Lyrical Beginnings: Flash Fiction Contest Winners

October 17, 2022 Leave a comment

As part of this year’s One Read program, we invited you to take inspiration from M.O. Walsh’s naming convention in the “The Big Door Prize,” by telling a tale in 250 words or less, and we asked that you titled your story using a chapter heading from the book. The stories could be about anything and anyone, but they should harmonize with your chosen title.

Thank you to everyone who entered and shared your works of flash fiction.

Our two winners are Scott Garson and Suzette Haefling. Honorable mentions go to David Lake and Regan Puckett.

We are excited to share these stories with you!

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Thank You for Taking Part in One Read 2022!

October 11, 2022 Leave a comment

Thank you so much to everyone who read or listened to “The Big Door Prize”  by M.O. Walsh and participated in any of our great One Read events this year. We had a chance to experience the music of John Prine, get inspired by small-town life, and explore the book through many discussions. The theme of “possibility” was examined through art and collage, vision boards, and even Tarot cards. As a community, we investigated the topics of this book through discussions, arts, films and lectures. We want to express our appreciation to all of you who attended these events, read the book and shared it with your friends, family, coworkers and book clubs.

Thank you for being a part of this year’s One Read!

Do you have an idea for what book our community should read next? Visit this site or any library branch in November to suggest a book for next year.

One Read Author’s Talk: M.O. Walsh

September 14, 2022 2 Comments

Tuesday, September 27 › 7-8 p.m.
Launer Auditorium, Columbia College, 1001 Rogers. St., Columbia
Broadcast live on KOPN 89.5/FM
Livestream watch party at Callaway County Public Library in Fulton

Author M.O. WalshJoin us to hear One Read author M.O. Walsh talk about his book “The Big Door Prize,” his writing process and the inspiration for the novel. There will be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions and get copies of the book signed. You can also watch a livestream of this talk at the Callaway County Public Library in Fulton and hear it live on KOPN 89.5-FM. Masks are requested at Launer Auditorium.

Read more about M.O. Walsh.

Possibility, Promise: Art Exhibit Winners

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For this year’s One Read art exhibit, we asked artists from Mid-Missouri to submit works that explore the idea of potential, that capture a transformation, or investigate what someone or something might become. We thank all of the contributing artists and we extend a special congratulations to the winners listed below. Thanks also to our judges for their careful consideration of the entries.

First Place
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Christine Doerr
Mixed Media
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Lyrical Beginnings: Flash Fiction Writing Contest

August 24, 2022

Woman writing music on the grass

In this year’s One Read selection, author M.O. Walsh uses John Prine lyrics and song titles for many of the book’s chapter titles, as well as for the name of the book itself. Taking inspiration from Walsh’s naming convention in the “The Big Door Prize,” we invite you to tell a tale in 250 words or less, and we ask that you title your story using a chapter heading from the book. You can choose any chapter title for your flash fiction. Your story can be about anything and anyone, but it should harmonize with your chosen title. The tone can be joyful, pessimistic or anywhere in between. Winning entries and honorable mentions will be published online and in the Columbia Missourian, and the winners will receive bookstore gift cards.

Starting September 1, entries may be submitted online, mailed or dropped off at any library or bookmobile. (See full rules below for details.) Winning entries and honorable mentions will be published on this site and in the Columbia Missourian, and winners will receive a $25 book store gift card.

Participants must be age 16 or older and residents of Boone or Callaway Counties. Read on for complete contest rules. Read More →