In 1998, John Wood left his high paying job at Microsoft for a new adventure. He found his life’s calling on a trip to Nepal when he came into the awareness of the need for books for the children who have none.
He returned to Nepal with “books on the back of a yak” and seeing the joy in the children’s faces inspired him to do more. Over the next five years, John relied on his business knowledge to develop Room to Read, a non-profit organization that has already helped build over 5,500 schools and libraries and fund scholarships for over 3,000 young girls across the globe.
Leaving Microsoft to Change the World is a book about the journey, and the choices John made that took him away from a certain and solid future and lead him to the path of helping others in need.
Events
Kick-Off
Thursday, February 12th, 2-7 p.m. Open House at the WJ Niederkorn Library in Port Washington and at the Oscar Grady Library in Saukville. Pick up a copy of the
book and a discussion guide. Check out the other events that will be happening too!
Book Drive
On-going. Drop off your NEW kid’s or young adult books at either library. Donations will be made to Wisconsin Public Libraries in need.
Art Inspires
On-going. Stop at either the Oscar Grady Library or the WJ Niederkorn Library
to paint your inspiration from concepts of the book and the Character Counts traits. Canvasses will be available to paint at the libraries or to take home starting February 12th. Inspiration printout Art Inspires
Online Wiki Writing
On-going. Go online to www.saukville.lib.wi.us or www.portwashington.lib.wi.us to add your thoughts and creative writing.
Business Group
Monday, March 9th, 3:30-6 p.m. at the WJ Niederkorn Library. Business Leaders will meet with Students to share their experience of how they can make a living while helping to make a better community.
Volunteer Forum
Saturday, February 28th, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn how you can make a difference in your own backyard. Open House at Oscar Grady Library in Saukville with the Volunteer Center of Ozaukee County.
Wrap Up
Open House at Oscar Grady - Friday, March 27th, 1-3 p.m.
Special Presentation - Speaker Sara Lundgren
Saturday, March 28th at 2 p.m. in the WJ Niederkorn Community Room, Sara Lundgren from Room To Read will be presenting a slide show and a talk about her work with the organization. Sara is originally from Grafton, and works as the chapter leader in Chicago.
Book Discussions
At Oscar Grady Library in Saukville:
Thursday, February 26th at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 7th at 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, March 18th at 6:30 p.m.
At the WJ Niederkorn Library in Port Washington:
Tuesday, March 3rd at 1:30 p.m. with Barb Roob’s Book Group
Friday, March 13th at 9:30 a.m. with the Friday Morning Book Group
Monday, March 16th at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 21st at 11:30 a.m.
At the Feith Family YMCA in Saukville:
Thursday, March 19th at 7:00 p.m. Public Welcome
At Carol’s Coffee & Café in Saukville:
Friday, March 20th at 1 p.m.
At the Java Dock Café in Port Washington:
Tuesday, March 10th at 2 p.m.
At the Port Washington High School:
Thursday, March 19th at 2:45 p.m.
At TJ Middle School:
Thursday, March 26th at 2:45 p.m.
Special Thanks To:
Port Washington-Saukville Rotary
Flexible Quality Solutions, LLC.
Friends of the Oscar Grady Library
Friends of the WJ Niederkorn Library
The Volunteer Center of Ozaukee County
Character Counts of Port Washington/Saukville communities
Carol’s Coffee and Café of Saukville
Java Dock Café of Port Washington
For More Information
Oscar Grady:
262-284-6022
WJ Niederkorn Library:
262-284-5031
One Book, One Community printable flyer
Port Washington High School:
262-268-5531
Monica.Treptow@pwssd.k12.wi.us
See Below:
Background
Events
Special Presentation
Book Discussions
Special Thanks
More Information
Background
The Saukville and Port Washington libraries and communities in conjunction with the Port Washington Saukville School District and the Character Counts organization are bringing together readers in both communities to read and discuss one book which focuses on character, how we measure success and the value of libraries, schools and education for all.
The books will be available as of the kickoff event on Thursday February 12th. Book discussions and other programs start in late February and continue through March. Books may be checked out at the W.J. Niederkorn Library or the Oscar Grady Public Library. Books may also be purchased for $10. There are no large print or audiobooks available. Yes there are two different covers for the book.
Watch a video about John Wood by clicking on one of the links that follow:
“In His Own Words” Quicktime Windows Media