2009 Literary Landmarks
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Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building , Austin, TX. Noted Texas authors, including James Michener, Walter Prescott Webb, and Jack "Jaxon" Jackson used the state archives for research and inspiration. Former U.S. and Texas First Lady Laura Bush spoke at the building's dedication. Dedicated Dec. 3, 2009. Partners: Friends of Libraries & Archives in Texas and Texas Center for the Book.
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Osage Tribal Museum , Pawhuska, OK. John Joseph Mathews worked to preserve the culture and history of his Osage tribute through his writing. His authored four nonfiction books and one fiction book in his lifetime, including Wah'Kon-Tah: The Osage and the White Man's Road (1932), which was the first university press book selected by the Book-of-the-Month Club, and sold 50,000 copies. Dedicated Nov. 17, 2009. Partners: Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma and Osage Nation.
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Jones Library , Amherst, MA. The Jones Library originally dedicated its Frost Room in 1959, with Robert Frost and Charles Green, founding director of the Jones Library, in attendance. Green started what is now one of the richest Frost collections in the world. Fifty years later, the Jones Library was dedicated a Literary Landmark in honor of Robert Frost. Dedicated Oct. 24, 2009. Partners: Friends of the Jones Library System and the Trustees of the Jones Library.
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Eudora Welty Library , Jackson, MS. The Eudora Welty Library, part of the Jackson/Hinds Library System, was recognized as part of the Eudora Welty Centennial Celebration. Eudora Welty had a major role in Mississippi's library heritage, suppported public libraries, and was a lifelong resident of Jackson. Dedicated June 22, 2009. Partners: Friends of Mississippi Libraries, the Jackson Friends of the Library, and the Mississippi Library Commission.
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Wethersfield Wethersfield, CT, was the setting for Elizabeth George Speare's Newbery Award-winning book The Witch of Blackbird Pon d. The novel tells the story of Kit Tyler, who is forced to leave her Caribbean home for the Connecticut colony in 1687, and is accused by the townspeople of being a witch. Speare lived in Wethersfield when she wrote the novel in 1958. Partner: Wethersfield Public Library. Dedicated March 26, 2009.