Long Beach Reads One Book 'The Soloist' by Steve Lopez

LONG BEACH, Calif., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ --The Long Beach Library Foundation announces the 9th Annual Long Beach Reads One Book. This year's selection is "The Soloist – A Lost Dream, An Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music" by Steve Lopez. A variety of events, for all ages, are scheduled throughout Long Beach from Wednesday, March 3 through Sunday, March 14.

The OPENING PUBLIC EVENT - An Evening With Steve Lopez – will take place on Wednesday, March 3 at 7:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church. 3rd Street and Cedar Avenue.  Cost is $30 – tickets are available at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/93181

Steve Lopez, will talk with Press-Telegram Executive Editor, Rich Archbold about the significant issues his book raises:  music, mental health, homelessness, journalism and the power of friendship.  The Long Beach Polytechnic High School Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Andy Osman, will open the evening with a Beethoven-inspired musical program.  Mr. Lopez will sign books following the program. Special guest will be Nancy Foster, Long Beach First Lady and mental health advocate.

Attendees, at this opening event as well as others throughout the eleven days, are encouraged to bring assorted books for collection and distribution. SENDING A BOOK ON A JOURNEY is a literary project that asks the community to donate new or gently-read books for the homeless and mentally-ill of Long Beach.  

An additional event on the opening day is a fundraiser to benefit the Long Beach Public Library Foundation and Mental Health America "The Village". On Friendship and Mental Health, a panel discussion, will take place at "The Village", 346 Elm Avenue, Long Beach from 4 to 5 p.m.  

Participating with Steve Lopez will be Psychiatrist, Mark Ragins, M.D.; Nancy Foster, Long Beach First Lady and mental health advocate; and Village Executive Director, Paul Barry.  Attendees will receive a signed copy of The Soloist. Call 562/628-2441 for an invitation.

Among other activities that are free and open to the public are a film showing of The Soloist; several panel discussions on Mental Health; an orchestra concert at Cal State Long Beach; story time for kids and adults and much more.  

LONG BEACH READS ONE BOOK is a community-focused cultural initiative designed to bring people together and raise the standards of literacy by encouraging everyone in Long Beach to read the same book at the same time.  The Long Beach Public Library Foundation coordinates this multi-faceted program, which includes participation by dozens of Long Beach organization partners.

SOURCE Long Beach Library Foundation