‘Country’s most famous librarian’ to speak at Library Associates Spring Luncheon

‘Country’s most famous librarian’ to speak at Library Associates Spring LuncheonApril 27, 2006Sara Millersemortim@syr.edu

Nancy Pearl, “America’s favorite librarian” and author of “Book Lust: Recommended Reading for Every Mood, Moment, and Reason” (Sasquatch Books, 2003), will keynote the Syracuse University Library Associates Spring Luncheon, May 12 in Rooms 304 A, B and C of the Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center. The luncheon begins at noon. For reservations, call 443-9763 by May 5.

The New York Times calls Pearl “the talk of librarian circles.” Since the release of her best-selling “Book Lust” in 2003 and the creation of the Librarian Action Figure modeled in her likeness, Pearl has become a rock star among readers and the tastemaker people turn to when deciding what to read next. In 1998, Pearl developed the program “If All of Seattle Read the Same Book,” and the concept spread across the country. The former executive director of the Washington Center for the Book, Pearl celebrates the written word by speaking at bookstores and libraries across the country. She is a regular commentator about books on National Public Radio’s “Morning Edition” and on NPR affiliate stations KUOW in Seattle and KWGS in Tulsa. In 2004, Pearl became the 50th winner of the Women’s National Book Association Award for her extraordinary contribution to the world of books.

Syracuse University Library Associates is an organization devoted to the enrichment of the University Library and the greater Syracuse community. The annual Spring Luncheon culminates a year’s worth of programs, which in 2005-06 included the far-reaching, multifaceted Central New York Reads — the regional adaptation of Pearl’s one-book, one-community concept. The CNY Reads book selection for 2006-2007 will be announced at this event.