Celebrate the kickoff of 2007's One Book, One Philadelphia today with three special events that honor the featured selection, Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy, and its author, Dr. Carlos Eire:

• Kickoff Lecture and Book Signing with Carlos Eire

Tuesday, January 16 at 2:00 p.m.

Philadelphia City Institute

1905 Locust Street, 215-685-6621

Author of this year’s feature selection, Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy, Carlos Eire, will speak with patrons and sign copies of his memoir.

• Children’s Readaloud and Discussion: Coming to America by Betsy Maestro

Tuesday, January 16 at 3:00 p.m.

Ramonita G. de Rodriguez Branch

600 W. Girard Avenue, 215-686-1768

• One Book, One Philadelphia Kickoff Party

Tuesday, January 16 at 6:30 p.m.

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar

10 South 2^nd Street, 215-627-0666

$30 per person (Includes Cocktails and Hors D’Oeuvres)

Immerse yourself in Cuban culture at the Waiting for Snow in Havana, One Book, One Philadelphia 2007 program premiere event at Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar. Hear 2007’s featured author Carlos Eire read about his experiences as a young boy in pre-Castro Cuba while enjoying Cuban mojitos and Cuba Libre’s distinctive cuisine prepared by Executive Chef, Guillermo Pernot. See the unveiling of an exhibition of Carlos Eire’s childhood photographs, which will remain on display throughout the nine-week One Book, One Philadelphia program. Bring your copy of the book or purchase one at the event for Carlos to sign. All proceeds will be donated to One Book, One Philadelphia. For reservations, call 215-627-0666.