Jewish literature and culture will be explored in a series of discussions at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library, 300 Park Ave. , beginning on June 27. Discussions will be held every 4 th Tuesday evening at 7:00 . The series runs through September.

The series, called "Let's Talk About It: Jewish Literature - Identity and Imagination," examines the question of what it means to be Jewish in the modern world. Scholar-led discussions of contemporary and classic books will explore the common theme of Between Two Worlds: Stories of Estrangement and Homecoming .

The Metropolitan Library System is one of over 150 discussion sites nationwide receiving grants to host the series developed by Nextbook and the American Library Association (ALA). Local support for the series is provided by Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City.

"We are delighted to have been chosen to host this unique series that will allow patrons a chance to discuss themes in Jewish literature with fellow community members and with the help of a well-qualified scholar," said Darlene Browers, adult services librarian.

Orit Rabkin will lead the discussion of the book at each session. She is a doctoral candidate in American Literature at the University of Oklahoma where she also teaches. She is a native of Israel and brings a wealth of professional and personal knowledge and experience to each discussion. Darlene Browers said, "It is a joy to spend time with such an exceptional person and leader".

Books to be discussed are: June 27, "Mr. Sammler's Planet" by Saul Bellow; July 25, "Out of Egypt" by Andre Aciman; August 22, "Centaur in the Garden" by Moacyr Scliar; Sept 26, "Kaaterskill Falls" by Allegra Goodman.

All programs will be held at Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library in the Friends Event Room, 300 Park Ave. For information call Darlene Browers at 606-3878 or to register, call 606-3879.

The Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County includes 12 libraries and five extension libraries. Libraries include Belle Isle, Capitol Hill, Ralph Ellison, Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library and Southern Oaks in Oklahoma City, as well as Bethany, Choctaw, Del City, Edmond, Midwest City, Village and Warr Acres. Extensions are located in the communities of Harrah, Jones, Luther and Nicoma Park and include Wright Library in Oklahoma City . You can also reach us at www.metrolibrary.org.