Author's son brings 'A Land Remembered' to life at three libraries in February

Contact: Rachel Cook

Gainesville, Fla. – Literary heir Rick Smith will bring his father’s novel “A Land Remembered” to life with a multimedia expedition through Florida’s past at three Alachua County Library District branches on Wednesday, Feb. 26 and Thursday, Feb. 27.

In this program, Rick Smith will introduce you to his father, Patrick Smith, and the life experiences that prepared him to chronicle the world of Florida pioneers. His show incorporates photos, videos, paintings, and music to enliven Florida history while telling Patrick Smith’s story. Rick Smith’s program titled “Florida is A Land Remembered” will be held as follows:

  • 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Millhopper Branch, 3145 NW 43rd St., Gainesville
  • 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Hawthorne Branch, 6640 SE 221st St., Hawthorne
  • 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27 at the Newberry Branch, 10 South Seaboard Drive, Newberry  

Patrick Smith’s best-selling novel spans Florida’s formative years from 1858 through 1968. The acclaimed book follows the MacIvey family’s struggle from poverty to wealth over three generations as the family grapples with the state’s untamed landscape. Often called “Florida’s favorite book,” the novel remains Patrick Smith’s crowning work. He passed away in 2014.

This program for teens and adults is free and open to the public. Rick Smith will take questions following the presentation and sign books.

This event is generously supported by the Friends of the Library. For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Rachel Cook at 352-334-3909 or rcook@aclib.us.

If a person with a disability needs an accommodation in order to participate in this event he or she is entitled, at no cost to him or her, to the provision of certain assistance.  Please contact the Alachua County Library District at 352-334-3910 at least three (3) days prior to the event.  TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service).

By Rachel on September 17, 2021