The following press release was provided by the Watertown Free Public Library

WATERTOWN – On Thursday, March 21, The Watertown Free Public Library will welcome New York Times bestselling author Celeste Ng for a conversation about her novel Our Missing Hearts, the importance of libraries, and the present-day fight for the right to read. This event is free and open to all, with registration opening on March 1. ASL and CART services will be provided, courtesy of the Watertown Commission on Disability.

Ng’s visit marks the 16th year of One Book, One Watertown, a community-wide event organized by the Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL). In January, the Library announced Ng’s Our Missing Hearts as the 2024 selection and made extra copies available for patrons. In one week, Library patrons cleared the shelves, so librarians ordered even more copies.

“I love this novel because it grapples with censorship and its chilling effects that are happening here—not just in distant places,” says Programming Librarian Allie Fry. “If we’re willing to see this reality, we can also see we’re not powerless—when we work together.”

Leading up to Ng’s talk, the Library will host free art programs, talks, and discussions inspired by the themes of Our Missing Hearts. Here’s what the Library has planned:

Community Book Discussion
Wednesday, 3/6 | 7 PM | at WFPL

Watertown Race Reels Screening — Rising Against Asian Hate: One Day in March
Thursday, 3/14 | 5:30 PM | at WFPL

Practices in Collective Dreamwork with Crystal Bi
Saturday, 3/16 | 1–3 PM | at WFPL

Democracy Talks: Child Removal in the U.S.
Tuesday, 3/19 | 7 PM | Online only via Zoom, registration is required.

An Evening with Celeste Ng
Thursday, 3/21 | 6:30 PM | at WFPL

Registration is required and begins at 9 AM on Friday, 3/1.

ASL and CART services will be provided at the event, courtesy of the Watertown Commission on Disability. 

Our Missing Hearts is available in the Minuteman catalog. Extra copies are available on the second floor of Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL), across from the Reference Desk. eAudiobook and eBook copies can be reserved through the Library’s free Libby app.

To learn more and register for events, visit watertownlib.org/onebook

About One Book, One Watertown

Each year, the Watertown Free Public Library chooses a book, encourages everyone in the community to read it, and hosts a variety of programs related to the book. This community reading program is known as One Book, One Watertown.

About WFPL

The Watertown Free Public Library provides access to a wide variety of popular materials, resources, services, and programs that fulfill the informational, cultural, and recreational needs of Watertown and surrounding communities. Our Library works to create an environment that attracts and welcomes users of all ages and abilities. watertownlib.org

---