Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710
FAX (215) 567-7850
Contact: Communications and Development
ANNOUNCING THE 2017 ONE BOOK, ONE PHILADELPHIA SELECTION: THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME BY MARK HADDON
PHILADELPHIA, October 27, 2016—The Free Library of Philadelphia and the Mayor’s Office today announced the selection of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, by Mark Haddon, as the 2017 One Book, One Philadelphia featured reading selection. Now celebrating its 15th season, this literacy initiative encourages the entire greater Philadelphia region to come together through reading and discussing the same book. The announcement marks the beginning of the reading period, during which Philadelphians are encouraged to dig into the featured selection before the official program period commences in January. Running from January 25 through March 23, 2017, the One Book, One Philadelphia program will include more than 100 related events inspired by the featured selection, including panel discussions, film screenings, musical performances, and more. The One Book program will kick off on January 25, 2017, with an event celebrating One Book, One Philadelphia’s 15th anniversary, featuring authors from past One Book programs.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is the story of an eccentric and gifted young man who gains a deeper understanding of himself while solving a neighborhood mystery. The New Yorker says, “This original and affecting novel is a triumph of empathy,” and The Daily Telegraph states, “Haddon is to be congratulated for imagining a new kind of hero, for the humbling instruction this warm and often funny novel offers and for showing us that the best lives are lived where differences are cherished.”
One Book, One Philadelphia Chair Marie Field commented, “With Haddon's The Curious Incident at the heart of One Book's 15th season, Philadelphia readers will view the world through the eyes of the novel's brilliant, uniquely challenged narrator. Thematically inspired programs and discussions will augment our understanding of autism and enhance our awareness of individual differences, while deepening our appreciation of our common humanity.”
Free Library President and Director Siobhan A. Reardon also commented on her appreciation of this year’s selection. “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a funny, enjoyable, and ultimately enlightening read that sheds light on timely themes,” said Reardon. “We are delighted that One Book, One Philadelphia can bring the city together around this work beginning this January.”
Founded in 2003 by the Free Library and the Mayor’s Office, One Book motivates tens of thousands of people annually to read a featured selection and participate in related discussions, events, workshops, classes, and more. The 2017 One Book program is endowed by The Joseph and Marie Field Fund and sponsored by The Field Foundation. Media sponsors include WHYY, Harmelin Media, and Keystone Outdoor Advertising. Sponsors also include American Airlines, Stradley Ronon, and the Logan Hotel.
All Free Library locations will have several hard copies of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time—as well as the 2017 middle-grade companion book, Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World by Sy Montgomery, and children’s companion book, My Cousin Momo by Zachariah OHora—for customers to borrow with a Free Library card. In addition, the Free Library will have ebook copies available for checkout from its website.
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The Free Library of Philadelphia system, with 54 locations and the Rosenbach, advances literacy, guides learning, and inspires curiosity with millions of digital and physical materials; 25,000 yearly programs and workshops; free public computers and extensive Wi-Fi, including neighborhood Hotspots; and rich special collections, including those at Parkway Central Library and at the Rosenbach. With more than 6 million in-person visits and millions more online annually, the Free Library and the Rosenbach are among the most widely used educational and cultural institutions in Philadelphia and boast a worldwide impact.
10/27/2016
Department of External Affairs, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710, FAX (215) 567-7850