CHPL initiative encourages community to read Jamie Ford’s ‘Songs of Willow Frost,’ get involved in conversation, events
The Cherry Hill Public Library always encourages residents to pick up a book and read, but from now through November, the library is hoping residents will pick up a specific book to enjoy.
CHPL recently launched its inaugural One Book, One Cherry Hill, a community reading project that aims to unite the township in reading and discussing the same book. The selection, “Songs of Willow Frost” by New York Times best-selling author Jamie Ford, tells the story of a Chinese-American orphan searching for his mother during the Great Depression.
“In light of Cherry Hill’s growing Chinese-American population, we wanted a book that spoke to parts of that experience, while also touching on themes of love, hope and forgiveness,” Deena Caswell, CHPL supervisor of outreach and diversity, said. “We also wanted to be able to host the author for a visit to bring our community read full circle.”
Ford will be at the library at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15, to discuss “Songs of Willow Frost.” His visit is the culmination to a series of special events planned around One Book, One Cherry Hill, including language classes, cooking classes, bilingual storytimes and more.
So far, the response has been amazing, according to Caswell.
“We’re seeing a big demand for the book in all formats, which is exciting, and program registrations are filling fast,” she said.
CHPL has multiple copies of “Songs of Willow Frost” in standard print, large print and audiobook versions, as well as digital ebooks and audiobooks through its Overdrive service. Caswell noted the library is appreciative of the township’s support of the program, including the mayor’s office and school district.
“I’m eager for even more people to learn about One Book, One Cherry Hill and join us,” Caswell said.
Funding for One Book, One Cherry Hill, comes from a New Jersey Council for the Humanities grant and the Friends of the Cherry Hill Public Library. The project itself was inspired by CHPL Director Laverne Mann observing it in other communities, including NEA’s Big Read and One Book, One Philadelphia.
Bringing the community together is the main goal of One Book, One Cherry Hill.
“Nancy Pearl, director of the Washington Center for the Book, said about community reads programs, ‘People can go for days at a time not talking to anyone outside their immediate family. There are precious few opportunities for people of different ethnic background, economic levels or ages to sit down together and discuss ideas that are important to them. This project provides that opportunity,’” Caswell quoted.
“These types of shared experiences are rare and valuable,” she added. “Any chance for a town to come together in community and conversation is a chance for us all to learn and grow.”
Stop by the CHPL at 1100 Kings Highway N. to check out a copy of “Songs of Willow Frost.” To learn more about One Book, One Cherry Hill or to register for one of the many special programs surrounding the community venture, visit www.facebook.com/onebookonecherryhill.
