The Library recently announced an exciting lineup of events for the 2014 One Book, Everybody Reads program, which features Claire of the Sea Light, the latest novel by two-time National Book Award finalist Edwidge Danticat.
The series will begin on March 30 and continue until May 4, when Ms. Danticat will visit Wilmette to discuss her book. That event will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Wilmette Junior High School, 620 Locust Road, Wilmette. The Book Stall at Chestnut Court will have books available for purchase, and Ms. Danticat will sign books after her talk.
Wilmette and Kenilworth residents who wish to attend the author event may pick up a maximum of 2 free tickets at the Library’s Recent Arrivals Desk beginning Saturday, April 26. Any remaining tickets will be available to non-residents beginning Thursday, May 1. No phone reservations will be taken. Ticketed seats will be held until 5 minutes before the event, and, at that time, all unfilled seats will be open to the public.Claire of the Sea Light tells the story of a 7-year-old Haitian girl who disappears on the night her father gives her away in the hopes of securing a better life for his only child. Presented as a haunting and magical narrative of interwoven tales and lives, the individual stories all connect back to young Claire, her parents, and to the small fishing village where they live. In telling the tale, the stunning novel explores the roles of parent, child, neighbor, and friend as well as the themes of love, loss, and redemption.
In exploring Claire of the Sea Light, this year’s series of programs will focus on the themes of Haiti and Haitian culture. Unless otherwise noted, all events are free and open to the public and will be held at the Wilmette Public Library Auditorium, 1242 Wilmette Avenue, Wilmette.
The 2014 One Book series begins on March 30 at 2:00 p.m. when Griselda Garibay, Advancement Coordinator for the Vincentian Family Haiti Initiative, presents “Haiti: An Insider’s Perspective.” Ms. Garibay will offer insight into Haiti's past, present and future and describe how the Vincentian Family Haiti Initiative works to empower Haitians to create better lives for themselves.
On April 8 at 10:30 a.m., the Library’s “Classics and Contemporary” Book Discussion group will feature Claire of the Sea Light. An Adult Services staff librarian will lead the book discussion.
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An Earth Day program, “Trees that Feed: Making a Difference in Haiti and Beyond,” takes place on April 22 with a presentation by local residents Mary and Michael McLaughlin, founders of the global organization, Trees That Feed. The McLaughlins will describe their non-profit, which plants breadfruit trees in Haiti and other countries in an effort to feed people, create jobs, and benefit the environment. Co-sponsored by Go Green Wilmette, the program will be held at 2:00 p.m. and will be repeated at 7:00 p.m.
On April 27 at 2:00 p.m., Crossing Borders Music Collective presents "The Real Vodou: A Haitian Classical Music Concert,” a string quartet concert of vodou ("voodoo") songs and vodou-inspired compositions. Vodou formed the spiritual backbone for Haiti's revolution, which was the largest, most successful slave revolt in history. The concert will present folk songs and music by Haitian composers who were inspired by vodou rituals, ceremonies, and practices. Audio and visual materials that offer additional insight into the rich vodou culture will round out the program.
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A second book discussion will take place on April 28 at 7:00 p.m. when Claire of the Sea Light is the selected title for the Library’s “Monday Night Discussion Group.” A staff librarian will facilitate the discussion.
Tastings of sweet and savory Haitian treats will be provided on May 1 at 7:00 p.m. when owners Yvon and Ernst Medard of Leonie’s Delice Bakery in Evanston present “A Taste of Haiti.” Seating for this program is limited. Register using the Library's online calendar or call (847) 256-6930 beginning April 12.
One Book, Everybody Reads is funded by Friends of the Wilmette Public Library. Community partners for the 2014 program include The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, Go Green Wilmette, League of Women Voters of Wilmette, Make It Better, NS (Modern Luxury for the North Shore), Rotary Club of Wilmette, Sheridan Road, Trees That Feed, Village of Kenilworth, Village of Wilmette, Wilmette Beacon, Wilmette Chamber of Commerce, Wilmette Harbor Rotary Club, Wilmette Life, Wilmette Public Schools District 39, and Wilmette-Kenilworth Patch.
For more information about the One Book program, visit www.wilmettelibrary.info/onebook or call (847) 256-6930.
