By Chris Bavender
Carmel Clay Public Library’s annual Carmel Clay Reads program will feature three books as part of the Investigate Science and Technology theme.
The spring program, which runs through April 30, will feature one title. The fall event will feature two books focused on the environment. The spring selection is “Spare Parts: Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot and the Battle for the American Dream.”
“The committee looks for a book that has a strong storyline with compelling characters (real or fictitious) that will expand the reader’s knowledge in some way and generate discussion,” said Beth Jenneman, CCPL communications manager. “Past books have dealt with individuals experiencing historical events such as the Japanese internment, the Holocaust, racism in the U.S. and the Chinese Cultural Revolution, or more character-driven stories of individuals facing cancer or dealing with autism.”
The 244-page book geared toward teens and adults is the story of four undocumented teens in Phoenix who decide to build an underwater robot to compete in a school robotic competition. With the help of two teachers and donations from local businesses, the team keeps winning and reaches the final, where they are the underdogs pitted against former champions.
“Carmel Clay Reads is based on the concept of the One City One Book program, which started in Seattle in 1998,” Jenneman said. “The purpose is to encourage everyone in a city to read the same book and then come together and talk about the book in both formal and informal settings, thus creating a sense of community and promoting literacy.”
The goal also is to give patrons a positive reading experience while learning something in the process.
“In regard to ‘Spare Parts,’ we are hoping readers will also be inspired by the story of individuals overcoming great odds to reach their dream,” Jenneman said. “In past years, many patrons have said they read the chosen title simply because it was part of Carmel Clay Reads and not something they would likely have read on their own but ended up enjoying the book and learning something new.”
Books can be reserved via the online catalog or by calling the reference desk at 317-844-3362.
In conjunction with the book, the documentary “Underwater Dreams,” featuring the individuals who inspired the book, will be shown at 7 p.m. March 23 and 2 p.m. March 26 in the Program Room. There also will be several book discussions at the library. The library’s programs can be found online at carmel.lib.in.us.
