Let's Talk About It: A Jewish Literature Reading and DiscussionSeries held at VSU

Valdosta State University's Odum Library will host a free five-part reading and discussion series called "Let's Talk About It: Jewish Literature�Identity and Imagination." Odum Library is one of over 150 libraries nationwide receiving grants to host the series developed by Nextbook and the American Library Association, with further support for the series provided by a grant from the Georgia Humanities Council, Valdosta State University's History Department, and Temple Israel of Valdosta.

The series, which begins Aug. 28, 2006,will explore Jewish literature and culture through scholar-led discussions of contemporary and classic books with a common theme based on "A Mind of Her Own: Fathers and Daughters in a Changing World."

The first program in the series will explore "Tevye the Dairyman," by Sholem Aleichem, and will be held on Monday, Aug. 28, at 7:00pm. Additional books will be discussed once a month at the library. These books are "Bread Givers," on Sept. 18; "1185 Park Avenue: A Memoir," on Oct. 9; "American Pastoral," on Oct. 30: and "Bee Season," on Nov. 20. Dr. Louis Schmier, professor of History at Valdosta State, will lead a brief discussion of the book at each session before participants break into groups to discuss their own ideas.

"We are very delighted that we have been chosen to take part in this unique series that will allow all of the Valdosta community to engage in lively discussion about the everyday family experiences that we often have in common," said Dr. Yolanda Hood, Let's Talk About It program director.

This series is free and open to the public. All programs will be held at Odum Library auditorium. For details or to register, please contact Hood at 229-245-3746 or yahood@valdosta.edu . More information about Odum Library can be found at http://books.valdosta.edu .