Resolution 110194

..Title Recognizing and Congratulating the Free Library of Philadelphia on the successful completion of their 9th annual One Book, One Philadelphia literacy program. ..Body WHEREAS, The Free Library of Philadelphia was first chartered in 1891 through the extraordinary and commendable efforts of Dr. William Pepper; and WHEREAS, The mission of the Free Library of Philadelphia is to provide all segments of Philadelphia's diverse population with a comprehensive collection of recorded knowledge, ideas, artistic expression, and information in a variety of media platforms; and WHEREAS, In 2003, the Free Library of Philadelphia furthered its mission by initiating the One Book, One Philadelphia program, which promotes reading, literacy and libraries by encouraging the entire greater Philadelphia area to come together to read and discuss a single book; and WHEREAS, In 2011, the 9th annual One Book, One Philadelphia program commenced with the selection of two works - War Dances and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian - written by acclaimed American author Sherman Alexie; and WHEREAS, The Free Library reached thousands of Philadelphians through One Book, One Philadelphia by organizing nine weeks of activities for over 500 community groups, including several book discussions, craft-making workshops, performances by members of the Lenni Lenape Tribe, and a speech by the author in front of 1,200 students and community members at Parkway Central Library; and WHEREAS, The achievements of the One Book, One Philadelphia program were supported by lead sponsor Walmart, along with PECO, North American Beverage, The Lenfest Foundation, The Field Foundation, The Hassel Foundation, Beneficial Savings Bank, and law firms Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, Pepper Hamilton, and McCarter & English; and WHEREAS, The development of proficient literacy skills through programs like One Book, One Philadelphia are of paramount importance to the City of Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize and congratulate the Free Library of Philadelphia on the successful completion of their 9th annual One Book, One Philadelphia literacy program. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Free Library of Philadelphia as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. ..End