SARASOTA COUNTY – Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources (LHR) announces “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” as their 2022 One Book selection. “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba is a remarkable true story about human inventiveness and perseverance, and the power to overcome adversity. Kamkwamba was born in Malawi, a country that was filled with drought and hunger. Yet, none of this deterred William, who had always been an enthusiastic learner and had read about windmills in the library. He dreamed of building one that would bring electricity and running water to his small village, things that only a small percentage of Malawians could access. With a pile of old science textbooks, scrap metal, tractor parts and bicycle halves, he embarked on a plan to create a small miracle that would make big changes for the lives around him. Renee Di Pilato, who serves as the LHR director, said the book was both inspirational and uplifting, and available in multiple formats for kids, teens and adults. “This is the 19th year the Sarasota County library system has participated in the ‘One Book, One Community’ program, which started in 1996 in Seattle to help foster the expression of ideas within the community through the shared love of reading,” she added. “This program encourages discussion across the county, and this book perfectly illustrates the power of one person’s ability to change their community for the better.” A committee selects the One Book title each year and then hosts a public event with the author and readers. This celebration includes follow-up programs at county libraries and other venues, and has featured both local and bestselling authors. The entire community is encouraged to participate. In 2022 LHR will provide programming and displays as part of this One Book selection, and the entire community is invited to participate. As part of this 2022 One Book selection, LHR will host the author William Kamkwamba for the following speaking engagements: 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb, 17 at Suncoast Technical College Conference Center in North Port, 4445 Career Lane, which is located next to the Shannon Staub Public Library. No registration is required. Visit the following link for more event information. 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18 at Selby Public Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota. No registration is required. Visit the following link for more event information. For more information call the Sarasota County Contact Center at (941) 861-5000 or visit scgov.net. Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net (keywords: ADA compliance). |