Published: August 27, 2009 12:07 am      

CITY OF LOCKPORT: 'One Book, One Community' to resume

LIBRARY: In its third year, program focuses on bestseller 'The 19th Wife'

The Lockport Public Library is hoping to bring local readers together for the third year in a row.

This year’s “One Book, One Community” program will focus on the best-selling novel “The 19th Wife” by David Ebershoff, who will visit the library for a discussion and book-signing Oct. 20.

“The 19th Wife” will be available at the library Tuesday. Reference Librarian Marianne Colton said the library will have several copies available to be checked out, and copies will also be on sale for $10 each.

The novel tells two intertwining stories: A modern-day murder mystery set in a Utah polygamist compound, and the tale of Ann Eliza Young, the 19th wife of Brigham Young, the founder of the Mormon religion.

Ann Eliza Young lived in Lockport between 1876 and 1880, while she was in the process of divorcing Brigham Young, Colton said. During that time, she lived on Chestnut, Walnut and McCollum streets.

“It’s speculated that it was here in Lockport where she finished her memoirs,” Colton said. “She was a huge leader in the anti-polygamist movement.”

Library Director Marie Bindeman wrote a short biographical sketch about Ann Eliza Young for the Niagara County History Center during the county’s bicentennial. When she came upon Ebershoff’s book, she realized it would be perfect for the “One Book, One Community” program.

Along with the story of Ann Eliza Young, Ebershoff’s book also tells the story of a modern-day man who has been expelled from a polygamist cult and must return when his mother, one of several wives in one marriage, is accused of murdering her husband.

“I love the way the author blends the 19th century narrative with the 21st century narrative,” Bindeman said. “It moves very quickly, with very short chapters. It’s well-paced.”

When contacted, Ebershoff was “incredibly receptive” to participating in the program, Colton said.

Along with the Oct. 20 discussion, the program will also include a book discussion at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at the library.

Additionally, Ann Marie Linnabery, assistant director of the library, will host “Building up the Celestial Kingdom: A Mormon Woman’s Journey Through Polygamy” on Oct. 5, with information about the history of Mormonism and the life of Ann Eliza Young.

“It’s a whole experience,” Bindeman said. “Part of the joy of reading is to communicate with others about what you’re reading, and to discuss what you’re reading. You always find out insights from other people. ... It’s very interesting to get different points of view.”

In the past two years, the “One Book, One Community” program has focused on young adult books. This year, the library decided to focus on an adult book, although they stuck with the historical fiction theme that Bindeman said has been successful.

“We’ve found that the community responds very well to historical fiction,” she said. “We have a community that’s interested in its own history, as well as American history.”

Contact reporter April Amadon at 439-9222, ext. 6251

ONE BOOK, ONE COMMUNITY

• WHAT: A community-wide program, bringing together readers of the book “The 19th Wife” by David Ebershoff.

• WHEN: Books will be available Tuesday at the library, 23 East Ave. They can be checked out or purchased for $10 each.

• WHO: Open to the public.

• WHEN: Three events will tie into the program: On Oct. 5, a discussion, “Building Up the Celestial Kingdom: A Mormon Woman’s Journey Through Polygamy,” will be held at 7 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. On Oct. 13, a book discussion will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the library’s Sawyer Room. On Oct. 20, Ebershoff will visit the library for a discussion and book-signing at 7 p.m. in the library’s Wheeler Room.

• INFO: For more information, call 433-5935 or visit www.lockportlibrary.org. For information about Ebershoff’s book, visit www.19thwife.com..