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'Tuesdays
With Morrie' city's book of choice
By Alisha Gomez
On-line Forty-Niner
When the Long Beach
Public Library Foundation and Mayor Beverly O'Neill created
the "Long Beach Reads -- One Book" program, the
foundation wanted a universal book, board member Mary Hancock
Hinds said.
They finally chose "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch
Albom out of the 50 books the board considered.
"We selected this one because it is something that touched
on all people, from teenagers to senior citizens," Hinds
said. "Also, it has been translated into Spanish."
Hinds also said that the book appeals to different cultures
and all ages. The foundation wanted a book that would appeal
to everyone in the city. They started reviewing books in January.
In a press release, Mayor Beverly O'Neill said the program
is designed to create a citywide book club that promotes reading,
literacy and fellowship and fosters a common ground for community
discussion.
"We wanted to create a cohesive focus on the city,"
Hinds said. "The goal is to increase literacy in Long
Beach."
Long Beach is not the first city to reach out to the community
with a "One Book" program. Chicago, Syracuse and
Seattle have all held programs. The city of Los Angeles recently
completed a program in which residents were urged to read
"Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury.
Other programs that the foundation has created are family
centers inside the libraries. These centers help kids with
their homework and encourage parents to assist in their children's
studies. The foundation started the centers in 1996.
"We want the whole community, including northern Long
Beach, to be involved," Hinds said.
All but one of the events are free out of the 60 being put
on throughout the city, Hinds said.
She expects the events to be well attended and said the only
problem she foresees is how the foundation will be able to
evaluate or quantify the event.
"Everybody we've talked to thinks the event is so cool
and is very excited," she said.
Events are being held April 29 through May 5.
Cal State Long Beach also will be hosting a few events on
campus.
"Long Beach Reads 'Tuesdays with Morrie: Perspectives
on Death and Dying'" will be held Thursday, April 25
at 6 p.m. An interview with Pamela Roberts from the department
of Human Development will take place and students can watch
it on Long Beach Charter Cable, channel 3.
All week from noon to 1 p.m. at the Nugget Patio, CSULB students,
faculty, staff and administrators will read excerpts from
the book.
On Friday, a panel discussion called "Perspectives on
Death and Dying" will be held from 11 a.m. to noon in
the Beach Auditorium in the University Student Union. CSULB
President Robert Maxson will do an introduction and the panel
includes State Assemblyman Alan Lowenthal, Pamela Roberts
and students from the human development department.
For information about what events are taking place in the
city, visit your local library.
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