PHILADELPHIA — United for Libraries, in partnership with Emily J. Pointer Public Library in Como, Miss., will designate the library a Literary Landmark in honor of Stark Young on Thursday, March 28.
A plaque will be placed on the south lawn of the library during the Stark Young tribute, which will begin at noon with a performance of “A Visit from Stark Young” by the North Mississippi Storytellers Guild. Karen Wilson, executive director of the Son Edna Foundation in Charleston, will give the keynote about literacy in small-town rural Mississippi. Igor Bosin will read selections from Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard” in Russian, with Stark Young’s English translations to follow. A book signing by Lauren Lavergne’s Como Elementary School first grade class will round out the tribute’s events immediately prior to the reveal of the Literary Landmark plaque.
Como, Miss.-born Stark Young contributed to the literary legacy of the 20th century as a drama critic, novelist, playwright and poet. An accomplished artist and educator, often called the greatest drama critic in the history of American theatre, his creative ability found expression in fiction, translation and autobiography. “So Red the Rose,” his best known work, was adapted to film in 1935.
Partnering with United for Libraries for the dedication are Friends of Emily J. Pointer Public Library and the town of Como.
The Literary Landmark program is administered by United for Libraries. More than 120 Literary Landmarks across the United States have been dedicated since the program began in 1986. Any library or group may apply for a Literary Landmark through United for Libraries. More information is available on the United for Libraries website.
United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, is a division of the American Library Association that supports citizens who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries. United for Libraries brings together library trustees, advocates, friends and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information or to join United for Libraries, visit the United for Libraries website or contact Jillian Kalonick at (312) 280-2161 or jkalonick@ala.org.
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Contact:
Jillian Kalonick
Marketing / Public Relations
United for Libraries (United)
jkalonick@ala.org800-545-2433 ext.2160
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