One Book Charleston County

The Charleston County Library launched a community wide program this week encouraging residents to read the same book during the month of September. The book, Daughters of the Dust by Julie Dash, is a beautifully written novel that takes place in the 1920’s on the Sea Islands of South Carolina. Based on her award winning film of the same name Dash tells the story of New Yorker Amelia Peazant who returns to the Sea Islands to trace her family roots and discovers the rich family traditions and cultural heritage of the Gullah people.

This program is designed to promote literacy, celebrate diversity and bring the community together by reading and sharing one book.  A generous donation from the Sue Metzger Estate allowed the Library to purchase 4000 copies of the book to be distributed throughout Charleston County.  You can pick up your free copy at any Charleston County Library location with one condition, that you read it and pass it on to someone else.

There are several events planned throughout the month of September such as book discussions, lectures, performances and film screenings, several of which the author, Julie Dash, will be attending. A big event for the entire family will take place on September 17.  One Book at Hampton Park will be from 5pm-10pm and will showcase performers such as the Magnolia Singers and the Plantation Singers, Storyteller Veronica Gaillard and The Gullah Lady Sharon Cooper-Murray. There will also be sweetgrass basket weaving demonstrations by Henrietta Snype and the night will end with a screening of the movie Daughters of the Dust on the Jumbotron.

So stop by the library, pick up your book and join the fun.

Visit the One Book Charleston County webpage to learn more about the program and events.