Fall 2013 Common Reading: We invite the campus and community to read The Namesake. The novel tells the story of a family, immigrated to the U.S. from India, and how their lives differ across the generations. Many events are planned for the semester, including explorations of Indian culture through dances, festivals, lectures, and film screenings. See OCTC Common Reading on Facebook for the most up-to-date information.
FACEBOOK: To get the most recent updates, pictures, and events through Facebook, “like” us on Facebook. Everyone is welcome (you don't have to have a Facebook page to view the page): OCTC Common Reading Facebook
COMING IN SPRING 2014: The Common Reading program will celebrate our 10th anniversary! As part of the festivities we will be reading again one of our favorite, and first, Common Readings - Silas House's novel A Parchment of Leaves. In addition to other events, many of our former Common Reading authors will be revisiting OCTC for a writer's festival, including workshops and a bookfair, March 26-28, 2014. More information TBA.
Thank you: Special thanks to the many area donors who are helping us make the Common Reading and other campus initiatives more lasting and vital parts of our community through the NEH Grant efforts.
Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this website do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
LIBRARY DISPLAY: Each semester the OCTC main campus Library (LRC/LRE building) has a display of materials related to the book, writer, and theme of each Common Reading. Check it out!
LEND & LEAVE BOOKSHELF: In the LRC, upstairs near the art gallery, is a display of books that you may take and keep, take and pass on, or take and return. You may also bring some used books to leave for others.
MISSION STATEMENT: What is the 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.