The first step in planning this reading program was to choose a book that the community would read and enjoy discussing. DBRL and Kansas City Metropolitan Library and Information Network (KCMLIN) wanted a book that would appeal to people of different backgrounds and reading levels, as well as address themes, issues and topics that would encourage and sustain spirited discussion. (Find out more about the partnership with KCMLIN) With this in mind, criteria were set stating that the book:

1. be written by a noted author;
2. be written by a living author;
3. contain thought-provoking subject matter that would encourage discussion;
4. be cross-generational (readable for high school students and adults);
5. contain subject matter that would appeal to a wide variety of people; and
6. be authored by someone who is a good speaker and would be willing and
   able to travel and make several appearances in the community.

Suggestions for books were submitted to the KCMLIN Web site as possible titles for the program. From this list, librarians from the KCMLIN and the DBRL were asked to vote for their choice based upon the above criteria. The list was then narrowed to ten. Publishers were then contacted to determine the ability, availability and willingness of the proposed authors to participate in the program as well as the publisher¹s ability to fulfill orders for the anticipated quantity of books needed. From there, librarians narrowed the list from 10 to two.

Voting for the two books, One O'Clock Jump, by Lise McClendon and Plainsong, by Kent Haruf, was conducted online and ended February 4. Voters chose Plainsong.