2013 One Book, One Community Features 'People of the Book'

The Allegheny County Library Association is sponsoring the 11th annual One Book, One Community program.

This year, the feature title is "People of the Book" by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks.  Through the lenses of historical fiction and the provenance of the famed Sarajevo Haggadah, Brooks introduces readers to characters from different times, cultures and religions.

Launch of this year’s program will begin in late March with a variety of community events. Local public libraries will host events to inspire conversation, including book discussions, cultural programs, and local guest speakers.  This type of community dialogue and experience is the essence of One Book.

The Gumberg Library at Duquesne University will host a lunch program on March 19 including a tour of the library’s Rabbi Herman Hailperin Collection. In partnership with ACLA, the Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures will present a Literary Evening with the author on April 8. 

Area high school students will meet the author the following day at a collaborative event with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures.

One Book, One Community will run through early June, including National Library Week, April 14-20. 

As part of the Music for the Spirit Festival, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will hold two book discussions in April. The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and the Carnegie Museum of Art will celebrate with three special Bound Together Book Club discussions in May and June.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Pittsburgh will host a mini-series around the title and themes. Complete details for events will be available on the One Book website.

Begun in 1998 in Seattle, Washington, the One Book concept was developed to build a sense of community while promoting literacy. 

In 2003, Allegheny County chose "To Kill a Mockingbird," written by Harper Lee, as its first One Book. Since then various titles and themes have been discussed.

This year’s selection will feature the theme of religious tolerance as well as provenance of objects and art history.

The title is available in a variety formats and as a book club kit. For details on how you, your book club or your organization can participate, stop by C.C. Mellor Library in Edgewood, Carnegie Free Library of Swissvale or Braddock Carnegie Library—or visit onebookonecommunity.org. Sponsors include Allegheny County, 90.5 WESA and Highmark.

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