2002/09/24 City Council Resolution (6)RESOLUTION NO. 2002- 217
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
Supporting
SONOMA COUNTY READS!
WHEREAS, the Sonoma County Public Library Foundation is launching Sonoma County Reads!,
a countywide event to encourage teens and adults throughout Sonoma County to read the same
book. The Sonoma County Reads! Steering Committee selected The Grapes of Wrath in
recognition that February, 2002, marks the 1001h anniversary of Steinbeck's birth and in support of
the California Council for the Humanities, which is urging all Californians to read this book.
Steinbeck, a native Californian, explored the major social, cultural, and political topics of the Great
Depression, including migration, homelessness, and poverty among the working classes. More
than 60 years after the book's publication, these issues are still relevant throughout California; and
WHEREAS, the month -long October event, will culminate with book discussion groups, movie
showings, sing - alongs, and other activities, which will focus attention on reading, literacy, and
community building. In addition to the Library Foundation, the Sonoma County Library, Santa Rosa
City Council, Santa Rosa School Board, Santa Rosa Junior College, Sonoma State University,
KRCB, and numerous other local institutions and businesses are involved in planning and
implementing the event; and
WHEREAS, Sonoma County Reads! Is being met with overwhelming support form local
businesses and government, and event sponsors include the Press - Democrat, Copperfield's
Books, Exchange Bank, Community Foundation, Sonoma County, and Wolf Coffee. In addition, the
California Council for the Humanities has awarded a grant to the Sonoma County Library to screen
The Grapes of Wrath movie at its branches throughout the county; and
EREAS, Santa Rosa Junior College has selected The Grapes of Wrath for its annual Work of
'ary Merit, which means it will be recommended reading for the school's English classes. SRJC
will conduct free public lectures and exhibits related to the issues presented in The Grapes of
ith, and the Sonoma County Library has purchased 1,000 copies of the novel in both English
Spanish and is encouraging people to visit their local library branch to borrow a copy.
)W THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Rohnert Park that it
cognizes Sonoma County Reads! and applauds the members of the community who support
s worthwhile event by reading The Grapes of Wrath during the month of October.
DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED this 2411 day of September, 2002.
CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
Mayor
NMI=
AYE
VACANCY: N/A VIDP
NOES: (0) ABSD
AVE FLORES: AYE
ABSTAIN: (0)