The end of another phenomenal One Book, One Philadelphia season is upon us. We have spent eight inspired weeks reading, discussing, watching, creating, playing, and enjoying.

The 16th season of this shared reading endeavor has included writing workshops, live music, discussions on mental health and gentrification, and cooking classes, bringing together people of all ages in every neighborhood of the city.

Founded in 2003 by the Free Library and the Mayor’s Office, One Book motivates tens of thousands of people annually to read one book and, through that shared story, connect with Philadelphians of different ages and backgrounds. It aims to unite the community through reading, as well as to encourage dialogue on a variety of social issues. This shared story opens the opportunity for people to share their own stories, and to become part of other’s stories.

In celebration of these stories and their power to bring us together, the One Book, One Philadelphia Grand Finale—TONIGHT, Wednesday, March 14!—will feature author Jacqueline Woodson and original performances inspired by Another Brooklyn. Woodson will be interviewed by Tamala Edwards, 6ABC Action News co-anchor, and take questions from audience members. In line with the poetry and music present in Another Brooklyn and Woodson’s other works, Curtis Institute of Music vocalists will perform the original piece “Girlhood,” composed by Curtis student Chelsea Komschlies. Husnaa Hashim, Philadelphia 2017–2018 Youth Poet Laureate, will also perform an original poet, “Honey Sequence.”

All are invited to this free event! The program begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Parkway Central Library’s Skyline Room.

Thanks so much for being a part of our story this One Book season!