ONE BOOK BRADFORD

One Book projects, begun in 1998 by the Washington Center for the Book, continue to be introduced across the US and around the world.  One Book projects are designed to bring communities together, encourage reading, and stimulate discussion.  Now One Book has come to Bradford.

Under the umbrella of the Friends of the Bradford Area Public Library and with the support of the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford Spectrum Series and writing program, a group of enthusiastic volunteers representing Bradford's many book clubs chose Lauren Belfer's City of Light as the first One Book Bradford selection.

City of Light is a murder mystery, love story, and historical novel full of political intrigue set in 1901 Buffalo as the city is preparing to host the Pan-American Exposition.

The One Book Bradford committee, co-chaired by Dr. Nancy McCabe and Pat Shinaberger,  planned a series of events related to City of LIght.   A November bus tour to sites mentioned in the book was sold out. The formal tea with dramatic readings was another sell-out affair (January, 2008), and a talk about life in Bradford at the time City of Light takes place  was well received by a capacity crowd in the Bradford Area Public Library's community room in February, 2008 . 

 Author Lauren Belfer visited Bradford on March 31, 2008.   Ms Belfer spoke about her book and the research she conducted to make sure the characters and situations were historically accurate to a standing-room only crowd in the University Room of the Frame-Westerberg Commons at the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford. Questions and answers as well as book signing followed her presentation. Members of the One Book Bradford committee presented Ms Belfer with a framed historical print of the Buffalo Club, a pair of unique bookends, and a basket of Bradford-themed items.

We are already talking about the next  One Book Bradford title.  If you would like to help Bradford's book-based adventure continue, please call the Library at 362-6527 and we will make sure you are part of the excitement.