Press Release Details

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 15, 2008

For More Information Contact
Christine Vilardo
The Ardmore Initiative
610-645-0540
Christine@theardmoreinitiative.org

One Book One Lower Merion Program

Ardmore, PA —The One Book One Lower Merion program is sponsored by the Lower Merion Library System, which encompasses all six township libraries. It is intended to encourage reading and discussions between neighbors and a greater appreciation for the libraries and for books. Over the past three years, the Township has read THE KITE RUNNER, MARLEY AND ME and IN AN INSTANT.

PEOPLE OF THE BOOK, by Pulitzer-prize winner Geraldine Brooks, is the novel selected to bring the community together this year. It is the story of the 600-year old Sarajevo Haggadah, as it passes through the hands of Muslims, Catholic priests during the Inquisition and Jews in Eastern Europe. Brooks has done a phenomenal job of bringing the book's history to life, and creating suspense, all within the framework of the Bosnian War of the 1980s.

The Board Room of the Township Administration building will be the site of one of the main events: A CONSERVATOR, A CURATOR...and BOOKSHELF TREASURES on Sunday, January 11, 2009 at 2 p.m. A prominent local rabbi will introduce the program and explain how a Haggadah is used during the Passover seder and a Curator from the Annenberg Rare Book Library will share photos of the Sarajevo Haggadah from Penn's collection. A Conservator from Philadelphia's own Center for Art and Historic Artifacts will talk about her career. Immediately following these presentations, there will be an opportunity to have your own bit of history evaluated, Antiques Roadshow-style, by a Vice President from Freemans Auction House, who will provide an oral appraisal of up to three books per person. [The Lower Merion Library System and One Book One Lower Merion are not responsible for the accuracy of any aspects of the appraisals.]
Other events in the One Book series will include a talk by an FBI art fraud expert, a stimulating discussion of the book led by well-known local professor Emilie Passow, a movie showing at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute and an interfaith panel discussion. The highlight will be an appearance and book signing by Geraldine Brooks on Sunday, January 25, 2009 at 2 p.m. at The Great Hall, the gorgeous Gothic style library on the campus of Bryn Mawr College.

No reservations are necessary and ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE, except the movie presented at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute for a discounted price. More information on the speakers and programs is available at lmls.org, the web site of the library system.

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