For immediate release | March 21, 2017
United for Libraries to dedicate Manila House a Literary Landmark
Washington, D.C. – United for Libraries, in partnership with the Philippine Arts, Letters and Media Council (PALM); the Philippines on the Potomac Project (POPDC); the Rita M. Cacas Foundation, Inc. (RMCF), and the Toribio Family, will dedicate the fourth Literary Landmark in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, May 6 (3-5 p.m.), at the original site of the former Manila House (2440 K Street, NW, Washington, D.C.).
The Literary Landmark recognizes the Manila House, which was a gathering place of the Washington, D.C., area Filipino community from the 1930s to the 1950s. Filipino author Bienvenido (Ben) Santos wrote about the Manila House in his collection of short stories, “Scent of Apples” (University of Washington Press, 1979), winner of the 1981 American Book Award.
Although the Manila House is no more, the building, also known as Carwithen House, is currently the administrative offices of the St. Paul’s Episcopal Parish.
There are only three other structures designated a Literary Landmark in the District of Columbia: The Founders Library, Howard University (1997); the Jefferson Building, Library of Congress (1998); and the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site (2007).
For more information about the Manila House sponsors, visit the Rita M. Cacas Foundation website (www.rmcacas.foundation), the Philippines on the Potomac Project (https://popdc.wordpress.com), or email WDCFilipinos@gmail.com.
The Literary Landmark program is administered by United for Libraries. Since the conception of the program in 1986, more than 160 Literary Landmarks across the United States have been dedicated. Any library or group may apply for a Literary Landmark through United for Libraries, visit www.ala.org/united/products_services/literarylandmarks.
United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, is a division of the American Library Association with approximately 4,000 personal and group members representing hundreds of thousands of library supporters. United for Libraries supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries, and brings together library trustees, advocates, friends, and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. To join, please visit www.ala.org/united or call (800) 545-2433, ext. 2161.
Contact:
Jillian Wentworth
Marketing/Public Relations Specialist
United for Libraries
jwentworth@ala.org312-280-2161
Featured News