Jewish Literature Series at Lincoln University

Lincoln University's LANGSTON HUGHES MEMORIAL LIBRARY (LHML) will host a free and open-to-the public five-part reading and discussion series exploring the theme, Between Two Worlds: Stories of Estrangement and Homecoming. Sponsored by Lincoln University’s Lectures and Recitals Committee, the series is part of a program called Let’s Talk About It: Jewish Literature - Identity and Imagination, and will explore Jewish literature and culture through scholar-led discussions of five different books.

LHML is one of over 150 libraries nationwide receiving grants to host the series, which was developed by Nextbook and the American Library Association (ALA) . Two local libraries, the Oxford Public Library and the Avon-Grove Public Library, are promoting the program among their users, and the Chester County Office of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is also a local partner.

“We are delighted to have been chosen to host this unique series that will give our students a chance to discuss themes in Jewish literature with members of the community and with the help of a well-qualified scholar,” said Patrick Hall, Director of the Langston Hughes Memorial Library.

The first program will explore Lost in Translation: A Life in a New Language by Eva Hoffman and will be held on Sunday, September 17, 2006 at 3 PM. For details or to register, please contact Special Collections Librarian Susan Pevar (phone: 610-932-8300, ext. 3266 or email spevar@lincoln.edu).

Additional books will be discussed one Sunday afternoon per month at the library, skipping December. Dr. Emilie Passow, Associate Professor, Dept. of English and Philosophy, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, will lead a discussion of the book at each session. Dr. Passow's background in teaching and lecturing on Jewish literature and Jewish studies is extensive, and she has led discussions on these same books previously at the Delaware County Library System.

The complete schedule follows (all programs are at 3 PM on Sunday):
September 17, 2006: Lost in Translation by Eva Hoffman
October 22, 2006: Mr. Sammlers Planet by Saul Bellow
November 19, 2006: Out of Egypt by André Aciman
January 21, 2007: The Centaur in the Garden by Moacyr Skliar
February 25, 2007: Kaaterskill Falls by Allegra Goodman

The Langston Hughes Memorial Library is named for one of Lincoln University's most famous graduates, the celebrated poet Langston Hughes, who graduated in 1929. The Library houses a collection of more than 185,000 volumes and annually subscribes to approximately 700 periodicals. Its Special Collections contain the Lincoln University Archives as well as an extensive collection of materials representing all aspects of the Black experience, including African-American and African materials.