Chansky’s “Game Changers” Selected for 2023 Wayne County Reads

WAYNE COUNTY – After a two-year hiatus necessitated by the pandemic, the Wayne County Public Library is pleased to announce the return of Wayne County Reads.

This year’s selection is “Game Changers” by Art Chansky. Chansky’s book explores how coach Dean Smith and player Charlie Scott, two young men both destined for greatness but struggling through challenges on and off the court, helped transform a university, a community and the racial landscape of sports in the South.

On Feb. 9 at 7 p.m., there will be a moderated book discussion with Chansky at the Goldsboro library. During this program, Chansky will discuss what led him to write “Game Changers” and recount the stories of Charlie Scott and Dean Smith.

On Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m., there will be “An Evening with Phil Ford and Dick Baddour” at the Paramount Theatre. This event will feature an evening of conversation with former UNC basketball player and assistant coach Phil Ford and former athletic director Dick Baddour. Ford and Baddour will discuss Smith’s life, Scott’s legacy and more.

On Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. the program will be “Local Game Changers” at the Goldsboro library. This event features local “game changers” who will share personal, first-hand accounts of the integration of sports in Wayne County. You will not want to miss this community conversation featuring former coaches, athletes, officials and educators.

Wayne County Reads is a one book, one-community project started in 2004. In addition to discussing each book’s literary merits, WCR provides free public programs such as lectures, exhibits, performances, films, discussions, demonstrations, contests and festivals that explore the themes and issues in the books.

Wayne County Reads partners include Literacy Connections, Paramount Theatre, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Library, University of Mount Olive Library, Wayne Country Day School, Wayne Community College, Wayne County Public Library, Wayne County Public Schools and Wayne Country Day School.

Copies of “Game Changers” are available for circulation at Wayne County Public Library locations, through the Libby app, and the NCLIVE Homegrown eBook collection. Limited quantities are also available for order through Books-A-Million.

— From Wayne County Public Information