“Between the Lines” All-Employee Summer Reading Program

May 22, 2012

Dear Staff and Faculty,

I am delighted to share with you news of an employee initiative to be launched this summer. In carrying out its charge of promoting an inclusive community and planning activities that foster positive relationships across the college, the Staff Council Diversity Committee has developed “Between the Lines,” a community summer reading program. All staff and faculty members are invited to read a common book over the summer and then come together in the fall in a series of facilitated discussion groups and other activities. The idea is to foster a deeper sense of community and understanding of one another by sharing an experience and exchanging perspectives about the story, the characters, and important themes gleaned from the reading.

This summer's “Between the Lines” will feature the 2001 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Empire Falls written by Richard Russo. As a way to gauge the level of participation and plan accordingly for follow-up events in the fall, the Diversity Committee asks that interested individuals register for the community reading project at www.smith.edu/staffcouncil/betweenthelines.html. This website will be updated throughout the summer with details about planned events and other relevant information.

I encourage you to participate in this collaborative opportunity for staff and faculty. And, along with the Staff and Faculty Councils, I look forward to our working community coming together and engaging in meaningful conversations.

Carol T. Christ
President