A fire that consumed an historic Venetian performance venue sparked the creation of an atmospheric tale featured in the latest edition of the Westmoreland Library Network’s One Book, One Westmoreland book discussion program.
Area residents are invited to stop at one of several county libraries to pick up a copy of “The City of Falling Angels” and then return to discuss the book with fellow readers. The first session is set for 7 to 8 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Sewickley Township Public Library, 201 Highland Ave., Herminie. The library can be reached at 724-446-9940.
John Berendt, who previously penned “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” wrote “The City of Falling Angels” after arriving in Venice in 1996, just days after fire destroyed the city’s Fenice Opera House — or Teatro La Fenice, since rebuilt. The investigation of the fire is just one of multiple strands of Berendt’s narrative, as he reveals some of the intriguing characters — artists, politicians and others — who call Venice home.
Discussion participants will have the opportunity to purchase a $12 discounted ticket for the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra‘s April 25 Italian Opera Fest at The Palace Theatre in Greensburg. The 7:30 p.m. program will feature the works of Verdi, Bellini and Puccini performed by the 60-member WSO Chamber Singers and guests, conducted by Daniel Meyer.
Registration is encouraged two weeks in advance of each book discussion.
The following discussions also are planned:
• Scottdale Public Library (724-887-6140), 6-7 p.m. Feb. 20, 106 Spring St., Scottdale
• Norwin Public Library (724-863-4700), 6:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 25, 100 Caruthers Lane, Irwin
• Jeannette Public Library (724-523-5702), 1-2 p.m. March 7, 500 Magee Ave., Jeannette
• New Florence Public Library (724-235-2249), 7-8 p.m. March 10, 122 Ligonier St., New Florence
• Murrysville Community Library (724-327-1102), 6:30-7:30 p.m. March 16, 4130 Sardis Road, Murrysville
• Greensburg Hempfield Area Library (724-837-5620), 6-7 p.m. March 24, 237 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Greensburg
• Ligonier Valley Library (724-238-6451), 6-6:30 p.m. April 1, 120 W. Main St., Ligonier
• Adams Memorial Library (724-539-1972), 6-7 p.m. April 8, 1112 Ligonier St., Latrobe
