OFF theSHELF SPRING 2013 A MAGAZINE FROM the Free Library of Philadelphia VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 2 2 • ISSUE VOLUME
Helping Hands THE VOLUNTEERS OF THE FREE LIBRARY
Also inside: Get the scoop on The Philadelphia Book Festival, see rare letters from Christopher Columbus, and travel the neighborhoods with One Book, One Philadelphia Secure the Free Library’s Tomorrow Make a Planned Gift T oday
The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation is pleased to offer our supporters a new way to make a difference to the future of the Library—by establishing a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA). A CGA enables you to receive a guaranteed income for life in return for an outright donation today. Rates for CGAs are based on your age and can be established for as little as $10,000. Current rates are below as of January 1, 2013.
For more about CGAs, contact Amanda Gold stein, DireCtor of Major Gifts and Planned Giving at 215-567-7710 or [email protected].
SAMPLE RATES FOR A $10,000 SINGLE LIFE ANNUITY
Annuitant Age 65 70 75 80 85 90
Annuitant RATE 4.7% 5.1% 5.8% 6.8% 7.8% 9.0%
CHARITABLE DEDUCTION $2,661 $3,469 $4,102 $4,669 $5,419 $6,135
ANNUAL PAYMENT $470 $510 $580 $680 $780 $900
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING AUTHOR EVENTS FOR MORE Info: 215-567-4341 • freeli brary.org/authorevents
ON THE COVER: Clockwise from top left: FREE Peg Kozlowski, Pat O’Bannon, Irv Apt, APR 19 • 12:00 PM APR 22 • 8:15 PM APR 25 • 7:30 PM APR 28 • 7:30 PM APR 30 • 7:30 PM Randy Shuler, Mary Ann Tancredi, Angel Byard, and Adrianne James are just a few of the thousands FREE TICKET REQUIRED FREE TICKET REQUIRED TICKET REQUIRED of volunteers who generously share their time with the Free Library. PHOTO CREDIT: RYAN BRANDENBERG Vali Nasr Letty Cottin Cass Sunstein E.O. Wilson Isabel Allende BELOW: Retired teacher Rosetta The Dispensable Nation: Pogrebin Perno volunteering at the South Simpler: The Future Letters to A Young Scientist Maya’s Notebook American Foreign How to Be a Friend Philadelphia Library of Government Policy in Retreat to a Friend Who’s Sick Barbara Gohn Day In conversation with Ian Sheffer Memorial Lecture
MAY 2 • 7:30 PM MAY 9 • 7:30 PM MAY 13 • 7:30 PM MAY 14 • 7:30 PM MAY 29 • 8:15 PM
FREE FREE TICKET REQUIRED FREE TICKET REQUIRED
Nathaniel Alice Walker Maria Semple Claire Messud Chimamanda Philbrick The Cushion in the Road: Where’d You Go, Bernadette? Ngozi Adichie The Woman Upstairs Bunker Hill: Meditation and Wandering as A City, A Siege, A Revolution Americanah the Whole World Awakens to Being in Harm’s Way Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation Endowed Lecture From the President and Director
Free Library of Philadelphia President and Director Siobhan A. Reardon This issue of highlights Associate Director Off the Shelf Dr. Joseph McPeak our commitment to community Vice President of Development Melissa B. Greenberg engagement. As part of our new
Vice President of External Affairs Sandra Horrocks strategic plan, we here at the
Director of Communications Library crafted a bold statement and Brand Marketing Alix Gerz of vision, dedicating ourselves to Writer/Editor Michelle Saraceni Sheffer “building an enlightened community PRODUCTION ASSISTANT devoted to lifelong learning.” Eileen Owens
Free Library of The following pages illustrate a handful of the many ways that the Free Philadelphia Foundation Library is doing just that. 1901 Vine Street, Suite 111 Philadelphia, PA 19103 You’ll read about flagship programs, such as One Book, One Philadelphia 215-567-7710 and the Philadelphia Book Festival, that reach beyond the Library’s freelibrary.org/support walls to engage Philadelphians of all backgrounds with the captivating OFF THE SHELF power of literacy. You’ll enjoy stories about our passionate community [email protected] of volunteers who help our librarians change lives every day because freelibrary.org/publications of their dedication to their Library and their community. You’ll meet Off the Shelf is published twice annually renowned authors, see hidden gems from our special collections, and for supporters of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation and showcases find out how we celebrated a historic literary holiday, all of which help the Library’s educational, economic, us to inspire and engage countless Library customers across the region. and cultural contributions to the region. Thank you for being part of our Free Library community, and I hope you enjoy reading more about the people and programs that make ON THE COVER: Clockwise from top left: this institution a cornerstone of education, literacy, and culture in Peg Kozlowski, Pat O’Bannon, Irv Apt, Philadelphia! Randy Shuler, Mary Ann Tancredi, Angel Byard, and Adrianne James are just a few of the thousands Warmly, of volunteers who generously share their time with the Free Library. PHOTO CREDIT: RYAN BRANDENBERG
BELOW: Retired teacher Rosetta Perno volunteering at the South Siobhan A. Reardon Philadelphia Library PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR
WHAT’S INSIDE ATIE RIGGAN ATIE 8 Helping Hands: Volunteer Services AT the Free Library
PHOTO CREDIT: K CREDIT: PHOTO 4 news & Notes 6 hidden GEMS: EXPLORING CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS 7 Focus on: philadelphia book festival 12 ONE BOOK, MANY NEIGHBORHOODS 14 the Final Word: SOLOMON JONES 15 BOARD LISTS Pride and Prejudice at 200
On January 28, the Free Library hosted a day-long celebration, “Pride and Prejudice at 200,” honoring the 200th publication anniversary of Jane Austen’s most beloved novel.
Among many events during the day, Library customers were treated to pop-up performances from actors from the Old Academy Players; a digital exhibition of images from Austen’s era; a special presentation from the Jane Austen Have you visited Society of Pennsylvania about the novel’s past, present, and future relevance; and a discussion about the portrayal the Free Library of Elizabeth Bennett in film. “Pride and Prejudice at 200” Shop yet? was a great success, and the Library looks forward to presenting more literary celebrations soon! We launched our online store recently, and we couldn’t be more excited to offer an array of beautiful and fun literary gifts! The shop Members of the Old Academy features Free Library T-shirts and Players perform scenes from Pride tote bags, books signed by their and Prejudice throughout the authors, fun literary gifts, and lots Library. Here, Jane, Lizzy, and Mary of items based on our own stunning Bennett converse in Philbrick Hall collections. More merchandise is while Mr. Bingley and Mr. Bennett being added all the time, so be sure look on. to check out freelibraryshop.org and get shopping!
The Borrowers’ Ball
On December 1, some 400 festive Library lovers gathered at Parkway Central for The Borrowers’ Ball. The smashingest literary party of the year gave guests the chance to enjoy cuisine by three outstanding chefs from Brûlée Catering— Jean-Marie LaCroix, Matt Levin, and Guillermo Pernot—bid on glamorous getaways as part of a live auction, and dish on the latest news from the world of words with today’s top authors, including Jami Attenberg (The Middlesteins), Veronica Chambers (Yes, Chef), and Carlin Romano (America the Philosophical). Funds raised support the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, which make possible many Free Library programs and services that enhance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity throughout Philadelphia.
LEFT: Free Library Assistant Chief of Staff Autumn McClintock joins Robert Heim, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and his wife Eileen Kennedy Heim BELOW: John Downes, Sondra Bergey, and Tobey Dichter, Chair of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation Board of Directors, enjoying the festivities.
Young supporters of the Free Library at the Raven Society’s Holiday FÊte; they later joined up with Ball attendees for dessert and dancing!
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF KELLY & MASSA PHOTOGRAPHY
{ 4 } WYOMING
1 (1) In the fall, our younger customers at Wyoming Library enjoyed a Diary of a Wimpy Kid party.
(2) A girl reads Three Stories You Can Read to Your Dog, by Sara Swan Miller, to Lola, a therapy dog at Katharine Drexel Library.
(3) A little bookworm chooses some favorite books at the Greater Olney Library.
(4) Children at Independence Library celebrate Snapshot PA
2 Day, when libraries across the state capture a day in the life KATHARINE DREXEL of their library.
INDEPENDENCE
3 CORNER GREATER OLNEY
4 CUSTOMER
Willo Carey (left) and her husband Peter Benoliel (right) , a member of the Board of Trustees and Board of Directors, join Selby Kiffer, Sr. (center left), Vice President of Sotheby’s, one of the Ball sponsors, and Sheldon Bonovitz Katherine J. Gilmore, currently a Legislative Aide (center right), member of the Board of Directors. with Philadelphia City Council, began her journey with the Free Library as a young student completing homework at the Wynnefield Library. As she progressed through school, she relied more and more on the Library for homework materials and especially computer access, as her family didn’t own one at home. In 12th grade, she accepted a position as a Teen Leadership Assistant (TLA) at Wynnefield. Her love for the Library and her many years of experience made her a perfect fit to help younger students complete their homework and utilize all of the vital Library resources.
Katherine loved her TLA position and feels that it prepared her for her current career in City Hall. “The experience helped me to learn that I enjoyed helping others, which is a large part of the work I do now,” Katherine says. “It also taught me discipline, time management, and event planning skills, which have proven to be invaluable during my professional career.” And although Katherine is busy Velma and W. Wilson Goode, Sr., a member of with her legislative work, she says the Free Library still the Free Library’s Board of Trustees and the Free plays a role in her life: “I love the newly expanded services Library Foundation’s Board of Directors, with at the Library, especially all of the information you can Ralph Smith. access via computer.” As Katherine continues her journey to help serve the city, we couldn’t be more proud to have her as a life-long customer.
{ 4 } { 5 } HIDDEN GEMS Exploring Christopher Columbus at the Free Library
The Rare Book Department at the letter was translated into Latin the Parkway Central Library is a and printed in Rome. The Rare veritable who’s who of big names in Book Department owns one of the the literary world. There are major copies of this Latin piece, dating collections of Charles Dickens, Edgar to 1493. Interestingly, this piece Allan Poe, and Beatrix Potter, just only references King Ferdinand as to name a few. Tucked amongst monarch of Spain, leaving out Queen these renowned collections are a Isabella, who was eventually added in couple of rarely seen items related later editions. to a name so big it’s memorialized Pollock notes that these later Latin in an elementary-school rhyme: editions flourished across Europe Christopher Columbus. in 1493, “which is why the news of The Rare Book Department Columbus’s ‘discovery’ reached so many people so quickly in a world has not one, but two where communication was not early copies of Columbus’s exactly instantaneous.” first letter detailing his In 1497, the letter was translated into German and printed in Strassburg; discovery of what is now Christopher Columbus. Eyn schön hübsch lessen von the Rare Book Department also owns etlichen inßlen. Strassburg: B. Kistler, 1497. Gift of the United States. William Elkins. a copy of this edition. This piece is exceptional in its own right, featuring Each piece is a rare example of a unique woodcut on the title page incunabula—which is a book showing Christ addressing King printed in Europe before 1501—and Ferdinand and his followers. recounts Columbus’s discoveries and documents his earliest impressions Although the letters are of the “new world.” not available currently for public viewing, the Rare In it he names the “Indians” and Book Department is open remarks that they are very “docile” for free tours that feature and will easily be converted to other fascinating pieces Christianity. According to Janine of literary history Monday Pollock, Head of the Rare Book through Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Department, the letter is the first Stop by and make some known document to announce the “discoveries” of your own! outcome of Columbus’s voyage, and was written during his return voyage • • • BY ALIX GERZ when he was aboard the Niña.
After Columbus reached Spain, the letter was printed in Spanish in
Barcelona. Just one month later, Christopher Columbus. Epistola de insulis nuper inventis. Rome: S Plannck. After 19 June 1493. Gift of William Elkins.
{ 6 } { 7 } A Literary Extravaganza FOCUS Beloved Philadelphia Book Festival ON Comes to Neighborhood Libraries
CHERYL STRAYED
PHOTO CREDIT: JONI KABANA CREDIT: PHOTO NANCY PEARL
RACHEL MADDOW
BARATUNDE KEN KALFUS THURSTON
TER ANDREW SOLOMON JAMES SAL
S PHOTO CREDIT: LANA RY PHOTO CREDIT: Annie Leibo vitz
From hosting Tina Fey’s hilarious book talk to Barbara Walters’s insightful conversation about her career in journalism, the Philadelphia Book Festival has been one of the city’s premier literary events for over half a decade.
Over the years, the Festival has undergone some changes: In Neighborhood libraries selected 2010 it expanded from a two-day weekend festival to a six-day their author event based on what extravaganza, featuring headlining authors in Parkway Central’s their customers enjoy most. Direct, Montgomery Auditorium every night of the week. This year the focused service is just one hallmark Festival is changing again, exploding into every neighborhood of the 21st century Free Library, and in Philadelphia, as each neighborhood library—all 53 of them!— Festival goers will get to see this will feature a special in-house event with an author. Headlining firsthand come the seventh annual authors will continue to appear throughout the week at Philadelphia Book Festival, taking Parkway Central, and this year’s voices include Ken Kalfus and place during National Library Week Rachel Maddow.* from April 14–20.
“For the past few years we’ve become highly focused on moving • • • BY ALIX GERZ our key events into the neighborhoods and even beyond the Library’s own walls, said Siobhan A. Reardon, President and Headlining authors, Director of the system. “To be able to take something as big pictured above, will appear and as important as the Philadelphia Book Festival and make throughout the week at it hyper-local is an impressive feat, and one that I’m incredibly Parkway Central.* proud of. Our impact is just going to grow exponentially.” For a full schedule of all Philadelphia Book
Festival events, please visit LEE ALEXA CREDIT: PHOTO *Check our website as some authors may move off site. freelibrary.org/festival.
{ 6 } { 7 } • • • BY Michelle Saraceni Sheffer
Helping Hands Volunteer Services at the Free Library
With a warm and friendly smile, volunteer Linda Blythe sits at the Free Library’s Pop-Up Shop in the lobby of the Parkway Central Library, greeting customers and helping them pick out the perfect gift or memento from the variety of Library merchandise for sale. Farther downtown, at the South Philadelphia Library, retired teacher Rosetta Perno welcomes new Americans from Mexico, Vietnam, China, and beyond to her English conversation group as they settle in for a lively discussion.
Each and every day throughout the Free Library of Philadelphia The Volunteer Services Program at the Free Library of Philadelphia system, volunteers work both with the public and behind the began in 1995 in response to City budget cuts, with the aim scenes, making sure that librarians have the support they need and of supporting and enhancing the work of the system’s expert that Library customers have the positive experiences they deserve. librarians and other staff members. Volunteers initially helped Volunteers help with special projects and lessons for the Literacy to process the rapidly growing collections of audio and visual Enrichment After-school Program (LEAP). They wield microphones materials, but as the Program grew, volunteers began taking on a and assist with book signings for the popular Author Events diversified variety of roles, depending on where need was greatest. Series. They shelve—and re-shelve—a variety of Library materials. Today, nearly 2,000 people volunteer more than 120,000 hours of They prepare mailings and record thousands of books on tape for their time—in total valued at more than $2.5 million—every year in visually impaired customers across the state. Without its volunteers, each of the 54 libraries throughout the city. the Free Library just wouldn’t be the same. “What I love most about my job is that I have the ability to impact “Volunteers are an incredible asset not only my city, my community, and my fellow citizens on a macro and micro level,” says Ken Manns, the gregarious Director of the to the Free Library system but to the Greater Volunteer Services Program at the Library. “If I see a need—or if Philadelphia community,” says Siobhan A. a colleague comes to me asking for help—I have the resources Reardon, President and Director of the Free to address it. And I am able to help volunteers fill a gap in their résumés, develop new job skills, build their intellect, or just feel Library. “By being so giving of their time and good about donating their time.” their expertise, our generous volunteers help to Most recently, the Library has been actively recruiting volunteers to enrich the lives of the hundreds of thousands of serve as one-on-one computer tutors for seniors, helping them build people who visit the Library each year.” their computer skills and connect to loved ones online through
{ 8 } { 9 } Volunteers Bobbi and Al Fox greet Free Library Pepper Society Members Ed and Lyn Tettemer as they arrive at the author event with renowned journalist Bob Woodward at Parkway Central Library. PHOTO CREDIT: KATIE RIGGAN R IGGAN ATIE : K
1,929 C R EDIT P HOTO y. volunteers at g r ou p at r sation E nglish conve an Pe r no leads r Rosetta Reti r ed teache the S outh Philadel p hia L ib r a s like cleaning, s k S : EILEEN OWEN s they help with ta ibrary throughout the Free L ibrary s volunteer s with pecial need tem, learning valuable li f e s kill a tem, learning valuable s y Student s CREDIT PHOTO and organization. s orting, argo 120,754 I n addition, ay. ibrary hosted hosted ak L ane ibrary argo, O argo,
HOURS of Wells F ourtesy OF VOLUNTEERS’ hilly helped to plant ne w helped to argo and T ree P hilly arth D of E arth in celebration ay TIME w With the generous support of Wells F With the generous support volunteers from Wells F volunteers a community tree givea a community redit: C C redit: PHOTO the library! trees at Statistics accurate for Fiscal Year 2012 { 8 } { 9 } A Free Library volunteer helps to manage the lengthy book-signing line at the Philadelphia Book Festival. PHOTO credit: Shannon Grotzinger
email and social networking. (“Volunteers are integral to bridging In addition to the variety of opportunities available to interested the digital divide between the young and old,” explains Manns.) individuals, the Volunteer Services Program also offers special Volunteers are also being trained to serve as English Language programs for learning disabled adults in life skills groups, as well Facilitators, who host informal conversation groups in libraries as for court-ordered volunteers who need to fulfill community throughout the city for people new to the United States who are service hours. The Library also welcomes corporations wishing to looking to build their English-language skills. organize large-scale volunteer projects for their employees. In April 2012, Comcast hosted a volunteer day at McPherson Square Library, In March of 2012, retired teacher Rosetta Perno became an where employees painted the building, cleaned up the surrounding English Language Facilitator at the South Philadelphia Library. park, and donated a variety of materials and art supplies. Other For Rosetta—a lifelong reader and lover of books—deciding to corporate volunteer opportunities include reading to children and volunteer at the Library was an easy and natural choice. She helping out with a variety of Free Library events, including the admits to worrying at first that her conversation group wouldn’t be Philadelphia Book Festival and One Book, One Philadelphia. successful, but thanks to promotional efforts and word of mouth, Rosetta now welcomes a core group of adults each Monday for The newest and most rapidly growing component of Volunteer casual conversation about any topic under the sun. Services at the Free Library is the Work Study program, which began in 2009 with grant support from the Institute of Museum “Meeting with members of my English and Library Services. Through Work Study, nearly 200 students conversation group is the most personally from area technical schools, colleges, and universities share their satisfying professional experience that I have skills and talents in a variety of ways, from helping with robotics programs for Philadelphia schoolchildren to undertaking research ever had,” she says. “The participants are projects for a variety of Library departments.
very eager to become productive members of University of Pennsylvania Work Study student Chris Zhang American society, and I truly admire all of the is helping with a research project that will shed light on the members of my group. It is a joy to spend time provenance of materials that have been donated to the Library over the past two centuries by digging into and organizing donor introducing our country to them.” archives from the Library’s early days. $2,518,928 total value of volunteers’ time
{ 10 } { 11 } 80% of Free Library volunteers provide 20 or more hours of service each year.
“Although on-campus volunteer jobs are very convenient, they often lack the connections to the community at large,” says Zhang, a math and economics student. “The Free Library offered me a much more direct way to contribute what I have back to Volunteers Mimi Barton and Tresa Thelen staff the Free Library’s Pop-Up Shop society and interact with people whom I would’ve never been a variety of literary goodies and merchandise based on some of the rare and unique items in the Library’s rich collections. able to meet.” , selling
It is a spirit of friendliness and inclusiveness that keeps many Free Library volunteers coming back year after year. Linda Blythe has been volunteering at the Library for over six years. When she’s Becoming a Free Library not helping to run the Pop-Up Shop, she’s serving as a greeter at Parkway Central or as an Author Events ticket-taker and microphone- volunteer is a simple, handler. A passionate traveler, Linda enjoys taking tours of historic two-step process. buildings across the country and, noticing that there was no formal tour available of the Beaux-Arts Parkway Central Library, offered to Interested adults and teens ages 14 organize and host one for an event with the Laureate Circle—a group and up can fill out an applica tion— of donors who have been supporting the Library for over 10 years. available online at freelibrary.org/
“The best part was when we all gathered around the statue of George VOLUNTEER—that surveys their interests S. Pepper on the staircase landing at the end of the tour, and I asked and strengths. Then, they will be called the group who had founded the first free library in Philadelphia,” in for an interview with the V olunteer says Linda with a smile. “Everyone said ‘Ben Franklin,’ and I got Services team to figure out where bes t to explain that no, it was actually this man [Pepper] right here!” their strengths line up with the Librar y’s (Franklin founded the Library Company of Philadelphia, which needs. For the most fulfilling experience, required a paid subscription.) volunteers are generally asked to If there’s a common thread through the diverse group of Free Library dedicate at least one day a week, three volunteers, it’s the passion and enthusiasm that everyone shares to four hours per day, over the course for their work and for each other. By generously giving of their time and talents, volunteers help to advance literacy, guide learning, of 90 days. Join the team t oday! and inspire curiosity each and every day, ensuring that the Library remains a vibrant, welcoming place for all Philadelphians. • • • Work Study student Chris Zhang, from the University of Pennsylvania, is helping to dig through and organize more than 100 years’ worth of donor archives and items.
A single work study volunteer students recorded 170 157 books on from nine area colleges, tape for the universities, and technical Library for schools volunteered the Blind and Physically Handicapped 54,440 over just 18 months’ time. hours of time.
{ 10 } { 11 } from the S NEIGHBORHOOD One Book, Many Neighborhoods
For the past 11 years, One Book, neighborhoods, citizens both young and old participated in the plethora of One Book programming.
One Philadelphia has lived up to “One Book, One Philadelphia is a favorite annual tradition, its name. With the uniting force of inspiring and bringing thousands of diverse peoples together in ways that help fulfill the promise of Philadelphia as the City the official book selection, citizens of Brotherly and Sisterly love,” Marie Field, Chair of One Book explains. “Essential to the success of the program as a catalyst across Philadelphia read, learn, for community involvement is the dedicated participation of the Free Library branches, whose talented librarians engage the create, and most importantly, come people of their neighborhoods by creating stimulating programs together. The eight inspired weeks around our yearly One Book selections. One Book salutes and extends heartfelt thanks to the neighborhood libraries and of programming take place in their personnel who play such a vital role in our literacy and community building program.” the neighborhood libraries along In four different neighborhood libraries, Mama Carla— with Parkway Central Library, and Founder and CEO of Progeny’s Legacy Jamaa, an arts group in Philadelphia—led an event about the power and uses of tea with additional events created by around the world. As a performer, event leader, and community member, Mama Carla can vouch for the program’s ability to outside partners, One Book reaches connect the city’s neighbors. “By holding programs throughout into every corner of the city. Philadelphia, I noticed people who normally don’t linger at the library stay a little longer to learn something different and As in years past, the programming generated around the One Book share with those in their community,” Mama Carla observes. “It selection highlights the themes, culture, and spirit of the selected is my pleasure to watch new friendship sprout while others are book. This year’s choice, Julie Otsuka’s The Buddha in the Attic, renewed through art, laughter, [and] conversation.” inspired dozens of events outside the Library system, and even more in the neighborhood libraries, ranging from Japanese art, As events happened simultaneously across the city, One Book’s music, and history, to women’s rights, immigration, and identity. connectivity was seen in every Philadelphia neighborhood. At the Philadelphia City Institute in Center City, program leader Readers across the city—including the Philadelphia City Fumiyo Batta headed a Kimono Dressing Workshop; at the Council—became immersed in the story. With book discussion Lawncrest Library in Northeast Philadelphia, children and teens groups for The Buddha in the Attic and after-school literacy learned how to make Origami; in the Southwest at the Thomas F. activities based on the children’s companion selection, A Place Donatucci, Sr. Library participants created their own fans from all Where Sunflowers Grow, occurring throughout the over the world; and at libraries in all neighborhoods, customers
{ 12 } { 13 } TOP: Lawncrest Library was just one of many neighborhood libraries to host origami workshops for children.
MIDDLE: Workshop leader Fumiyo Batta teaches participants the art of kimono dressing at Philadelphia City Institute.
BOTTOM: Young customers at Thomas F. Donatucci, Sr. Library Philadelphia City Council enjoys this year’s featured selection. create fans from around the world. photo credit: DE B R A M I KUS credit: photo
photo credit: kelly & massa photography
talked about The Buddha in the Attic in book club style discussions led by librarians.
Sarah Byker James, a One Book program leader, facilitated Japanese poetry workshops at multiple neighborhood libraries. From Oak Lane to Kensington, she created haiku collages with children and teens from all over Philadelphia, connecting neighbors who might not get to know each other otherwise. Byker James explains: “Through One Book, year after year, we Philadelphians […] grasp experiences we wouldn’t otherwise grasp. Like most people in
most places, we often stick with what we know. Reading puts us TIE RI GGAN in the company of those we don’t already know, and a program like One Book encourages us to listen.”
Now that the One Book, One Philadelphia 2013 season has come photo credit: kA credit: photo to a close, the city eagerly awaits the next official selection. What will the next book investigate? Will we have the opportunity to explore another culture? What social, historical, or personal issues will the author, and in turn Philadelphia, consider? And as exciting as it may be to guess the next selection, one fact is always predictable: The next season of One Book, One Philadelphia will unite a city of neighborhoods under the lasting effects of literacy, solidarity, and community.
One Book, One Philadelphia is generously funded by Walmart, The Field Foundation, The Lenfest Foundation, PECO, Pepper Hamilton, LLP, and Stradley Ronon. Without these sponsors, One Book programming in neighborhood libraries would not be possible.
• • • BY EILEEN OWENS TIE RI GGAN photo credit: kA credit: photo
{ 12 } { 13 } To listen to SOLOMON JONES’s Author Events podcast—AMONG OTHERS—visit freelibrary.org/authorevents.
An award-winning columnist for the Axis Philly, Africa; Logan has immigrants from Asia; the Northeast is home to Philadelphia Daily News, and WHYY’s Newsworks, a large pocket of Russians; and unlike other cities I’ve seen, African Americans don’t just occupy the hood. We are longtime property Solomon Jones is the author of the Essence owners in some of the most desirable areas of the city. Philadelphia Magazine bestselling novel The Bridge, as well as is grimy and dark in spots, and the crumbling architecture and the critically acclaimed books Pipe Dream, Ride or abandoned properties in the old industrial neighborhoods stand out Die, C.R.E.A.M., and Payback. Jones is the founder of like ugly scars. But the city also has a beauty that’s stunning in both Words on the Street Literacy Program; he previously its simplicity and its scope. Take a walk along Kelly Drive and marvel taught creative writing at Temple University and at the statues, the river, and the greenery. Go to neighborhoods like Chestnut Hill or Overbrook Farms and see the architecture of old served on the boards of several committees to end beautiful houses. Drive through Fairmount Park, the largest urban homelessness. The Dead Man’s Wife is his eighth park in the world, and look at mansions that are centuries old. Why do novel and the latest in the Coletti crime series. I write about Philadelphia? I love it. I love it because it’s mine, because it’s home, and because it has a vitality that makes even the grime OTS What role have libraries played in your life? come to life every day. SJ I love books. I always have, and the library is the place where books live. Perhaps that’s why libraries have served as a sanctuary OTS You recently founded Words on the Street, a for me. When I walk into a library the smell of books envelops me nonprofit literacy program for students and parents and the memories come flooding back: high school papers and in Philadelphia. Tell us a little about why you feel so index cards, the Dewey Decimal System and microfiche, librarians impassioned about literacy and what you’ve been able to who knew everything, and computers with flashing green cursors. achieve through Words on the Street. The library was a place where I could go to learn anything, and that SJ Writing saved my life by snatching me off the streets and giving made me feel smart and powerful. me a voice. I believe writing can do the same for young people. In order to write, however, students must know how to read. Reading is OTS What role do you think libraries play in our 21st the key to learning. If you can’t read a science book you can’t learn century society? chemistry. If you can’t read a math book you can’t learn algebra. So SJ Libraries in the 21st century are instrumental to closing the reading is a skill we must teach our students at all costs. That’s why digital divide. They are critically important to keeping people I’m so passionate about Words on the Street. Through Words on the informed, engaged, and connected by providing patrons with Street, which was funded by Verizon and the Knight Foundation, I access to computers, ebooks, websites, and other digital partnered with Art Sanctuary, Barnes & Noble, the Philadelphia Daily equipment. Libraries will also be critical to filling the role of the News, Clear Channel Radio, and the School District of Philadelphia’s rapidly shrinking bookstore industry, providing space where Parent University to reach more than 2,000 students with the authors and readers can speak face to face, where book-centered message of advancement through literacy. We taught workshops to events can take place, and where literature can be a tool to nearly 400 students and 28 parents, distributed 1,500 books, and connect people around shared ideas. At a time when technology enabled nine gifted writers to be published in the Philadelphia Daily can serve to isolate people from real human contact, libraries are a News and interviewed on Power 99FM. We also partnered with local place where research can be a team endeavor, where communities businesses to distribute $500 in scholarships. can come together around the issues that are important to them, and where people can dialogue around the topics that bond us all. OTS To you, the Free Library of Philadelphia is also the Free Library of ______. Why? OTS You’re well known for your acclaimed, bestselling SJ It’s the Free Library of Hope. Every book in every library is made urban crime novels. In addition, your nonfiction writing up of words, and words are the key to communicating. If we can has appeared in many local publications, including the communicate through words rather than violence or hatred or malice, Daily News and Philadelphia Weekly, and you recently began then we can understand each other. We can work together. We can writing a regular column for WHYY’s Newsworks, in which thrive. Every time I see a library, I see the hope that the words inside you focus on family and community life in Philadelphia. will unlock someone’s imagination and help them to see a brighter What about our city—good or bad—continues to inspire you future. That’s what libraries did for me, and it’s my enduring hope that to pick up a pen (or power up your computer) every day? they will continue to do that for others. SJ Philadelphia is old and new, young and old, conservative and liberal. It has an eclectic mix of neighborhoods and cultures that is truly mind-boggling. Southwest Philly has pockets of immigrants from
{ 14 } { 15 } FREE LIBRARY OF PHILADELPHIA BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Chair Robert C. Heim
Members Donna Allie Steven M. Altschuler Christopher Arlene Jacqueline Barnett Darwin Beauvais Peter A. Benoliel Patricia A. Coulter Pamela Dembe Tobey Gordon Dichter W. Wilson Goode, Sr. Melissa Grimm Take a Front Row Seat Nancy D. Kolb Noel Mayo Sonia Sanchez The George S. Pepper Society recognizes those who give John J. Soroko Sherry A. Swirsky Nicholas D. Torres $1,000 or more annually to the Free Library Foundation. Ignatius C. Wang Shelly Yanoff In appreciation of their generosity, Peppers receive early
Emeritus access to and special pricing on Author Events tickets, Joseph F. Burke Gloria Twine Chisum Armand Della Porta exclusive invitations to literary soirées, personal access Herman Mattleman Teresa Sarmina to world-renowned authors, and much more.
Ex-Officio Michael DiBerardinis For more information on the Pepper Society, contact Deputy Mayor for the Environment and Community Resources Rebecca at [email protected] or 215-567-7710 x 519.
Irv Ackelsberg Friends of the Free Library
FREE LIBRARY OF PHILADELPHIA FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR $25,000 Chair Wish List Tobey Gordon Dichter
Members Cynthia Affleck The Wish List below details just a few James H. Averill Phyllis W. Beck of the many ways your support of the Peter A. Benoliel Sheldon Bonovitz George Day Foundation can enhance and improve Andrea Ehrlich Daniel K. Fitzpatrick the Free Library of Philadelphia: W. Wilson Goode, Sr. Daniel Gordon Richard A. Greenawalt Elizabeth Grenald Melissa Grimm FOR $25,000 a neighborhood library FOR $2,500 a series of 10 English- Robert C. Heim can provide after-school programming as-a-Second-Language classes can John Imbesi for thousands of children four days a be offered in a branch. Philip P. Jaurigue week throughout an entire school year. Geoffrey Kent Alexander Kerr FOR $1,000 one is recognized Marciene S. Mattleman FOR $20,000 Behind the Screens, as part of the George S. Pepper Leslie Miller a film literacy program for teens, Society, the most generous group Thomas B. Morris, Jr. can be presented in four branches of library supporters, and enjoys Stephanie W. Naidoff Patrick M. Oates for two months. Filmmaking exclusive opportunities to meet Derek N. Pew equipment is included. with renowned authors. William R. Sasso Susan G. Smith FOR $5,000 the Free Library can FOR $500 the Free Library can Miriam Spector Stacey Leigh Spector provide 20 programs for job seekers add 75 ebooks to its collection to Barbara Sutherland on writing a résumé, conducting be downloaded and read by hundreds Monica Vachher an online job search, and preparing of individuals. Jay Weinstein for an interview. Larry Weiss
EMERITUS Marie Field Elizabeth H. Gemmill To make a gift to the Found ation, A. Morris Williams, Jr. visit freelibrary.org/support or call 215-567-7710.
{ 14 } { 15 } The Free Library is one of the most important educational and cultural institutions in Philadelphia. The City of Philadelphia provides funds for the operations of the Free Library system, including staffing at our 54 locations. Summer Reading Through the generosity of individual gifts, the Free Library at the Free Library June 17 – August 9, 2013 Foundation supports many of With plenty of books, special activities, the Library’s incredible programs and surprises, Summer Reading at the and services, which advance Free Library helps more than 50,000 literacy, guide learning, and inspire Philadelphia schoolchildren keep their minds sharp over their summer curiosity throughout our city. vacations by rewarding them with prizes for reading and learning as much as they can! Studies indicate that students To make a gift to the Foundation, who read six or more books over the summer can prevent “brain drain” and even make gains in their reading levels. please visit freelibrary.org/support Stay tuned to freelibrary.org for more details later this spring! or call 215-567-7710. This crucial, flagship program would not be possible without generous private support. To make a gift, call 215-567-7710 or visit freelibrary.org/support.