Join us as we embark on a community read through Theo of Golden!
Book available for purchase and to check out at FLPL!
To register, click this link!
What is a Community Read?
We invite you to join us in reading Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. A community read gives us all an opportunity to join in a shared experience through conversations, lectures, workshops, discussions, art, and literacy. We are excited to offer a variety of programs, all inspired through themes of the book.
Join us not only in discussing the book, but in learning more about portrait art, golden hour photography, the intentionality of calligraphy and letter-writing, and travel to Portugal. Connect with others through shared interests and cultivate a love of reading in our community through this heartwarming story.
Why Theo of Golden?
Kindness. Friendship. Community. In a world that is so often full of bad news, these are the themes we want to highlight. We want to lift up our community by reading together so that we can focus on showing kindness to those around us.
Though this novel is set in fictional Golden, Georgia, it reminds us of the Shoals and the settings we enjoy, such as beautiful sunsets on the Tennessee River, benches surrounding the fountain in Wilson Park, and a fabulous art and culture scene. Join us as we become acquainted with Theo together.
About the Author!
Allen Levi
Allen grew up in Columbus, Georgia, and earned degrees in English and Law from the University of Georgia. After practicing law for several years and studying Scottish Fiction at the University of Edinburgh, he left the legal profession in 1996 to pursue music full-time.
Since then, Allen has traveled across the country sharing his distinctive blend of songwriting and storytelling. He has released more than twenty albums and written hundreds of songs.
Allen is also the author of The Last Sweet Mile (2014), the children's book Oliviatown, and his first novel, Theo of Golden (2023).
He lives on family acreage with his father, stays active in his community, enjoys spending time with family, and continues to pursue his creative passions. One day he dreams to be an artist!
About the Exhibit!
Portrait Art Exhibit by Martha Carpenter
Throughout the Theo of Golden Community Read, the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library will feature Martha Carpenter’s portrait art in the Colonnade.
A native of Sheffield, Alabama, Martha Carpenter was influenced at an early age by the late Ethel Davis, a well-known Alabama artist. Carpenter attended high school at the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham, followed by acquiring a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Western Kentucky University.
Awards include American Artist magazine’s National Portrait Competition, Portrait Society of America annual portrait competition, and repeated “Top Ten” awards within agency affiliates. Carpenter currently works out of her two studios located in Tuscumbia, Alabama and St. Simons Island, Georgia.
Register for Events:
Photography Workshop, led by Abraham Rowe
-Thursday, September 3
-5:30 pm
Book Discussion at Rivertown Coffee, led by Christa Raney
-Thursday, September 10
-2:00 pm
Wilson Park Historical Walking Tour, led by Billy Ray Warren
-Saturday, September 12
-10:00 am
Cyanotype & Collages, Led By Kayla Mckinney
-Monday, September 14
-4:15 pm - 6:15 pm
Portrait Workshop, by Tim Stevenson
-Tuesday, September 15
-2:00 pm
Storytime at the Fountain (and crafts for kids)
-Saturday, September 19
-11:00 am
Portugal Travel Program, led by Michael Pretes
-Sunday, September 20
-2:00 pm
Basic Calligraphy Workshop for Adults, led by Suzanne Cunningham
-Saturday, September 26
-10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Thank you to the committee members for making all of this possible!
Sherhonda Allen
Ashley Anderson
Abby Carpenter
Sarah Evans
Jo-Lynn James
Sara Jeffery
Liz Marbury
Courtney Matthews
Becky Mauldin
Madison Michael
Rachel Mitchener
Vanessa Morse
Nancy Sanford
