SOMERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HOST ‘SOMERVILLE READS’ POTLUCK 4/21

SOMERVILLE - The Somerville Public Library invites all

community members to the "Somerville Reads" Celebration and Potluck from 1:00 -

3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 21^st at the Central Library, 79

Highland Ave.  The Potluck will kick off

the annual Somerville Reads campaign, encouraging community literacy through a

common theme.  The 2012 theme is "food,"

and the selected books are Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer,

by Novella Carpenter, for adults, and Seedfolks, by Paul Fleischmann,

for children.  Community members are

encouraged to join the Somerville Public Library and Trustees and Friends of the SPL for the potluck celebration, and to learn

more about our connection with fresh food, urban farming, and the books

selected for this year.  Throughout the

campaign, which lasts through the end of April, readers will be invited to

discussions and related events.  At the

potluck, Somerville-based band Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library will provide

live entertainment.  Attendees are asked

to bring a favorite recipe or dish to share.

"Somerville Reads is a joyous celebration of reading.

Through this year's picks we explore themes such as urban living, food and

sustainability, poverty and wealth, family relationships, identity formation, and

discovering the hopes, dreams, and concerns of neighbors from many backgrounds,"

said Library Director, Maria Carpenter.

The potluck will feature live music, food and recipes from

community members, and children's activities. 

Attendees will be asked to vote on the best dishes, and winners will

receive gift certificate to area restaurants. 

Cookbooks, created by Friends of the Somerville Public Library, will be

available, and all proceeds will support library activities.

Residents interested in participating in the Somerville

Reads campaign can find copies at the Somerville Public Libraries, and visit www.somervillereads.blogspot.com

for discussions and updated information. 

Partners and Sponsors of Somerville Reads include the City

of Somerville, Somerville Public Library, Somerville Public Schools,

Flagraphics, Groundwork Somerville, Sherman Café & Market, Highland

Kitchen, Dave's Fresh Pasta, Guru, India Palace, Somerville Community Growing

Center, Green City Growers, and Friends of the Somerville Public Library.

 Upcoming Somerville Reads Events include:

• Thursday, April 5th, 7:00pm:  Talk on Urban Farming and Discussion of Farm City, Central Library
• Tuesday, April 10th, 3:00pm:  Art Exhibit Reception with Somerville Public Schools students, Central Library
• Wednesday, April 11th, 7:00pm: Community Storytelling Night on The Love of Food, Central Library; Emceed by Tom Champion
• Tuesday, April 17th, 7:00pm:  Kids ages 9-12 discussion of Seedfolks, Central Library
• Saturday, April 14th, 2:00pm:  Family  fun participatory enactment of Stone Soup, Central Library
• Sunday, April 22nd, 1:00pm:  Multigenerational discussion of Seedfolks, Walnut Street  Community Garden