In recognition of National Library Week, which is April 4^th thru April 10, 2021, we will be reading Carnegie’s Maid by Marie Benedict.

Andrew Carnegie is perhaps better known for his philanthropy than his unethical (by today’s standards) business practices but what inspired him to give away his fortune and create public libraries across the nation? Author Marie Benedict combines some reality, some of her own family lore and very creative thinking to create an answer to that question.

Clare Kelley uses some of the little money her family has left to travel from Galway to New York City. There she hopes to find employment and be able to send money home so her family can join her in America. When Clara reaches the docks in New York there is a man calling her name. She follows the man to a carriage with two other women inside. Another Clara Kelley, who must have fallen ill and died during the journey, was due to be transported to Pittsburgh, there to become the ladies’s maid to Mrs. Carnegie. Clara does not correct the mistake and so begins her time in America as a maid to a very strong and wealthy woman.  

Books are available at the library. All readers are welcome to attend.

The book discussion will take place via Zoom. You can access Zoom on your phone, a tablet, a laptop or a desktop computer. When you register you will receive the Zoom link..

No computer/internet at home? Join us over the phone! Call me and I will give you the ID and Password.

If you want to join but feel uncomfortable using Zoom, you can sign up for One-on-One Zoom practice sessions.