“One Maryland One Book” Author King Peggy to Speak at Harford Community College Sept. 18

From the Harford County Public Library:

Harford County Public Library is pleased to welcome author King Peggy to the Chesapeake Theater of Harford Community College on September 18 at 7:30 pm as part of One Maryland One Book. King Peggy: An American Secretary, Her Royal Destiny, and the Inspiring Story of How She Changed an African Village was selected for the 2013 One Maryland One Book program and is being read throughout the fall at libraries and activities centers across the county.

Guests of the author event will enjoy hearing first-hand about the unique story of Peggielene Bartels who was working as a secretary at the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, D.C. when she was woken one morning in 2008, surprised to find that she had been ritually chosen to become the next King of Otuam, Ghana following the death of her uncle, the former Chief. Known formally as Nana Amuah-Afenyi VI, King Peggy has chronicled the story of the unexpected role she has taken on, what she has learned from the journey and how she navigates between the two very different cultures. Registration for the author visit is suggested. Please contact the library at 410-273-5600 for registration and further information.

In addition to King Peggy’s appearance, Harford County Public Library will host multiple book discussions of King Peggy in the fall. Register and pick up a copy of the book at the location most convenient, then read it and come to the program to share views with friends and neighbors. Free books are limited at each location—register early! See HCPLonline.org for a complete listing of discussions in Harford County.

Copies of King Peggy have been placed throughout the community to find, read and share as part of the Wandering Books program. Instructions inside the Wandering Books allow readers to register where the book was found and how far it has travelled. Check the Harford County Public Library facebook page for clues from other readers as to where books have been found and left. One Maryland One Book/Wandering Books is a program of the Maryland Humanities Council and is offered in Harford County by Harford County Public Library and its partners the Harford Community College Library, Harford County Department of Community Services, and the Hosanna School Museum.

Celebrating its sixth year, One Maryland One Book is Maryland’s only statewide community reading program. It is designed to bring together diverse people in communities across the state through a shared experience: the reading and thoughtful discussion of the same book. The One Maryland One Book program is brought to Harford County through the Maryland Center of the Book at the Maryland Humanities Council and in partnership with the Harford Community College Library, the Harford County Department of Community Services and the Hosanna School Museum.

In a related special presentation, guests of all ages can celebrate the sights and sounds of Africa with Sankofa, world-class, authentic African art in the form of dance, music, and folkways. A storytelling theme (“The Griot”) will be presented at the Bel Air Library on Sunday, October 20 at 2:00 pm. The Edgewood Library will host “Drum Talk” on Saturday, October 26 at 3:00 pm and the Jarrettsville Library will host “Village Dance” on Sunday, October 27 at 2:00 pm. Funding for the Sankofa Dance Theater is provided, in part, by a grant from Young Audiences/Arts for Learning. Call the library branch to register.

The Maryland Humanities Council (MHC) is a statewide, educational 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that utilizes the humanities to encourage informed dialogue and increased civic engagement. MHC encourages Marylanders with different backgrounds and viewpoints to see, hear, and learn more about others and themselves because only informed engaged citizens can build healthy, democratic societies. To learn more, visit www.mdhc.org.