Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710
FAX (215) 567-7850
Contact: Communications and Development
ANNOUNCING 2012 ONE BOOK, ONE PHILADELPHIA SELECTION: CREATE DANGEROUSLY: THE IMMIGRANT ARTIST AT WORK BY EDWIDGE DANTICAT
In its 10th anniversary year, One Book examines the importance of bearing witness and the power of the written word
PHILADELPHIA, October 12, 2011—The Free Library of Philadelphia and the Mayor’s Office today announced the selection of Edwidge Danticat’s Create Dangerously: The Immigrant Artist at Work as the 2012 One Book, One Philadelphia featured reading selection. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2012, this literacy initiative encourages the entire greater Philadelphia region to come together through reading and discussing the same book. Running from January 25 through March 17, 2012, One Book, One Philadelphia will include more than 100 related programs inspired by the featured selections, including panel discussions, film screenings, musical performances, and more. In addition, special events will also take place in honor of One Book’s 10th anniversary.
Celebrated Haitian American writer Edwidge Danticat’s Create Dangerously: The Immigrant Artist at Work is a powerfully moving collection of essays and memoir that makes an impassioned case for immigrant writers to bear witness against oppression, sometimes imperiling their own and their readers’ lives. Danticat’s focus on the writing and reading of books that tell important truths make this an especially fitting selection for One Book, One Philadelphia’s 10th anniversary year.
One Book, One Philadelphia Chair Marie Field commented, “We are thrilled that prize-winning author Edwidge Danticat will impact Philadelphia both through her thought-provoking, luminous essays and personal appearances during the programming period. Inspired by Danticat’s writing, many of our programs will focus on aspects of Haitian history and culture, as well as contemporary issues of immigration, journalism, and current events in Haiti. Once again, through our shared reading and programming experience we shall celebrate and embrace the rich diversity and common humanity of everyone who lives in our community.”
Free Library President and Director Siobhan A. Reardon also commented on her excitement for this year’s selection. “Create Dangerously is a phenomenal book about the value of literature and art in times of personal and political crisis,” said Reardon. “I am confident that Philadelphians will be drawn to these thoughtful and thought-provoking essays, many of which are inspired by author Edwidge Danticat’s experiences growing up in Haiti.”
Founded in 2003 by the Free Library and the Mayor’s Office, One Book motivates tens of thousands of people annually to read a featured selection and participate in related discussions, events, workshops, classes, and more. The 2012 One Book, One Philadelphia program is sponsored by the Field Foundation, the Lenfest Foundation, Paul and Kathy Addis, and Sondra Bergey. Media partners include WHYY and CityPaper. All Free Library locations will have several copies of Create Dangerously—as well as the 2012 teen companion book, A Taste of Salt by Frances Temple, and children’s companion book, Running the Road to ABC by Denizé Lauture—for customers to borrow with a Free Library card.
# # #
The Free Library of Philadelphia system consists of 49 branches, three regional libraries, the Parkway Central Library, and the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. With more than six million visits annually, the Free Library is one of the most widely used educational and cultural institutions in Philadelphia.
10/12/2011
Department of External Affairs, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710, FAX (215) 567-7850