Indy Hopes To Expand Global Reach With Reading Partnership

Indianapolis hopes a new program will further enhance its global image.

The Public Library launched its “One Book, Two Cities” initiative, Tuesday, with Cologne, Germany.

"I think what happens with reading is that when you are reading a book, especially one as complicated as this one is, you're learning about all kinds of things," said Library CEO Jackie Nytes.  "You are getting insights.  I think we are going to get a lot of insights into the life and history of Cologne."

Indianapolis and Cologne are more than 4,200 miles apart.

But thanks to technology, representatives from both cities came face to face.

The Indy Library skyped in those from the library in its sister city. 

It was to talk about the reading partnership where residents in both cities will read "Vienna" by Eva Menasse.

"If we want Germany to care about us and our products, if we want them to buy things that we manufacture here, we have to know them.  We have to know who they are.  We have to have some respect and understanding of each other," said Nytes.  "Reading, sharing a book, having a shared experience is how that happens.  Not the only way, but a nice part of it."

The library has 1,500 free copies of the book.

The reading campaign will run through February.

"I do think we are positioning ourselves as a city that is getting globally recognized right now," said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard. "That makes us more visible to businesses who want to expand in the United States.  We are more visible to conventions who want to come here.  I think all of that plays pretty strongly."

Earlier this year, a delegation of about 100 Hoosier business and community leaders traveled to Cologne for a leadership exchange program.