To honor Open Book’s place in the global community and its promotion of intercultural understanding, and in recognition of the connecting power of literature, Open Book will be dedicated as an International Peace Site at a ceremony Sunday, September 20, 2–4 p.m.

Organized by the Loft’s Peace and Social Justice Writers Group, along with Open Book’s member organizations, The Loft Literary Center, Minnesota Center for Book Arts, and Milkweed Editions, the ceremony will celebrate and link the forces of peace and literature. Worldwide observance of International Day of Peace is Monday, September 21.

The designation as an International Peace Site grants unique status to Open Book and pays tribute to the writers, book artists, and publishers that are active in the community, and on the world scene. Sponsored by World Citizen, and shared by over 700 other places in the world, this designation strengthens Open Book’s commitment to a peaceful learning and working environment. World Citizen will provide online and onsite resources for Peace Education as a basis for classroom discussions around cultural understanding, human rights, conflict resolution, peace, and social justice. The Loft Literary Center, at Open Book, believes that “dialogue among readers and writers enriches our lives, our society, and our world.”

Besides showcasing the work underway at Open Book, the event includes the dedication ceremony and an open house. The writing groups Equilibrium, TGI Frybread Native American Writers Group, and the Peace and Social Justice Writers Group will offer readings. Multimedia works by A Peace of My Mindand “the f word,” a program of The Forgiveness Project, will be on display. Twin Cities-based, American singer, songwriter, and activist Larry Long will be the musical guest. Matchbook and bookmark making are among activities suitable for families, offered by the Minnesota Center for Book Arts. Please join all those committed to world peace and to the transforming power of literature for this exciting celebration on Sunday, at 2 p.m. The exhibits will open at 1 p.m.

The Peace and Social Justice Writers Group has actively promoted peace-making at Open Book since 2006. In the words of Jocelyn Hale, The Loft Literary Center’s current Executive Director, “Literary and artistic expression lead to empathy.” Empathy leads to a caring, connected, and conscious community. Open Book fosters that sense of community.

Please join us for the celebration on Sunday, September 20 at Open Book, 1011 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis, in the Performance Hall.

For more information about the Open Book dedication event or about the Peace and Social Justice Writers Group, please contact Philip Lund at 612-819-1890 or at loftpeacewriters@gmail.com.