One Book, One Reading Program Book Selection for 2012 is:

"The Judge-A Life of Thomas Mellon, Founder of a Fortune" by James Mellon

The life of Thomas Mellon, one of Westmoreland County's most famous sons, is the focus of the 2012 One Book, One Community program, presented by Westmoreland Heritage and the Westmoreland Library Network. Now in its eighth year, the One Book, One Community program is funded by a grant from the Westmoreland Library Network.

Book Description from Amazon.com

"Lawyer, judge, banker, classics professor, and councilman, Thomas Mellon greatly influenced the fortunes of his hometown, Pittsburgh, throughout the nineteenth century. In the process, he became one of the city's most important business leaders, and he laid the foundation for a family that would contribute considerably to the city's growth and welfare for much of the next hundred years, becoming one of the world's most recognizable names in industry, innovation, and philanthropy. Through his in-depth examination of the extensive Mellon family archives, in The Judge James Mellon—a direct descendent of Thomas Mellon—has fashioned an incisive portrait of the elder Mellon that presents the man in full. Offering a singular and insightful characterization of the Scotch-Irish value system that governed the patriarch's work and life, James Mellon captures the judge's complexities and contradictions, revealing him as a truly human figure. Among the recent biographies of Pittsburgh's famous businessmen, The Judge stands apart from the pack because of the author's unique perspective and his objective and scholarly approach to his subject."

Community members interested in participating should contact a library near them at least two weeks prior to the discussion to register and borrow a copy of the book to read. Those attending the book discussion are eligible to attend an extensive program on August 18th. The program will include a video  presentation by Sir David Cannadine on the Mellon famil at the beautiful Unity Chapel in Unity Township, lunch in Ligonier, and a visit to the Ligonier Valley Rail Road Museum.  All of these locations having strong connections to Thomas Mellon and the Mellon family.  For specific information about local library discussions, please check our Events Calendar for the date in question. A detailed schedule for the August 18th program is shown below. Reservations are necessary to participate in this event.

Book discussions will be held at these public libraries on the dates indicated. Space may be limited. Please contact the library at which you wish to participate at least two weeks prior to each discussion. A copy of the book will be lent to you by that library.

·        Ligonier Valley Library                                                 Wednesday, May 2^ndat 7:00 PM

·        Greensburg Hempfield Public Library                           Saturday, May 5^that 2:00 PM

·        New Florence Community Library                                 Tuesday, May 15^that 7:00 PM

·        Adams Memorial Library in Latrobe                              Wednesday, May 23^rdat 2:00 PM

·        Penn Area Library                                                          Tuesday, June 5^that 6:00 PM

·        Peoples Library in New Kensington                               Wednesday, June 6^that 2:00 PM

·        Scottdale Public Library                                                Tuesday, June 12^that 7:00 PM

·        Mount Pleasant Public Library                                       Monday, June 25^that 6:00 PM

·        Penn State New Kensington                                           Tuesday, June 26^that 6:00 PM

·        Monessen Public Library                                                Thursday, July 12^that 10:30 AM

·        Unity Library                                                                 Tuesday, July 17^that 2:00 PM

·        Norwin Public Library                                                    Wednesday, July 18^that 6:30 PM

·        Vandergrift Public Library                                             Monday, July 30^that 6:00 PM

·        Delmont Public Library                                                   Tuesday, August 7^that 7:00 PM

       Murrysville Community Library                         Wednesday, August 8^that 7:00 PM   

       

 

One Book Big Event Program

Thomas Mellon and His Family

Saturday, August 18, 2012

                                     9:15 AM                                  Board Bus at University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg

                                     9:15 - 9:30 AM                                    Travel to Unity Chapel

                                     9:30-11:00 AM                    Activities at Unity Chapel and Unity Cemetery

·        Tour beautifully restored Unity Chapel-Worship site of early Mellons

·        Video Presentation by Sir David Cannadine author of “Mellon:An American Life”

·        Tour of Unity Cemetery, final resting place of Mellon family members other important       figures from John Proctor (first Sheriff of Westmoreland County) to Winnie Palmer and Mr. Roger     
   



   11:15 -11:30 AM             Travel from Unity Chapel past other Westmoreland                                                 County sites to Ligonier

11:30-1:15 PM                        Activities in Ligonier

                                                ·     Lunch at Carol and Dave’s Roadhouse on the Diamond in Ligonier

                                                ·        Free time to visit Ligonier

1:15 -1:30 PM                         Travel to the Ligonier Valley Rail Road Museum

1:30-2:30 PM                          Tour Ligonier Valley Rail Road Museum       

2:30-3:00 PM                          Board bus and return to Pitt-Greensburg