One Book, One Community: The Hound of the Baskervilles

“The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes,” wrote Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Fortunately the East Baton Rouge Parish Library is a keen observer of its community, and it's quite obvious that few things are more enriching and exciting than a city of readers coming together to explore the same literary world. The One Book One Community Program encourages EBR patrons of all stripes—from lifelong mystery devotees to curious elementary students—to embark on a journey inspired by the year's pick.

As you might have guessed, 2019 points Baton Rouge to The Hound of the Baskervilles, the most famous novel-length adventure of the renowned Sherlock Holmes. The novel—which pits Holmes against a mythical beast—is a classic, but it is far from the only possible door into 221B Baker Street and the mind of The Great Detective.

“We deliberately look for selections that offer a variety of entrees into the book and what it explores,” said Assistant Library Director Mary Stein. Whether it's film or TV adaptations, graphic novels, or methods of forensic investigation, OBOC doles out all sorts of clues to push patrons to investigate the many-layered universe of Sherlock Holmes.

Starting with the season's kick-off party, it's clear that OBOC and its programs go far beyond dry lectures and literary analysis slideshows to build its case. State police forensic experts, face painters (trained in the art of “disguise”), and maybe even dog adoption (what, after all, would the Baskervilles be without the Hound?) will all be on the scene for the free, family-friendly “street party” that officially launches the program from 6 pm February 23 at the Main Library on Goodwood.

From there, the game is afoot! Book discussions and topical presentations by experts abound, not to mention film screenings, tea parties, escape rooms, and more—activities for all ages are slated in branches across the parish until the end of March.

How to join in yourself? Elementary, my dear reader! Just stop by your local EBR library to check out your own Hound of the Baskervilles, then check the calendar or ask your librarian about One Book, One Community events. For a complete list of One Book, One Community programs and events, visit ReadOneBook.org.