ACPL Unites Community Around “One County, One Book” Initiative
- amichael-keller
- Oct 7
- 2 min read
The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is thrilled by the community’s enthusiasm for its 2025 “One County, One Book” initiative. The program aims to connect residents across Allen County through reading. It features “Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America” by journalist Steve Inskeep who will be the featured speaker at the annual McMurtry Lecture. Tickets to the in-person event were free and “sold out” in a matter of hours
“Our community’s response is a reminder that powerful stories can bring people together, even when the world feels divided,” said Susan P. Baier, ACPL Executive. “’One County, One Book’ is not only an opportunity to read, but to also discuss and learn alongside our neighbors.”
To ensure that no one misses out, ACPL is offering multiple ways to participate in the McMurtry Lecture, whether in person or remotely:
Branch Watch Parties: Join fellow readers at one of five library branches — Georgetown, Hessen Cassel, Pontiac, Tecumseh, or Waynedale — to watch the live stream of the main event together. Thursday, October 9, 7 p.m. Space is limited, and advance registration is encouraged.
Livestream from Home or Host a Watch Party: Groups, clubs, schools, or friends are invited to host their own viewing events — fostering discussion and connection in comfortable, local settings. The lecture will be streamed live for viewers at home by visiting www.acpl.info/streamocob.
Standby Line & Overflow Room: On the night of October 9, the standby seating line will open at 6:30 p.m. and, if space allows, attendees will be admitted to the main theater beginning at 6:50 p.m. Meanwhile, an overflow room (Meeting Rooms A/B/C) will open at 6:30 p.m. for a live-feed viewing.
The program is funded by donations from the Friends of the Lincoln Collection, the ACPL Foundation, and the ACPL Friends of the Library. To learn more or to register for a branch watch party, visit acpl.info/onecountyonebook.