Atheneum Ends "One Book One Island" Program

The Atheneum library on Tuesday announced that it was ending the "One Book, One Island" community reading program after nearly 20 years.

The beloved program - which brought the community together to read a carefully selected book followed by events and discussions - was led by the Atheneum in collaboration with numerous other local organizations. Despite its long run of success, the Atheneum stated Tuesday that "shifting engagement levels and evolving community needs prompted thoughtful reflection on its future."

"As programmers, we put our hearts into creating meaningful events, but we found that the return on investment in terms of participation was not always what we hoped,” said Atheneum library director Ann Scott.

Over the past few years, the Atheneum and its partners have explored ways to make the program more sustainable and inclusive, including streamlining the book selection process, democratizing access to materials, and leveraging social media for broader outreach.

"However, after careful consideration, it became clear that it was time to transition from OBOI and reallocate resources toward fresh, dynamic initiatives that continue to bring the community together in meaningful ways," the library stated in an email to partners and others on Tuesday. 

Past selections for One Book, One Island have included a wide array of fiction and nonfiction titles, each chosen to spark conversation and reflection. The program’s success was made possible through local organizations, volunteers, and funders, including the Tupancy-Harris Foundation and the Hale Family Foundation.

Initially founded as a way for executive directors of local organizations to connect over books, the program evolved into a multi-faceted initiative with contributions from groups such as the Artists Association of Nantucket, Mitchell’s Book Corner, the Nantucket Historical Association, and others. Over the years, several "passionate individuals," including the late Jim Lentowski, played pivotal roles in ensuring the program’s success, the library stated, from designing promotional materials to actively participating in events.

As the program concludes, the Atheneum is planning to celebrate its legacy with a commemorative display of past selections that will be featured at the library. Additionally, a special tea event will be held on March 7th (the exact time TBD; check back to the library's calendar at nantucketatheneum.org) to recognize past organizers, supporters, and the many community members who helped make OBOI a success.

“We are saying bon voyage to One Book, One Island, and hello to additional meaningful experiences for One Community,” said Scott.