ReadDavidson is a town-wide initiative organized by a group of avid readers, Main Street Books, and the Davidson Public Library. Since 2007, books have been chosen annually, and book-related events have been planned to make each book come to life. Each year citizens are invited to participate in programs and events. 

All events are free and open to the public.

2017 Selection

The 2017 book selection was Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel.  This year, all ReadDavidson events took place during the town's April is for Arts celebration.  They were as follows:

Book Discussion with Gabriel Sealey-Morris: Tuesday, April 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the Davidson Library Community Room. Come discuss the book with Dr. Sealey-Morris, Assistant Professor of English at Johnson C. Smith and other participants.

A Presentation on Plagues, Pandemics, and Germs by David Wessner: Monday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m. in the Davidson Library Community Room. Come hear from Dr. David  Wessner, Professor of Biology and Associate Director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies at Davidson College. This event is co-sponsored by DavidsonLearns.

A Graphic Novel Discussion with Snow Wildsmith: Wednesday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the Davidson Library Community Room. Learn about graphic novels from Davidson Public Library employee and author Snow Wildsmith.

 

A Farmer’s Market Table: Survival Skills and Edible Wild Plants: Join ReadDavidson at the Davidson Farmer’s Market on Saturday, April 29 for an exhibit of edible wild plants and an opportunity to learn how to survive in the wild! The exhibit will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

A Preview to Shakespeare on the Green: Director Sylvia Schnople and actors from Hough High School will give a primer on “The Tempest” and provide a historical timeline of Shakespeare and theatre troupes Tuesday, May 2 at 7:00 p.m. at the Armour St. Theater located at 307 Armour St.  This is a great way to learn about “The Tempest” so you’ll be ready to watch it on the town green later in the month.

Shakespeare on the Green: The Town of Davidson is excited to announce a new event this year, Shakespeare on the Green. We will feature ‘The Tempest’ in coordination with The Davidson Community Players and Hough High School. Performances will be held on the town green on May 12 at 6:00 p.m., May 13 at 6:00 p.m., and May 14 at 2:00 p.m. This event is a community partnership between the Town of Davidson, Davidson College Friends of the Arts, Davidson Community Players, and Hough High School.  

Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors:

• Main Street Books
• Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
• Davidson Public Library
• PostNet
• DavidsonLearns

History

ReadDavidson was first launched in 2007 and is a partnership between the Town of Davidson, the Davidson Public Library, Main Street Books, and several local avid readers.

Past ReadDavidson selections

2007: The Bridge by Doug Marlette
2008: One Foot in Eden by Ron Rash
2009: The Color of Water by James McBride
2010: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
2011: The Help by Kathryn Stockett
2012: State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
2013: A Land More Kind Than Home by Wiley Cash
2014: One Second After by William Forstchen
2015: Guests on Earth by Lee Smith
2016: Wherever There is Light by Peter Golden
2017: Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel