Get Ready for One Book, One Philadelphia!

By Shannon G RSS Tue, September 15, 2009

 

Now for some positive news about the Free Library of Philadelphia (finally). The Library and the Mayor’s Office just named Marjane Satrapi’s The Complete Persepolis as the 2010 One Book, One Philadelphia featured reading selection.  Now in its eighth year, One Book is an annual city-wide program that encourages more than 10,000 people across the region to read and discuss a single book.  The program also serves as a reminder of the relevance of the Free Library, which is particularly apropos at this time.
 
We are all of course focused on advocating for passage of the state legislation that will prevent our libraries from closing, but at the same time we need to continue planning for the programs and services that make the Free Library such a vital part of our community. One Book, One Philadelphia exemplifies the type of program that adds to the quality of life in our region by promoting literacy, building community, and encouraging great conversations. And this year's selection certainly promises to fulfill the program's goals. 

The first graphic novel chosen for One Book, The Complete Persepolis is Satrapi’s poignant, humorous, and heartbreaking memoir of growing up in Iran during a time of political revolution. Her first-person point of view presents readers with a unique glimpse into Iran’s political repression, the inner-workings of a family, and one woman’s experience as an outsider at home and abroad.

Want to be prepared for the One Book program kickoff on January 20? Start reading now—every Library has copies of The Complete Persepolis. And don’t miss your only chance to see Satrapi speak live in Philadelphia on Wednesday, September 23, at 7:30 p.m. at the Parkway Central Library—this event is free and open to the public!

Stay tuned for a complete list of One Book, One Philadelphia events, suggested supplemental reading and film lists, a comprehensive resource guide, and much more! And check back in right here for ongoing One Book coverage during the reading period—every week from now through January, you can share your perspective as we post discussion prompts on chapters of The Complete Persepolis.
 


Have a question for Free Library staff? Please submit it to our Ask a Librarian page and receive a response within two business days.

Leave this field empty

Add a Comment to Get Ready for One Book, One Philadelphia!

Email is kept private and will not be displayed publicly
Comment must be less than 3000 characters
I am very excited that this wonderful book has been chosen. It's an excellent choice in terms of subject matter, timing, getting more people to accept comic books and graphic novels as serious works. I loved her books, and I'll be glad to read them again and participate in One Book, One Philadelphia Events. However, your timing leaves a little to be desired. When trying to drum up support to keep the Libraries open, announcing something for 2010 distracts from the message. Let's get a budget passed and then look to 2010.
Johanna - Germantown
Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Hi Johanna, Thanks for your comment and enthusiasm about Persepolis - I too love this book and am excited about all the programs we are creating. Your point about timing is well-taken. Months ago when we were planning the announcement, we never expected that the Library would be under threat of closure. The author, Marjane Satrapi, lives in France and her schedule will not permit her to travel to Philadelphia this winter. Some time ago we made the arrangements for her visit to the Free Library next week. Since this will be her only appearance, we felt we needed to go forward with the announcement and promote her visit on September 23, so that as many people as possible could have the opportunity to hear her speak in person. Admittedly, it is difficult to plan for the future right now. It is our fervent hope that the budget will be resolved and we won't close libraries or lay off staff. Since our fate has not yet been determined, we have to plan for programs and services in the next months at the same time we are making contingencies for closing. One Book is a popular program that engages people throughout the region, and I hope that the announcement serves as a reminder of all the great programs and services the Free Library offers everyone in Philadelphia. Please join us next Wednesday at 7:30 for Satrapi's lecture.
Kathleen - Free Library of Philadelphia
Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Kathleen, thank you for a wonderful and detailed answer to that question - I was wondering the same thing. My fingers are crossed that the library system will stay open!
Claire - Philadelphia
Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Could you please list in order by year the books that have been chosen for One Book, One Philadelphia?
Mary - The Big Library
Monday, January 4, 2010

suspects are deaf (Reporter Baiyun) September 7, , LI Criminal law enforcement captured three human being suspected of robbery, three guys suspected of robbing a bank or investment company teller a associate, merely all three suspects are deaf, the direction of the law enforcement hold out difficult. string in all instances and investigation, law enforcement bottom the guess equitable before mugging, robbery of cash, using the previous due evolution of cellular mobile phones in add-on to other belongings .
one victim was pillaged of business phone documents later on the persisted expense. shortly after inquiry, the law enforcement wondered to ascertain how the suspect holding this phone, dialed a digit, reasonable mail a message. law enforcement in the beginning suspected the suspect could possibly be deaf. present, the law enforcement have been completely instances inside the first implementation inside the twelve , involving 5 million yuan. law enforcement recommended how the current guilt unscrupulous employees will convey in the direction of the farm honor cooperatives, the lending company or investment company teller in add-on to other places peoples, suggesting that depositor vigilance. is in reality a July 22 bank or investment company monitoring, merely since is in reality a aggregate pv shadow day, the lending company or investment company holding the gate can even now see people inside the neighborhood mushroom of movement image I saw the sky. Photo / journalist Liu fly 9

Newport Cigarettes -
Tuesday, June 28, 2011

feeling himself the bitter tears. I do not know how long there was a girl behind. She tall, black hair with her eyes as compelling - fashion dress and comes out from her temperament actually caught my eye She also did beautiful of the eye can see she is very rich. I gave his sneer out "ha ha ha ha" that was different from their own world, may laugh at the moment is that I'm ignorant. She came over to me. It seems with a mood of frustration with Yi also seems to me clearly. "Can I help you?" I'm actually curious coincidence that the basis for her case. To cover their unreasonably buried my head under the not very positive about her eyes. Yes, "I want you for my share of misfortune," she faint .
was surprised, "What? Let me share your trouble ha ha ha! I sneered" "Really, I really hope you can sub, but my troubles," her clear eyes with tears. Look at her eyes is so helpless I could mysteriously promised her I nodded "Remember I told Shen Qiusi you?" At this point she has no binding "Jay called me Jay," I say his name cold "Remember, your future was asked to share my grief I hide you can not ," she smiled a sweet smile, but her sweet bundle, I clearly found that a trace of frustration g. I also tried to report a smile on her but I can not. Blink of an eye covered in a few weeks later all the wine smell of discouraging many times I was the school I really want to simply leave this place has given me But I can go there then? Class meeting that week, the teacher brought a girl "Hello everybody My name is Shen Qiusi glad to be friends with everyone," the time I had to forget a man Shen Qiusi had promised the girl was asked to share just a dream that unfortunately seems to know what she is really the one hand in front of my light light patting my shoulder and said "Hey Jason really glad to see you "

Newport Cigarettes -
Tuesday, June 28, 2011