One might think of reading as a solitary activity but, with the return of the “One Book, One Ptbo” shared community reading experience, the Peterborough Public Library is proving it doesn’t have to be.
This fall, the program is returning for its second year with even more thought-provoking and educational events lined up, all linked together by the emotional 2023 novel The Story of Us by award-winning author and screenwriter Catherine Hernandez.
From book clubs and conversations led by local organizations to workshops and a visit from the author herself, “One Book, One Ptbo” offers no shortage of opportunities to connect with other readers and learn about the issues and themes discussed in the book.
“One Book, One Community” events are held across North America, with the first Peterborough event held last year featuring Anishinaabe writer Waubgeshig Rice’s bestselling novel Moon of the Crusted Snow. Hernandez’s novel was selected by community vote to be this year’s book from a community-chosen shortlist of three finalists that also included Omar El Akkad’s What Strange Things and Zalika Reid-Benta’s River Mumma.
Narrated through the perspective of the protagonist’s baby, The Story of Us follows an overseas Filipino worker named Mary Grace Concepcion who leaves home and her husband to first be a caregiver in Hong Kong before travelling even further to Toronto. After navigating careless employers and unruly children, she then cares for Liz, an elderly transgender woman suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, and the two form a surprising and heartbreaking bond.
“There’s a lot to discuss here about caring for the elderly, about respect and the struggles faced by the trans community, and about overseas workers,” says Karen Bisschop, Community Development Librarian at the Peterborough Public Library. “There are a lot of important and serious discussions in the book, but there’s a little bit of humour in it as well and even recipes. There’s a lot that can be done with a story like this.”
The Story of Us author Catherine Hernandez is a queer woman of Filipino, Spanish, Chinese, and Indian descent who married into the Navajo Nation. Having just released her fourth novel Behind You, she is most known for her acclaimed debut novel Scarborough, which was a 2022 Canada Reads finalist and adapted into an award-winning film.
This year’s “One Book, One Ptbo” culminates on Monday, November 4th when Hernandez will be at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre to read from her work and participate in an on-stage interview.
“Hernandez has been getting a lot of attention, so we’re really excited that she’s coming to Peterborough,” notes Bisschop.
With more than 70 copies of The Story of Us available for check out from the Peterborough Public Library, including audio book and e-book formats, there is ample opportunity for interested readers to read the book and participate in the events in advance of the Hernandez’s visit.
“There’s serendipity that happens when you see someone reading the same book that you just read, whether that’s someone you know or a neighbour on the bus, and it encourages opportunities for spontaneous conversation,” says Bisschop.
“One of the things something like this or a book club does is encourages you to read a book that you wouldn’t otherwise. Sometimes you learn something new from it and it can open up worlds.”
Bisschop adds that, having studied the novel in the library’s general book club earlier this spring, she witnessed in-depth conversations surrounding topics of which readers had no previous knowledge.
“These shared reading experiences open a door into further discussion and oftentimes the more we talk about something, the more people are interested to dive deeper and learn more on their own,” she explains.
“It’s the fiction that draws readers in, but the truth behind it will invite them to explore something in more detail, so we’re hoping to see that happen again.”
Those looking to start their own book clubs with friends, neighbours, and co-workers can also check out the “Book Club in a Bag” kit from the library. The sets come complete with copies of the book, a tracking sheet, discussion guides, and other articles and background information.
Alternatively, interested readers who already have their own book clubs can ask Bisschop and other library staff for guidance. Email libraryprograms@peterborough.ca for more information.
“It can be very helpful to have a standard set of questions and draw people into those themes to create conversations that stem from having read the book,” Bisschop says. “And I’m always happy to learn about other book groups in the community as well.”
VIDEO: Catherine Hernandez on CBC’s Q with Tom Power
New this year, the library has started a “One Book, One Ptbo” public Facebook group which anyone can join to share their thoughts, reviews, and questions about The Story of Us. The library is regularly posting quotes from the book along with guiding questions to invite discussion and engagement.
“It gives readers a space to discuss something or interact with others anytime,” Bisschop says. “Not everyone is able to make it out to the events, so the Facebook group lets them still be involved.”
Further encouraging engagement from readers, the Peterborough Public Library will soon be uploading the Beanstack Reading Challenge. The digital platform incentivizes reading by providing “badges” for various reading achievements and for attending the in-person events. The more badges earned, the more chances for readers to win prizes from the library.
Below is the full list of events relating to this year’s One Book, One Ptbo program. Note that most events require advance registration; visit calendar.ptbolibrary.ca to register.
One Book, One Ptbo Book Club – Pride Week Session
Wednesday, September 25 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Main Library
During “One Book, One Ptbo,” the library will be hosting extra book club meetings featuring The Story of Us, with the first held during Peterborough Pride Week with an LGBTQ+ focus. Book club copies are available at the check-out desk on a first come, first served basis.
Advance registration is required.
Aging with Pride
Thursday, September 26, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Main Library
In partnership with Age-Friendly Peterborough, this event during Peterborough Pride Week spotlights current issues older 2SLGBTQIA+ adults face as they age. The discussion will help listeners understand challenges to healthy aging and engage in discussion about promoting mental, physical, and social well-being. A presentation will be followed by a refreshment break and discussion.
Advance registration is required.
Preserving Your Heirlooms
Thursday, October 3, 2 – 3 p.m., Peterborough Museum & Archives
Since The Story of Us features some precious historical items that are stored in a damp and dark basement, the Peterborough Museum & Archives will be teaching participants how to properly preserve family heirlooms. Using examples from its collection, the museum will share the best techniques and practices for protecting important artifacts for years to come. Questions regarding specific heirlooms are welcome.
“We sometimes don’t appreciate the older objects that our family will want to look at and enjoy later, so we thought this was a good twist to bring in more topics of discussion,” says Bisschop.
Registration is not required.
One Book, One Ptbo Book Club – General Session
Saturday, October 5, 2 – 3 p.m., Main Library
During “One Book, One Ptbo,” the library will be hosting extra book club meetings featuring The Story of Us. Book club copies are available at the check-out desk on a first come, first served basis.
Advance registration is required.
Let’s Talk About Dementia
Tuesday, October 15, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., Main Library
The Story of Us follows a caregiver who works with a client suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. That’s why the library is hosting a general discussion and question-and-answer session led by the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland & Haliburton for guidance and resources to help those affected.
Registration is not required.
Cookbook Club: Lemongrass and Lime
Thursday, October 24, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Main Library
Each month, the Peterborough Public Library picks a cookbook and invites novice and seasoned cooks to pick up a recipe to test out for a community potluck. In October, the club is exploring Filipino and Southeast Asian recipes inspired by foods mentioned in The Story of Us.
Advance registration is required.
Grand Finale featuring author Catherine Hernandez
Monday, November 4, 7 – 9 p.m., Market Hall Performing Arts Centre
The “One Book, One Ptbo” program culminates in a grand finale visit from The Story of Us author Catherine Hernandez. The evening will feature readings, a live interview, book signings, and the opportunity to purchase the book from local independent bookseller Take Cover Books.
“Invited authors read from the work we studied, but they also usually read from their other work as well, so it’s always nice to get that sneak peek,” says Bisschop. “It’s a nice opportunity to hear directly from the author, but also to gather in person with other readers.”
Advance registration is required. Registration will open on Tuesday, October 1 and close when full.
Community Conversation: Exploring Canada’s Temporary Foreign Workers Program
Tuesday, November 19, 6 – 8:30 p.m., Main Library
VIDEO: “Becoming Labrador” trailer
The Story of Us highlights the vulnerability of temporary foreign workers in Canada. That’s why the Peterborough Public Library and the New Canadians Centre are inviting readers to explore issues surrounding Canada’s temporary worker permits by viewing the documentary Becoming Labrador, about a group of Filipino workers living in Happy Valley. The screening will be followed by refreshments and a panel discussion and conversation.
“It’s an ongoing topic in Canada, and highly relevant to the book,” explains Bisschop. “We’re hoping people will be interested, wanting to know the rules, the ways people are exploited, and how they can help overseas workers when they’re here.”
Advance registration with New Canadians Centre is required. Registration opens in September.
For more information on “One Book, One Ptbo” and to register for associated events, visit www.ptbolibrary.ca. You can also follow the Peterborough Public Library on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) .
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