community was chosen.

The Shenandoah University community has supported this program from the beginning, and this year, the One Book, One Community project strengthens that connection.

“This I Believe: The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women,” a printed collection of essays, is the 2008 One Book, One Community selection for the City of Winchester and Frederick and Clarke counties community. In addition to reading the book, community members - including students, faculty and staff at Shenandoah — are being asked to submit their own “This I Believe” essays. The book’s editor and NPR host Jay Allison will be at Shenandoah University on Thursday, Sept. 25, as a guest speaker during inauguration events. A handful of submitted essays will be selected and presented by their authors and Allison on stage during his presentation.

(See “How to submit an essay for ‘This I Believe’ at the bottom of this page.)

The first One Book, One Community selection in 2003 was Homer Hickam’s “Rocket Boys.” The second book was “Seabiscuit” by Laura Hillebrand. The 2005 book was “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon. “Wish You Well” by David Baldacci was the 2006 book, and the 2007 selection was “On Agate Hill” by Lee Smith.

The intended goals of the One Book, One Community program are to promote reading as a fun and meaningful part of everyday life; to unite the community around a common activity and a discussion of important issues; to build bridges of understanding among people of diverse ages, social, economic, and racial backgrounds; and to bring together business and education-related interests to serve a common goal.

One Book, One Community sponsors include The Winchester Star newspaper, First Bank, Berryville Graphics and Peggy Hahn.

One Book, One Community partners include Borders Books, Clarke County (Va.) Schools, Friends of Handley Regional Library, Frederick County (Va.) Schools, Handley Regional Library, Literacy Volunteers of America, Lord Fairfax Community College, Magic Lantern Theater, Powhatan School, Shenandoah University, Winchester Book Gallery, Winchester-Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, Winchester City Schools and WMRA radio.

“One Book” projects, initiated by the Washington Center for the Book in 1998, are organized in cities and towns across the U.S. and around the world.

To submit an essay for “This I Believe”

Go to www.thisibelieve.org/essaywritingtips.html or go to the Handley Regional Library “One Book” Web page at http://www.hrl.lib.state.va.us/handley/beyondbooks.asp?loc=4 and select “Write Your Own Essay.” When you choose “Information on Submitting Your Own Essay,” you need to accept the “This I Believe” submission forms. You may then fill out a form which will include your essay and some information about yourself. If possible, on the second address line, include information that affiliates you with Winchester’s One Book, One Community project. For instance, you could write “One Book/Shenandoah student” or “OneBook/Shenandoah faculty” or “One Book/Winchester resident.” Read the “This I Believe” Privacy Policy. Be brief - 350 to 500 words - and be positive. State what you believe, not what you do not believe.

You can write your own essay and submit it to the “This I Believe” organization. Essays will be reviewed for potential broadcast on National Public Radio (NPR).

You can also share them with One Book, One Community at thisibelieve@hrl.lib.state.va.us and read them at an open mic session on Saturday, July 12, at 2 p.m. at Borders Books at 2420 S. Pleasant Valley Road in Winchester. Those who submit an essay may have an opportunity to have their essay published in a collection produced by the One Book, One Community committee.

“This I Believe” is an international project engaging people in writing, sharing and discussing the core values that guide their daily lives. These short statements of belief, written by people from all walks of life, are archived here and featured on public radio in the United States and Canada, as well as in regular broadcasts on NPR. The project is based on the popular 1950s radio series of the same name hosted by Edward R. Murrow.

Note: Writing tips as well as sample essays from local residents are available at http://www.hrl.lib.state.va.us/Handley/One%20Book%20One%20Community/Essay%20page.htm