Recognizing and Congratulating the Free Library of Philadelphia on the successful completion of their 9th annual One Book, One Philadelphia literacy program.

WHEREAS, The Free Library of Philadelphia was first chartered in 1891 through the extraordinary and commendable efforts of Dr. William Pepper; and

WHEREAS, The mission of the Free Library of Philadelphia is to provide all segments of Philadelphia's diverse population with a comprehensive collection of recorded knowledge, ideas, artistic expression, and information in a variety of media platforms; and

WHEREAS, In 2003, the Free Library of Philadelphia furthered its mission by initiating the

One Book, One Philadelphia

program, which promotes reading, literacy and libraries by encouraging the entire greater Philadelphia area to come together to read and discuss a single book; and

WHEREAS, In 2011, the 9th annual

One Book, One Philadelphia

program

commenced with

the selection of two works -

War Dances

and

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

- written by acclaimed American author Sherman Alexie; and

WHEREAS, The Free Library reached thousands of Philadelphians through

One Book, One Philadelphia

by organizing nine weeks of activities for over 500 community groups, including several book discussions, craft-making workshops, performances by members of the Lenni Lenape Tribe, and a speech by the author in front of 1,200 students and community members at Parkway Central Library; and

WHEREAS, The achievements of the

One Book, One Philadelphia

program were supported by lead sponsor Walmart, along with PECO, North American Beverage, The Lenfest Foundation, The Field Foundation, The Hassel Foundation, Beneficial Savings Bank, and law firms Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, Pepper Hamilton, and McCarter & English; and

WHEREAS, The development of proficient literacy skills through programs like

One Book, One Philadelphia

are of paramount importance to the City of Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize and congratulate the Free Library of Philadelphia on the successful completion of their 9th annual

One Book, One Philadelphia

literacy program.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Free Library of Philadelphia as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End