Key Points
- Library officials in Everett, Washington, and Everett, Massachusetts, are launching a joint cross-country book club called the “East to West Book Club.”
- The two libraries are about 2,500 miles apart.
- Everett, Massachusetts, has roughly 50,000 residents and is located about 4 miles north of Boston.
- The book club will feature historical nonfiction about regions and people connected to each area.
- On September 19, the libraries will discuss “The Boys in the Boat,” which focuses on the University of Washington rowing team at the 1936 Summer Olympics.
- Their November 14 discussion will focus on “Dark Tide,” about the 1919 Great Boston Molasses Flood.
- Abigail Cooley, director of the Everett Public Library, said it is the first formal collaboration between the two library systems.
- Aubri Skaggs-Brads, a librarian in Everett, Massachusetts, made the initial contact after a local newspaper confused the two libraries’ logos.
- Along with virtual book discussions, the libraries plan to create postcard-writing stations for patrons to communicate across the two cities and provide regional book recommendation lists.
Everett (Evening Washington News) August 24, 2026 — Distance and geography have traditionally separated communities, but two distinct cities sharing the exact same name are bridging a 2,500-mile gap through the power of literature. Library officials in Everett, Washington, and Everett, Massachusetts — a community of roughly 50,000 residents situated about four miles north of Boston — have officially announced plans to host a series of combined book club events.
Entitled the “East to West Book Club,” the unique bi-coastal program aims to connect readers across the country by exploring historical nonfiction pieces highlighting the unique background, character, and history of each respective region.
How did the historical cross-country library collaboration begin?
For years, administrative confusion plagued both municipal organizations due to shared names, leading to frequent mix-ups. According to Aubri Skaggs-Brads, a librarian based across the country in Everett, Massachusetts, staff members there were long aware of their western counterpart because of misdirected communications.
As reported by Will Geschke of HeraldNet, Aubri Skaggs-Brads stated that
“We have gotten phone calls and emails from Washington residents, had the wrong library tagged in social media, and even received their books on a few occasions!”
The confusion finally served as an opportunity rather than a nuisance. As reported by Will Geschke of HeraldNet, Aubri Skaggs-Brads wrote that
“After one of our local papers mixed up our logos, I figured it was time to reach out and see if they would be interested in a collaboration.”
What started as a lighthearted idea quickly blossomed into an extensive cooperative venture. Initially, library representatives considered keeping the interaction simple by coordinating a shared social media post. However, after holding initial video conferences, library workers found that “the ideas just kept coming,” as noted by Aubri Skaggs-Brads to HeraldNet reporter Will Geschke.
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What books have been chosen for the East to West Book Club?
The program features two prominent historical nonfiction texts, each anchoring discussions in regional heritage. On September 19, patrons from both the Pacific Northwest and New England will assemble virtually to discuss “The Boys in the Boat,” a celebrated nonfiction book tracking the University of Washington rowing team’s journey to the 1936 Summer Olympics.
Later in the autumn, on November 14, the cross-country reading group will reconvene to review “Dark Tide”. This gripping historical account details the Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 — a bizarre and deadly industrial disaster that claimed 21 lives and reportedly left a lingering sweet aroma across a Boston neighborhood for decades.
Abigail Cooley, the director of the Everett Public Library in Washington, emphasized the cultural and educational value of combining forces across the continent. As reported by Will Geschke of HeraldNet, Abigail Cooley wrote in an email that
“It gives readers in both communities a chance to discuss a good book while also learning a little more about the history and character of the other region.”
Cooley also confirmed to HeraldNet reporter Will Geschke that this marks an organizational milestone, noting that
“It’s the first time the two library systems have come together to partner for a program.”
What other activities are planned for library patrons?
Beyond standard virtual book discussions, project organizers have arranged interactive physical touchpoints to foster direct interpersonal connections among everyday citizens. Librarians are establishing specialized stations within both physical library branches, allowing local patrons to handwrite postcards directly addressed to residents of the opposing Everett.
Furthermore, the institutions have curated extensive cross-regional reading recommendation lists. These lists are designed to give curious readers comprehensive insight into foreign landscapes, introducing Pacific Northwesterners to New England culture and offering Massachusetts residents a window into the Pacific Northwest.
Aubri Skaggs-Brads expressed deep enthusiasm regarding the inter-agency partnership to HeraldNet journalist Will Geschke, stating that
“I’m really excited about this partnership, and the librarians in Washington have been wonderful to work with! I hope this is just the first event in a continued friendship between the two libraries.”
While future projects are not yet officially bound by contract, Abigail Cooley expressed optimism about maintaining an ongoing alliance. Cooley told HeraldNet writer Will Geschke that while no subsequent events are formally scheduled at this stage, she hopes avenues for collaboration will remain open between the two systems.
How are organizers turning past administrative confusion into community building?
Mistakes involving misplaced mail, misdirected phone inquiries, and tangled social media notifications have historically irritated municipal workers. Yet, leadership from both organizations chose to view these recurring errors through a humorous and constructive lens.
Reflecting on the unusual administrative crossover, Abigail Cooley shared her thoughts with HeraldNet reporter Will Geschke, writing that
“I think there’s something especially fun about taking what has occasionally been a source of confusion, messages and materials ending up at the wrong Everett, and turning it into a reason to connect.”
Cooley further emphasized the fundamental mission of public institutions, stating to Will Geschke of HeraldNet that
“Libraries are good at bringing people together, and this project lets us do that across an entire continent.”
The initial sessions for the East to West Book Club are scheduled to begin promptly at 11 a.m. on September 19 and November 14. Library administrators have confirmed that event registration is completely free of charge for all interested participants, with sign-ups accessible online via the Everett Public Library’s registration portal.
