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One Book, One Philadelphia Shines Spotlight on Sudanese “Lost Boy” Story, Dave Eggers and Valentino Achack Deng Endorse Most Successful Program to Date
PHILADELPHIA, March 20, 2008 - The 2008 One Book, One Philadelphia program closed with a standing-room-only event at the Parkway Central Library. A panel featuring bestselling writer Dave Eggers--author of this year’s featured One Book reading selection, What Is the What--and Sudanese refugee Valentino Achak Deng drew hundreds of Philadelphians interested in learning more about Eggers’ critically acclaimed novelization of Deng’s life story, as well as the ongoing conflicts in Sudan.
“We couldn’t be happier or more proud to be part of the [One Book] program,” said Eggers. “This is really why we undertook the project in the first place, so that Valentino’s story could reach a wide audience, [especially] those who might not know much about the civil war in Sudan.”
A free and public event made possible with support from One Book lead sponsor Independence Blue Cross, the evening’s panel discussion marked the first time that Dave Eggers, Valentino Achak Deng, and Mary Williams--who was instrumental in connecting Deng with Eggers--have appeared together publicly.
Mayor Michael Nutter kicked off the evening with remarks on the importance of literacy and community building before introducing the panel.
“The mission of One Book, One Philadelphia is to promote literacy and community, and so it only makes sense that One Book is a library-based program,” said Mayor Nutter. “Since its inception in 2003, I have been pleased to see One Book grow in breadth and depth, reaching out to residents in every neighborhood and encouraging all Philadelphians to become more involved in reading, talking together, and using their branch libraries. As mayor, I look forward to continuing this partnership between my office and the Free Library, building on One Book’s past successes while also pursuing new and exciting initiatives.”
The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation’s CEO, Linda E. Johnson, seconded Mayor Nutter’s enthusiasm for the future of One Book and thanked additional 2008 One Book sponsors, including the City of Philadelphia Commerce Department; PECO; Pepper Hamilton LLP; WHYY; Harmelin Media; the Philadelphia City Paper; and Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP.
"Programs like One Book help to inspire and vitalize civic life in Philadelphia,” said Ms. Johnson, “and we would not be able to touch the lives of so many readers, of all ages and backgrounds, without the generosity of our sponsors.”
With a focus on the culture and history of Sudan, as well as the current situation in Darfur, the 2008 One Book, One Philadelphia program has been the most successful to date. More than 550 community partners helped ensure impressive attendance figures at the 180 events that took place between January 8 and March 20. Additionally, more than 7,500 copies of What Is the What were distributed to schools and community groups throughout the region.
“I am awed by One Book’s phenomenal growth, which in just six years has become a favorite Philadelphia tradition,” said One Book Chair Marie Field. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers, library staff, community partners, and generous supporters, the program now reaches tens of thousands of readers throughout the region. I am proud that One Book has encouraged so many people from diverse backgrounds to come together through the exchange of ideas and perspectives, thus promoting the understanding that whatever our differences might be, we all share a common humanity.”
What Is the What tells the epic life story of Valentino Achak Deng, who--along with thousands of other children, the so-called Lost Boys of Sudan--was forced to leave his village at the age of seven and trek hundreds of miles by foot--pursued by militias, government bombers, and wild animals--crossing the deserts of three countries to find freedom. When he finally is resettled in the United States, he finds a life full of promise, but also heartache and myriad new challenges.
A joint project of the Office of the Mayor and the Free Library of Philadelphia--with support from lead sponsor Independence Blue Cross--One Book’s mission is to promote reading, literacy, library usage, and community building throughout the Philadelphia region.
03/20/2008
Department of External Affairs, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710, FAX (215) 567-7850