The CNY Reads Consortium, led by Syracuse University Library Associates and including many Central New York partners, will kick-off its 2005-06 year with two events on Oct. 1-2 to introduce this year's book selection, Miriam Grace Monfredo's "North Star Conspiracy" (1995, Penguin USA), to the Central New York community.
On Saturday, Oct. 1, from 4-6 p.m. on the sixth floor of E.S. Bird Library, a public reception will be held in conjunction with the opening of the library's fall exhibition, "That Laboratory of Abolitionism, Libel, and Treason: Syracuse and the Underground Railroad,"-an exhibition that relates to the themes and content of "North Star Conspiracy." Judith Wellman, regional historian and professor emerita of history at SUNY Oswego, and Monfredo will offer remarks. SU's new librarian and dean of libraries, Suzanne Thorin, will also be introduced.
On Sunday, Oct. 2, from 2:30-3:30 p.m., at the Onondaga Historical Association Museum (321 Montgomery St., Syracuse), Jackie Robinson, WSTM news anchor and reading advocate, will introduce this year's CNY Reads Program and lead a discussion on "North Star Conspiracy" with Monfredo, who will answer audience questions about the book. Those in attendance will learn about this year's book selection and how it relates to the mid-19th century anti-slavery movement in Central New York. This is also an opportunity explore the OHA exhibition, "Freedom Bound: The Story of Syracuse and the Underground Railroad."
"North Star Conspiracy" was chosen from a list of 39 titles suggested by members of the consortium. Set in Seneca Falls, N.Y., in 1854, the book is a well-written, suspense-filled mystery in which a young, feminist librarian becomes
deeply involved in the Underground Railroad. The book lends itself to the teaching of history and literature, and to community programming, including exhibitions, lectures and readings. Monfredo, of Pittsford, N.Y., will participate in several of these programs.
Central New York Reads promotes reading, research, discovery, and sharing of perspectives among readers across Central New York by encouraging them to read the same book and participate in related programs, which the consortium is planning for this January through May.
For more information on the kick-off events and the CNY Reads program and consortium,
contact Gregory Griffin, SU Library, at 443-2537 or grgriffi@syr.edu.
