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Booklovers across the world mourned the death of contemporary American writer John Updike on Tuesday, January 27. The author, who counted the award-winning Rabbit series among his bestsellers, died following a battle with lung cancer.

Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, and raised in nearby Shillington, Updike graduated from Harvard University on a full scholarship, where he edited the Harvard Lampoon. Updike, who often set his stories in suburban, postwar America, was praised from the start for his writing, which appeared regularly in The New Yorker. Frequenting bestseller lists and winning numerous writing awards (two Pulitzers, two National Book Awards, and a PEN/Faulkner Award among them), the writer showcased his talent across a variety of writing styles—novels, short stories, poems, criticism, essays, and memoir.

In remembrance of this literary great, listen to a podcast from his visit to Parkway Central in June 2007 or check out one of our many books penned by him.

Which of Updike’s books have you read? What will you remember best about his work?
 

One of Updike's Pulitzer Prize-winning books
One of Updike's Pulitzer Prize-winning books

Now that the seventh season of One Book, One Philadelphia is underway, I want to hear from you! Were you one of the 700+ people who attended the kick-off at Parkway Central for the kick off on Wednesday, January 21? Montgomery Auditorium was packed, as was the Main Lobby for the telecast of Steve Lopez’s remarks.

The next day, Lopez stopped by Lillian Marrero Branch to chat with approximately 150 teens from area high schools. The students presented Lopez with a handmade sign welcoming him to the Library (check it out below!), and, in turn, Lopez signed copies of The Soloist, participated in a question-and-answer session, and even spoke a little Spanish! Area students were all ears when Lopez discussed how to be a good writer and shared his personal tips.

What events have you attended so far? Leave a comment below and share your first impressions!
 

Check out that sign!
Check out that sign!
Lillian Marrero was packed!
Lillian Marrero was packed!

As the United States is celebrating on this historic inauguration day, take some time to read about the lives of our new President and Vice President.  Free Library librarians have put together booklists of recommended titles:

2009 Inauguration - Books by our new leaders

Past U.S. Inaugurations - Books and resources about historical inaugurations

For Kids - Check out these titles about President Obama and about U.S. history

For those of you visiting Parkway Central today, we will be broadcasting the Inauguration on a TV in the lobby (no seating is available).

The Audacity of Hope
The Audacity of Hope

Do you have any plans to celebrate the historic inauguration next week? Parkway Central will have a television set up in the Main Lobby, so feel free to stop by on Tuesday to catch a glimpse of history in the making.

We’re also excited to present a video from President Elect Barack Obama’s visit to the Library two years ago. While promoting his book, The Audacity of Hope, the President Elect spoke to an audience of more than 600 at Parkway Central shortly before he announced his intention to run for President.  

Check out our exclusive clip below to hear what our next President has to say about the important role libraries play in our lives!


 

Looking for an antidote to the post-holiday blues, chilly temps, and lack of sun in the coming months? Well grab your copy of The Soloist (you can borrow it from any branch of the Free Library) and get ready—One Book, One Philadelphia kicks off its seventh season tomorrow night!

From January 14 through March 19, Philadelphians are encouraged to read Steve Lopez’s tale—which highlights complex issues such as mental illness and homelessness—and participate in the hundreds of city-wide events. From book discussions and musical performances to screenings and workshops, the 2009 One Book events offer a variety of opportunities for everyone.

During our special kick-off at 7:15 pm tomorrow evening, Steve Lopez will speak with the audience at Parkway Central Library, as well as participate in a question-and-answer session and book signing. Tying in Lopez’s theme of music, the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra, one of the program’s community partners, will perform before Lopez’s talk.

For a calendar of events and other resources, check out our One Book page. And don’t forget to stop by and join the conversation on our blog—I’ll be frequently updating with One Book-related posts!

About the Author

About the Featured Reading Selection

Calendar of Events

Additional Resources

Tags: One Book One Philadelphia

The Soloist
The Soloist