Shreve Memorial Library is excited to welcome author Destiny O. Birdsong as part of the library’s annual One Book One Parish event. Each year, the library’s One Book One Parish campaign unites Caddo Parish readers by promoting one book title throughout all Shreve Memorial Library branches during the month of October. Birdsong’s novel, Nobody’s Magic, was selected as the 2023 One Book One Parish title. Library patrons will have an opportunity to meet the author, Destiny O. Birdsong, at a meet and greet on Saturday, October 7 at 11:30 a.m. at the Broadmoor Branch, located at 1212 Captain Shreve Drive. Additional One Book One Parish-themed programs, including book discussions and crafts, are also planned during October. All events are free and open to the public.
One Book One Parish encourages adults in Caddo Parish to read the same book and join in a parish-wide conversation about the selected title. Earlier this summer, library patrons were given an opportunity to vote on one of three titles to be chosen as this year’s selection. Nobody’s Magic received 113 votes, beating out Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and Shreveport Sounds in Black and White by Kip Lornell and Tracey E.W. Laird for the One Book One Parish honor.
During the author visit on October 7, award-winning novelist, poet, essayist and Shreveport native, Destiny O. Birdsong will discuss her debut novel and One Book One Parish title winner, Nobody’s Magic. Set in Shreveport, the novel tells the stories of Suzette, Maple and Agnes, three African American women with albinism. The novel is told in three parts, as each woman finds herself at a crossroads of her life. The novel is described as a searing meditation on grief, female strength, and self-discovery and a testament to the power of family. Birdsong will share her inspirations for this gripping novel and experiences as a writer with attendees, as well as answer questions from the audience. The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the large meeting room of the Broadmoor Branch.
Additional programming for One Book One Parish will take place during the month of October at Shreve Memorial Library branches throughout Caddo Parish, giving library patrons multiple opportunities to read the book and join the conversation. Numerous library branches will host book club discussions of the book, highlighting themes presented and sharing opinions about the story. Reading the book beforehand is encouraged, but not required to attend book club discussions. Copies of Nobody’s Magic are available for checkout at all Shreve Memorial Library branches.
Book discussions of the novel are scheduled as follows.
- Tuesday, October 10 at 3:00 p.m. at the Gilliam Branch, 12797 Main Street, Gilliam
- Wednesday, October 11 at 4:30 p.m. at the North Caddo Branch, 615 North Pine Street, Vivian
- Thursday, October 19 at 1:00 p.m. at the Hollywood/Union Avenue Branch, 2105 Hollywood Avenue
- Monday, October 23 at 5:00 p.m. at the David Raines Branch, 2855 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
- Tuesday, October 24 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hamilton/South Caddo Branch, 2111 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop
- Thursday, October 26 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cedar Grove-Line Avenue Branch, 8303 Line Avenue
- Saturday, October 28 at 2:30 p.m. at the Cedar Grove-Line Avenue Branch
- Saturday, October 28 at 3:00 p.m. at the Atkins Branch, 3704 Greenwood Road
- Monday, October 30 at 6:00 p.m. at the Cedar Grove-Line Avenue Branch
The North Shreveport and West Shreveport Branches will host programs exploring some of the themes presented in Nobody’s Magic on Thursday, October 26. At 10:00 a.m., the North Shreveport Branch, located at 4844 North Market Street, will host a painting workshop for adults, inviting library patrons to create a triptych painting of birds that are mentioned in the novel Nobody’s Magic. Seating is limited for the workshop, and registration is required to attend. Those interested can sign-up at the branch or call (318) 674-8172 to register.
The West Shreveport Branch will host a program entitled, “Chromosomal Magic,” on Thursday, October 26. The program will discuss albinism, a rare genetic condition that affects the women of Nobody’s Magic. Library patrons will be able to share their own experiences and create a magical chromosomal model. The West Shreveport Branch will offer the program at 11:30 a.m. and again at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 26. Both programs will be held at the West Shreveport Branch, located at 4380 Pines Road.
Since 2005, Shreve Memorial Library has encouraged adults in Caddo Parish to read and join in a parish-wide book discussion through the One Book One Parish campaign