Two Erie County Public Library sites will be designated as Literary Landmarks by United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association.
The Edinboro Branch Library and the Erie County Bookmobile will be dedicated with Literary Landmark plaques honoring children’s author Virginia Sorensen, as well as her Newbery Medal-winning book“Miracles on Maple Hill” and the region’s maple syrup industry. Sorensen’s book “Curious Missie,”which drew inspiration from the author’s visits to the county’s Bookmobile, is also being honored.
The plaques will be unveiled during a dedication celebration at the Edinboro Branch Library, 413 W.Plum St. in Edinboro, on Monday, May 1, during Children’s Book Week. The public is invited to attend the dedication, which will begin at 11 a.m. The free event, which will include music and a sing-along with Lori Burke, as well as refreshments, will also feature an exhibit on Sorensen’s work.
Sorensen, a one-time Edinboro resident, received the Newbery Medal in 1957 for “Miracles on Maple Hill.” The book, which is about a family’s experience making maple syrup in northwestern Pennsylvania,features a real-life Edinboro-area setting. The book is highlighted at Hurry Hill Maple Farm Museum.
The dedication of the two Erie County Public Library sites was sponsored by Hurry Hill Maple Farm Museum Association, Friends of the Edinboro Branch Library and Friends of the Erie County Public Library.
“We are thrilled to that two Erie County Public Library facilities will have this prestigious dedication marking the literary history of Erie County,” said Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper. “We are also grateful for the organizations that have come together to help bring this honor to Erie County.”
The Literary Landmarks Association, founded in 1986, has dedicated such literary sites as the homes of Tennessee Williams and William Faulkner. There are only five dedicated Literary Landmark sites in Pennsylvania, all located in Philadelphia.