One Book, One Philadelphia and One Drexel

The Free Library of Philadelphia’s signature One Book, One Philadelphia program brings Philadelphians together to read, discuss and celebrate, as the name promises, one book. This year’s novel is “Another Brooklyn” by Jacqueline Woodson, which readers began reading just last week — but don’t worry, there’s still plenty of time for you to become involved, especially at Drexel University.

Drexel has a long history of supporting One Book, One Philadelphia throughout the program’s 16-year history, and 2018 is no different. Several colleges, organizations and programs at Drexel were involved in creating and hosting events supporting the initiative on campus in the near future.

The One Book, One Philadelphia program runs until the end of March. Here are the events that Drexel is participating in and/or hosting:

Writers Room: Letters, Love and Otherwise

Feb. 6 at 4:30 p.m.

Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships, 3509 Spring Garden St.

The Boston Globe calls Another Brooklyn “a love letter to loss, girlhood, and home.” Craft love letters in a group meditation on fond remembrance of that which should not be forgotten, through letters, poetry or essays. Share your love for a home, a neighborhood, a person or something broader. This event is hosted by Writers Room in the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Drexel University Intercultural Book Circle: “Another Brooklyn”

Feb. 14 at noon

James E. Marks Intercultural Center, 3225 Arch St.

Drexel’s Intercultural Book Circle meets quarterly to provide participants with a space to engage in a facilitated dialogue about cultural, intercultural and identity issues raised through literature. Since its inception, the Winter Quarter selection has been the One Book feature selection. The Book Circle is open to all, not just Drexel affiliates. RSVP by emailing oed@drexel.edu.

Drexel University Jazztet: An Evening of Music in Exploration of Another Brooklyn

March 9 at 7:00 p.m.

MacAlister Hall Sky View Room, 3210 Chestnut St.

“Another Brooklyn”’s narrator, August, reflects, “If we had had jazz, would we have survived differently? If we had known our story was a blues with a refrain running through it, would we have lifted our heads, said to each other, This is memory…?” George Starks, PhD, a professor of music in the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, and the Drexel Jazztet will explore the social and cultural aspects of August’s coming of age through music. For more information, visit drexel.edu/performingarts.