The Jacksonville Public Library and Community Connections today launches “The Community Read: Jacksonville Turns a Page Together,” a communitywide effort to encourage all residents to read the same book at the same time in celebration of 100 years of service to Jacksonville by Community Connections. The Community Read runs from Sept. 7 through Oct. 20. Visit the Main Library during Art Walk on Sept. 7 for the kickoff and check out the book or spoken word CD with your library card. Books also will be available for purchase in the BOOKtique shop at the library.
“The Power of Half—One Family’s Decision to Stop Taking and Start Giving Back” was selected by Community Connections, a non-profit organization that provides housing and help to women and families in need. Co-authored by Kevin Salwen and his daughter, Hannah, the book chronicles how one family came to the realization that by giving away half of what they had, they could help others and end up having so much more. Copies of the book are available at all area libraries.
“When a community reads a book together, it can have a powerful effect,” said Barbara Gubbin, director of the Jacksonville Public Library. “It’s a great way to encourage reading, improve literacy and get families and friends talking about an important issue. We are hopeful the story sparks a community dialogue.”
Pat Hannan, executive director and CEO of Community Connections, added, “This is our 100thanniversary, but it’s really a celebration of philanthropy in Jacksonville. The Salwens’ book focuses on how we can all learn to give back. We are happy to partner with the Jacksonville Public Library in raising community awareness of the power of giving.”
Numerous schools selected “The Power of Half” for their summer reading lists and the book is the Duval County Public School Superintendent’s Book of the Month for October. The book is also being read by “The Florida Times-Union” Book Blog. To join the book blog group, send an email to Mike Clark, editorial page editor, at mike.clark@jacksonville.com.
In his proclamation, Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown encouraged citizens “to explore ways to give back to their community, read with their friends and families and support organizations like the Jacksonville Public Library, Community Connections and the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library that continue to serve residents of the First Coast.”
There are suggestions throughout the book to help children, teens and adults discover the power of giving. A readers’ guide is available on the library’s website at www.jaxpubliclibrary.org/powerofhalf.
Several libraries are offering book discussion groups and other events including opportunities for individuals to “find their half” by volunteering. In addition, Barnes & Noble will host a bookfair fundraiserSept. 17 at its St. Johns Town Center store. On that day, a portion of online and in-store sales will benefit the library. The Community Read will culminate Oct. 20 with a special appearance by co-author Kevin Salwen at the Main Library in the Hicks Auditorium at 11 a.m. To RSVP to this free event, visit the library’s Eventbrite page. Visit jaxpubliclibrary.org/powerofhalf for a full list of programs.
The Community Read is generously supported by The Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library. The Jacksonville Public Library is committed to making its programs accessible to all persons. If you need special accommodations, please call 630-7595 (TTY 630-1999) at least 72 hours prior to the event.
Local physicians will battle it out on the stage to raise awareness and money for Bosom Buddies, a local organization that provides support to breast cancer patients before, during and after their treatment. The medical community will rally around this cause with several local physician bands performing on stage. Physician groups include Dr. Chris Rathburn, Dr. William Gorospe and Dr. David Swain. Join us Friday, October 7 from 7pm-11pm at River City Brewing Company on Jacksonville’s Southbank. The cost is $20 per ticket in advance and $25 at the door, and will include light appetizers and a beverage. All proceeds will benefit Bosom Buddies. The event is sponsored by Life Care Centers, Ashford Court, Apex Home Health, Aggressive Signs, Dr. Luis Anez, JC Home Medical and River City Brewing Company. Sponsorship packages are still available. For more information, please call Sara Dewitt at 501-9242 or email at sara_dewitt@lcca.com<mailto:sara_dewitt@lcca.com>
TheLocalWord 