SARASOTA COUNTY – Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources announces the return of the popular One Book, One Community program for 2020 with the selection of Kate Moore’s “The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women.”The book details the true story of unsafe and deadly workplace conditions for female workers during World War I who painted radium on watch dials, and later military equipment at factories in New Jersey and Illinois. Many experienced painful, disfiguring and fatal cancers as a result of their exposure to radium. These young women began a race-against-time fight for justice that would forever change US labor laws.
Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources Director Renee Di Pilato said the book was an inspiring choice for the One Book program, because of its honest look at the country’s history.
“The purpose of the One Book, One Community program is not only to encourage discovery of new literary voices, but to shine a light on historical topics from which we can learn,” said Di Pilato. “This true story, as written by Kate Moore, is probably one that most of us have never heard but that’s exactly why it’s such an important story to share.” The program has recognized local authors as well as world-renowned writers. A committee selects the One Book title and then hosts a public event with the author and readers. This celebration includes follow-up programs at county libraries and other venues. Anyone can participate in One Book, One Community by attending a library event or hosting their own book discussion. Author Kate Moore, will speak and sign books at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31 at Suncoast Technical College, 4445 Career Lane, North Port, and again at 7 p.m. at Selby Public Library, in Sarasota. Visit the library’s online calendar to register for these free events after Dec. 1, 2019. For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000 or visit www.scgov.net.
Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at www.scgov.net (keywords ADA compliance).