CSU, Chico | Book in Common | Community Partners

Community Partners

Donate copies of The Soloist

The public schools need donated copies of The Soloist. Please leave books at Lyon Book in downtown Chico, the A.S. Bookstore, the Butte College Bookstore (main campus), or the Torres Shelter.  Our community thanks you!

Does the Community Book in Common Matter?

Here is a partial list of what has happened in Butte County as a result of the Community Book in Common, The Soloist.  This is a partial list  – if you have additional information, pleas send to BThorlaksson@csuchico.edu.

Butte County Library:  In October, the first town hall discussion on the issues in the book was held in Oroville.  That evening, and since then, the food donation box in the Oroville Branch is receiving daily food contributions which are given to the HOPE Center in Oroville.  

Butte Community College: Many events and discussions have occurred and the book is being used in 12 classes. One of the highlights is increased contributions to the campus Food Pantry.  Butte is planning several events for the spring semester—check out the Calendar for additional information.

Passages:  The Senior Companions, Foster Grandparents, and RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) volunteers have knitted and crocheted scarves for the Jesus Center; have had book group discussions with clients in their homes; are now helping serve meals at the Jesus Center.

The most stimulating topic has been the “stigma” that follows the labels around “mental health” and the financial obligation that is required to serve the homeless in particular; many volunteers have commented on sincere confusion and concern, just like the rest of us.

CSU, Chico: Many events, films, concerts, art shows, and discussions have occurred and the book is being used extensively in the School of Social Work and the First Year Experience program. Students, staff and faculty are involved in many community activities.  Highlights:

One of our Health classes is running the Harvest Food Drive for the Jesus Center. FYE had a booth at Safeway and collected nearly 600 cans of food. Students had a booth at Trader Joes' and collected money & cans.

Town Hall:  The FYE program held a very well attended Town Hall that included faculty, staff, students, and many community members, including those who are homeless.  They are now developing a plan of action based on the discussions from the first meeting.