The annual One Book, One Philadelphia programming kicks off today, and here is some information on what will be happening at West Philadelphia public library branches. In their 13th season, One Book, One Philadelphia will have events through March 19, including book discussions, children’s craft workshops, historical presentations, panel discussions, and film screenings. Please note that a time capsule letter workshop will take place this afternoon at the Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library (see more below).

One Book, One Philadelphia is a joint project of the Mayor’s Office and the Free Library of Philadelphia. The goal of the project is to promote literacy and encourage Philadelphians to come together through reading and discussing a single book. The One Book, One Philadelphia Selection Committee chose Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline for reading and discussion in 2015. Here’s more information about the book from the Free Library of Philadelphia website:

“Orphan Train is the compelling story of Vivian, a 91-year-old widow once orphaned as a child, and Molly, a troubled teen who has been shuffled from one unstable foster home to another. The two women develop a bond, with Vivian treasuring her Irish immigrant roots and Molly finding comfort in her ancestral Native American tradition. The novel sheds light on an era when thousands of orphaned children were taken from crowded cities to face uncertain futures in the rural Midwest and connects with the importance of heritage and memories in shaping who we are, the value of intergenerational relationships, and the fundamental power of family.” 

Time Capsule Letter

Friday, Feb. 6, 3:30 p.m.

Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library, 5800 Cobbs Creek Pkwy., 215-685-1973

Memories are so important but sometimes we forget things. In this workshop, participants will write a letter to their future selves about what is going on their lives right now and decorate the letter and envelope so they remember to read it in the future.

All Around This World: Music from Ireland and Poland

Monday, Feb. 9, 4:30 p.m.

Charles L. Durham Library, 3320 Haverford Ave., 215-685-7436

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 10:30 a.m.

Wynnefield Library, 5325 Overbrook Ave., 215-685-0298

Small children and their caregivers will explore rhythms and melodies from Ireland and Poland. Participants will explore the homelands of the characters in the featured selection Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline and middle-grade companion book Rodzina by Karen Cushman. Facilitator Jay Sand will guide participants through an enchanting and interactive musical tour of countries around the world.

Create and Paint Your Own Celtic Knot

Tuesday, March 3, 4:00 p.m.

Haverford Library, 5543 Haverford Ave., 215-685-1964

Who first designed Celtic knots and symbols? What are their meanings? Facilitator Marcie Ziskind will teach participants how to decipher the secrets behind these beautiful designs. They will then create unique knots and symbols that represent their own personal meanings. Participants will use acrylic paints on 4” x 4” tiles to create a permanent piece of art to take home and display. This program is intended primarily for school-aged children.

Irish Folk Traditions: Sampling the Tales

Tuesday, March 17, 4:30 p.m.

Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library, 125 S. 52nd St., 215-685-7422

Ireland has a rich tradition of tales that warmed its long wintery nights: fairy tales that haunt, leprechaun tales that delight, wonder tales that teach and amuse, and ancient myths that rend the heart. Join us as storyteller Dennis Strain demonstrates each tradition.