Library invites Rockford to Enjoy “Tea” for One Book Event
Three Cups of Tea, Mortenson, selected for City’s One Book, One Rockford
Rockford Public Library announced today that it will celebrate its community-wide reading effort in September with the bestselling book, Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace…One School at a Time.” The author, Greg Mortenson, will be in Rockford on Friday, September 19th for a free lecture and book signing as part of the One Book, One Rockford program.
Three Cups of Tea recounts Mortenson’s unlikely journey from a failed attempt to climb Pakistan’s K2, the world’s second highest mountain, to building schools in remote regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Mortenson led a one-man mission to combat Islamic extremism and terrorism by building schools, especially schools for girls. While his effort started with passion, a $100 check from NBC’s Tom Brokaw and $623 in pennies from school children in River Falls, WI, it has resulted in the education of 24,000 children this year alone. Mortenson continues to champion education of girls as a top priority to promote economic development and now serves as the Director of the Central Asia Institute.
“Never before in our history has it been more important to celebrate those who promote education and understanding with the passion Mortenson displays,” said Frank Novak, Executive Director of Rockford Public Library.
Tom McCullough, Director for the International Day of Peace, plans to involve Mortenson in the City’s annual event for school children at the Peace Plaza and said, "Greg Mortenson's message of peace will be motivational for the children and all citizens of our community.”
“We couldn’t be happier to be hosting a man of the character and quality of Greg Mortenson,” elaborates Janet Moore, chair of the RPL Foundation fundraiser featuring the author at Forest Hills Country Club on Saturday, September 20th. “His story is amazing and his message is inspiring.”
This program is sponsored by the Rockford Public Library Foundation, Keeling-Puri Peace Plaza and Rockford Public Library.
About the Library
The Rockford Public Library, founded in 1872 as the second library in Illinois, currently has six facilities, including the Main Library and five Branch Libraries. The Rockford Public Library’s mission is to enhance community life and development by informing, educating, entertaining, and providing cultural enrichment to all people of all ages by collecting information to address the diverse interests of our dynamic community.
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