Calling on all Philadelphians to participate in the "One Book, One Philadelphia Project" from February 7th through April 12th, 2003.

WHEREAS, The Free Library and the Office of Mayor John F. Street have embarked on a new program entitled, “One Book, One Philadelphia”; and

WHEREAS, The goal of “One Book, One Philadelphia” is to have the Philadelphia community come together through the reading of a single book; and

WHEREAS, Another benefit of this wonderful program is that through encouraging all Philadelphians to read, it encourages those who have difficulty with reading to improve their literacy; and

WHEREAS, The book chosen was written by Philadelphia author Lorene Cary entitled,

The Price of a Child

; and

WHEREAS, Set in Philadelphia in the 1850's, it is the story of slave Ginnie Pryor who chooses to flee from her owner and create a life of freedom; and

WHEREAS, Aside from being an outstanding book and a compelling story,

The Price of a Child

carries historical lessons of race, gender and slavery that will benefit all who read its pages; and

WHEREAS, While

The Price of a Child

has mature themes that may be too strong for the youth in this City, the Free Library has provided a list of books that are appropriate for young people which share the spirit of Ms. Cary's novel; and

WHEREAS, City Council should join the numerous government, corporate, non-profit, and community agencies that have signed on to promote and advocate for a more literate and unified Philadelphia; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA,

That we hereby call on all Philadelphians to participate in the “One Book, One Philadelphia” project from February 7th through April 12th, 2003.

End