1book 1community  Reading Program

It Happened on Saturday picked for 2023

Loudoun County Public Library is excited to announce the selection of It Happened on Saturday by Sydney Dunlap for the annual 1book 1community program. This timely story revolves around 13-year-old Julia as she navigates the world of dating and its implications for internet safety.

Free copies of It Happened on Saturday are available in branches beginning in September while supplies last, or you can access the eBook instantly on our Libby app from Sept. 20—Nov. 11.

What: Live Q&A with Sydney Dunlap
When: Thursday, Nov. 2, 7 p.m.
Where: Online
Admission: This event is free and open to the public. Submit questions in advance to susan.vanepps@loudoun.gov.

What: Book Discussion with Sydney Dunlap
When: Saturday, Nov. 4, 1 p.m.
Where: Rust Library
Admission: This event is free and open to the public.

Thirteen-year-old Julia would much rather work with horses at the rescue barn than worry about things like dating and makeup. But when her BFF meets a boy at camp, Julia’s determined not to get left behind. After a makeover from her older sister, she posts a picture of herself online and gets a comment from Tyler—a seemingly nice kid who lives across town. As they DM more and more, Julia’s sure that Tyler understands her in a way her family never has. Even better, their relationship earns her tons of attention at school.

Then Julia finds out Tyler’s true plan, and her world is turned upside down. She fiercely guards her secret, but could her silence allow her friends to fall into the same trap?

Sydney Dunlap is a former elementary school teacher who has worked with at-risk youth in a variety of settings, and she enjoys reading and writing heartfelt, hopeful fiction that expands young readers’ awareness of tough topics. She is a published poet and has also written for a newspaper. A lifelong animal lover, Sydney lives with her family in a home where the dogs and cats outnumber the people.

ESOL: Adult Book Club

Sterling Library
Thursdays in October, 5 p.m.

Adult Book Club: Children's Literature

Gum Spring Library
Thursday, Oct. 12, 7 p.m.

Adult Book Club

Rust Library
Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2 p.m.

Adult and Teen Book Discussion

Ashburn Library
Thursday, Nov. 2, 6 p.m.

Adult Book Club

Middleburg Library
Monday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m.

1book 1community is Loudoun County Public Library’s annual countywide reading program that promotes community dialogue and understanding through the shared experience of reading and discussing the same book.

The program is made possible by the Irwin Uran Gift Fund. The Irwin Uran Gift Fund was established in 1999 through a $1 million gift from the philanthropist Irwin Uran. Mr. Uran’s gift to the Loudoun County Public Library supports the purchase of materials and programs that “create better understanding between all people.” Irwin Uran died in 2007 leaving a legacy of humanitarian contributions that has affected the lives of thousands of people.