Alex Trebek's book chosen for 20th anniversary of 'Flagler Reads Together’

Palm Coast Observer
Your Town

It’s the 20th anniversary of the Public Library’s March program “Flagler Reads Together,” which is embracing kindness as this year’s theme.

Residents are invited to read “The Answer Is … Reflections on My Life” by the late “Jeopardy” host Alex Trebek. There will be an adults-only book discussion from 2:45 to 4:30 p.m. March 24 at the Palm Coast Branch Library.

“In his final appearance on Jeopardy, Alex Trebek said and I quote: ‘I’d like you to open up your hands and open up your heart to those who are still suffering because of Covid-19. People are suffering through no fault of their own. We’re trying to build a gentler, kinder society, and if we all pitch in – just a little bit – we’re gonna get there,’” Library Director Holly Albanese said. “(Library) staff wanted our 20th anniversary to be special so they selected this book and built the programs around the theme of kindness.”

Flagler Reads Together – and its associated programs – are sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Trebek’s memoir is said to be everything a “Jeopardy” fan could want. It is said to be an amusing and at times sobering series of vignettes with quotes from Mark Twain and Malcolm Gladwell. It also is said to include rare insight into the personal life of game show host, who was the heart of “Jeopardy” for 36 years.

Other March programs include the following:

“Movies Under the Stars” (all ages) – 7 p.m. March 6 at the Palm Coast Branch Library – This presentation is “a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod.”
Jeopardy-esque “Library Quiz Time” (adults only) – on Fridays – 2 p.m. on March 5; 10 a.m. on March 12; 6 p.m. on March 19; and, 2 p.m. March 26. Please register at 386-446-6763 by February 27 to participate in the game that tests knowledge of books, movies, and more. Need more of an incentive? There are cash prizes.
“Kindness Rocks” (all ages) – The Kindness Rocks Project was founded by author Megan Murphy, and is based on the idea that one kind message at the right moment can change someone’s life. Residents of all ages can come to the Palm Coast Branch Library and paint a rock with an inspirational message. The goal – take a rock and leave a rock. Once painted, rocks will be placed in the library’s rock garden for people to add to or take one that speaks to them. Painting sessions will be held 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and again from 5 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17; and from 10 to 11 a.m., and again from 3 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 27.

“We at the library educate and entertain, too, but more importantly we have seen all sides of this pandemic,” Albanese said. “While we can’t impact all of society, this is our way of pitching in and – at the very least – helping to build a gentler, kinder Flagler County.”