Library announces St. Johns Reads activities

Historic City News has learned that the month of February has been designated for the St. Johns Reads community reading project; and, this year activities will focus on The Art of Racing in the Rain — a novel by Garth Stein.

St. Johns County Public Library System Director Debra Rhodes Gibson invites all Historic City News readers to join together in the enjoyment of reading for the sixth annual St. Johns Reads program.

The Art of Racing in the Rain is told through the eyes of the family dog, Enzo. The author’s website provides the following synopsis:

“On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny’s wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoë, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoë at his side. A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life…as only a dog could tell it.”

To prepare for the upcoming St. Johns Reads events, community members are encouraged to read The Art of Racing in the Rain, available now at the library.

Throughout the month of February, each library location will host a variety of programs and events and Gibson invites you to visit your nearest branch for more details on February’s planned activities.

Some of the events scheduled are book talks, pet adoption opportunities, pet therapy dog seminars, a Hospice Five Wishes program and system-wide raffles for all sorts of prizes. The grand prize this year is a $100 Barnes & Noble gift card.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News contributed photograph by St. Johns County