By Akers Editorial
Clermont Reads History Month focuses on new book about city
Clermont has long been a destination for people seeking outdoor recreation, such as these early hunters. // Provided photos
The city of Clermont is joining Cooper Memorial Library to urge residents to learn more about the city’s history by reading the new book “Clermont: From Gem of the Hills to Choice of Champions,” during the month of January.
To reinforce the importance of local history, the library will host daytime and evening sessions for book discussions. The two-part sessions will be led by author and historian Doris Bloodsworth, and are free but do require registration due to space limitations.
Clermont History, Part 1, will take place at 6:30pm Wednesday, Jan. 15, and at noon Friday, Jan. 17. Part 2 will take place at 6:30pm Wednesday, Jan. 22, and at noon Friday, Jan. 24. All sessions will be held on the second floor of Cooper Memorial Library at 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive.
Anyone interested in participating in the community-wide book reading and history discussion can register at clermontbook.com.
The city of Clermont plans to issue a proclamation supporting Clermont Reads History Month at the City Council’s Jan. 14 meeting.
The original Cooper Memorial Library, which can be viewed at Clermont Historic Village.
Caryl Harris, a retired librarian and one of the book’s co-authors, says the book-reading program has been a big hit in other cities.
“The idea of a community reading one book and discussing it originated in 1998,” Caryl says. “The program is a wonderful way to bring a community together by sharing a reading experience. It’s a great conversation starter.”
Doris says that the sessions will incorporate the new Clermont book and also include other sources such as the 1920s film of Clermont discovered during the research for the book. “Clermont: From Gem of the Hills to Choice of Champions” is a 400-page history of Lake County’s largest city, and the book contains hundreds of rare images.
For more information about the series or the book, visit clermontbook.com or call 407.797.9393. The book can be purchased on the website or in person at Cooper Memorial Library, Clermont City Hall, Citrus Tower or Lakeridge Winery. Proceeds will support programs at Cooper Memorial Library.
