Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
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Contact: Communications and Development
FREE LIBRARY TO CELEBRATE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF LLOYD ALEXANDER’S FANTASY CLASSIC, THE BOOK OF THREE
PHILADELPHIA, September 30, 2014—The Free Library of Philadelphia is excited to celebrate iconic children’s book author and illustrator Lloyd Alexander, in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the publication of The Book of Three, the inaugural volume in Alexander’s renowned Chronicles of Prydain series. The Free Library’s Children’s Literature Research Collection, located at the Parkway Central Library, is home to the papers of Philadelphia native Alexander, which includes a treasure trove of pieces related to the Chronicles of Prydain, such as research notes, planning documents, outlines, early drafts, printers’ proofs, and even a hand-drawn map of Prydain and a family tree of the nobility in the story. The six-book series was loosely inspired by the mythology the author became interested in during his World War II training in Wales.
To commemorate the anniversary and celebrate this acclaimed children’s author and his fascinating collection, the Free Library is presenting an exhibition of highlights from its Lloyd Alexander collection in the Rare Book Department at Parkway Central Library. The exhibition is free and open to the public during regular operating hours, Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In addition, the Library’s award-winning Author Events Series will host a free discussion with bestselling fantasy writer Tamora Pierce and Alexander’s goddaughter Sharyn November, senior editor at Viking Children’s Books and Editorial Director at Firebird Books, on Saturday, October 11 at 1:00 p.m. Following the discussion, there will be a screening of The Black Cauldron, which is loosely based on the first two books of the Chronicles of Prydain.
“Having the Lloyd Alexander’s papers at the Free Library is an honor,” said Siobhan A. Reardon, President and Director of the Free Library. “We’re excited to celebrate the legacy of his iconic Chronicles of Prydain and bring its mythical world to life for a whole new generation of children.”
For more information about the Free Library’s Children’s Literature Research collection, as well as its robust Author Events Series and in-depth exhibitions, visit freelibrary.org.
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The 61-location Free Library of Philadelphia system advances literacy, guides learning, and inspires curiosity with millions of digital and physical materials; 25,000 yearly programs and workshops; free public computers and extensive Wi-Fi; and rich special collections, including those at Parkway Central Library and at The Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia. With more than 6 million in-person and 9 million online visits annually, the Free Library and the Rosenbach are among the most widely used educational and cultural institutions in Philadelphia and boast a worldwide impact.
09/30/2014
Department of External Affairs, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710, FAX (215) 567-7850