One Book One Lexington has been a successful event for Lexington Public Library for more than a decade. When organizers selected this year's title, the timely and accessible How It Went Down, they wanted to reach an even broader audience. That's where the idea of a virtual book club was born. By producing a podcast with episodic releases throughout the month-long event, Library staff could utilize technology to allow everyone in Lexington and beyond to participate in One Book One Lexington, even if they were unable to visit a Library location for in-person discussions or related programming.

The production of One Book One Podcast was a collaboration that used the talents of staff members throughout the Lexington Public Library system. Two members of the One Book One Lexington planning committee served as hosts and wrote four half-hour episodes. Each was recorded and edited in the Northside Branch's Digital Studio with help from the Digital Studio Coordinator. The Library's Graphic Artist contributed cover art and the Web Coordinator handled the logistics of making the podcast available via the Library website and iTunes. One Book One Lexington has gone global!

One Book One Podcast succeeded in its goal to make the One Book One Lexington event accessible to a broader audience. While quantifying the listeners proved elusive, anecdotal evidence demonstrated that listeners were excited to have the opportunity to connect with the Library at their convenience and in their own spaces. Library staff enjoyed the creative process and were pleased with the high quality of the finished product. Because of the success, the podcast will continue as a regular feature and highlight other popular titles, rebranded as Checked Out: A Virtual Bookclub from the Lexington Public Library.