Library lines up events for 'One Book'

DOWNEY - The Downey City Library will offer a series of programs in connection with the "One Book, One Community" reading of "Rocket Boys" by Homer H. Hickam, Jr.The book is the first in the "Coalwood" series of autobiographical works by Hickam. Inspired by Werner von Braun and his Cape Canaveral team, 14-year-old Homer "Sonny" Hickam decided in 1957 to build his own rockets. They were his ticket out of Coalwood, West Virginia, a mining town that everyone knew was dying - everyone except his father, the mine supervisor. Sonny went on to win the National Science Fair in 1960 and become a NASA engineer. "We invite everyone to read the book and attend free programs related to the book's theme during Book Week, November 9-14," said City Librarian Nancy Messineo. She thanked the Friends of the Downey City Library for supporting the programs and purchasing 50 copies of the book for the community. Upcoming free events planned around the book's theme include: •Monday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m., City Council chambers: "Space Camp" author and educator Mike Kersjes will discuss "A Smile as Big as the Moon: a Teacher, His Class and Their Unforgettable Journey." •Tuesday, Nov. 10, 10:30 a.m., Cormack Room: "Fly Me to the Moon," a preschool storytime about rockets. •Tuesday, Nov. 10, 7 p.m., Cormack Room: Film showing of "October Sky," based on the book. •Thursday, Nov. 12, noon, Cormack Room: Book discussion of "Rocket Boys." •Thursday, Nov. 12, 7 p.m., Cormack Room: "Rockets and Robots in Space," a Family Story Night event for ages 3-12. For information on any of the events listed, call the library at (562) 904-7360, ext. 132.

********** Published: November 6, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 29