Common Read program plans workshop to gear up for spring events

Contact: Jeanne Baron
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Henrietta Lacks

KALAMAZOO—University Common Read 2012-13 has scheduled an informational workshop to help participants gear up for two major events taking place this spring.

Students and employees are invited to attend "Leading a Book Discussion for Your Reading Group" from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, in Waldo Library's Meader Rare Book Room. Pre-registration is requested by calling (269) 387-5166.

During the workshop, attendees will learn about the basics of leading a book discussion with a group of friends or a more formal reading group. The program also is an excellent way for members of student organizations to pick up tips for leading other kinds of discussions within their organizations.

University Common Read 2012-13, WMU's first formal campuswide common reading program, started this summer for all incoming and current students as well as all employees. The featured book is "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot.

University Libraries has set up a website to keep the WMU community informed about the read. The site includes information about a public talk by Skloot planned for Monday, Jan. 14, and a question-and-answer session featuring members of the Lacks family Monday, Feb. 11.

"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" is on sale in the WMU Bookstore and may be checked out at Waldo Library. The library also has reading group packets available for check out that include study guides and up to six copies of the book.

For more information, visit the WMU LibGuides Web page. Direct questions to Miranda Howard at miranda.howard@wmich.edu or (269) 387-5166.