Campus READ Brings Collegewide Conversations Through Storytelling

Seminole State College of Florida’s Campus READ initiative is bringing students, faculty, and staff together this fall with a shared story and a powerful message: mental health matters, and no one has to face it alone.

Launched by the Seminole State Libraries and organized by Library Coordinator Andrea St. Onge, Campus READ is designed to function like a collegewide book club. Each term, one book is selected that sparks discussion, connects to the curriculum, and inspires a series of collaborative events across departments. Since its pilot in Spring 2025, the program has already built momentum, thanks to strong faculty involvement, community partnerships, support from the Foundation for Seminole State College and sponsorship from Florida Blue Foundation. 

This fall, Campus READ features The Words We Keep by award-winning author Erin Stewart, winner of the Schneider Family Book Award for Teens. The novel is a beautifully realistic and relatable exploration of mental health, touching on themes of anxiety, perfectionism, depression and the healing power of art. Through the story of sisters Lily and Alice, and the friendships and creative projects that help them navigate difficult times, the book encourages readers to embrace vulnerability, seek connection and discover strength through words.

Campus READ is made possible in part by a $7,500 grant from the Florida Blue Foundation’s Campus READ (Reading Education Activities and Discovery) program, which supports book and e-book purchases for a “common read” across all campuses during both the fall and spring semesters. This support ensures broad access to the selected titles and helps expand programming opportunities for students and faculty alike.

As part of the program, Campus READ has partnered with Seminole State’s Speaker Series to host Erin Stewart on campus this October. Stewart will lead an inspiring conversation about the importance of speaking up, using writing as a tool for healing, and how stories can spark dialogue around mental health.

Campus READ has engaged a wide range of internal partners, including the Seminole State Bookstore, Academic Advising and Counseling, the Grindle Honors Institute, Arts & Communication, English, Recreational Sports, Disability Support Services, and the Academic Success Center. Together, these departments and programs are creating a yearlong slate of events, from discussions and art projects to mental health awareness activities.

“Our hope is that Campus READ helps students see themselves in the stories, connect with each other, and know they’re not alone,” St. Onge said. “Books can open doors to conversations we all need to have.”

With Stewart’s upcoming visit and a growing community of readers, Campus READ continues to prove the power of shared stories to build empathy, encourage dialogue and strengthen connections across campus.

For a full list of Campus READ events including the author chat on Oct. 9, visit the library’s Campus READ LibGuide website.