Needham Bank Supports DLIT Gala Event Fundraiser

DEDHAM, MA--- The Dedham Library Innovation Team (DLIT), the award-winning, non-profit library advocacy group dedicated to creating best-in-class, modern libraries in Dedham, is celebrating its annual “Dedham Reads Together 2016” program with a finale gala party at the Endicott Estate on March 19th at 6pm.  The winner of this year’s Dedham Reads Together selection was The Lincoln Letter, a historical suspense novel by New York Times #1 bestselling author William Martin who will kick off the event with a special presentation about the Lincoln presidency and the Civil War. Once the presentation wraps up at 6:45pm, the party will begin, which will feature food, drink, live music, raffles, and a silent auction.  The lead sponsor of the event is Needham Bank.

Other supporting sponsors of the DLIT gala event include Sam Adams, Dedham Savings and Tedeschi Food Shop. Raffle items & in-kind donations have been provided by Dedham Community Theatre, Dedham Public Library Staff, Harrows Chicken Pies, Legacy Place, Masters Self Defense, Maureen Sargent Photography, Midway Restaurant,  Roche Brothers, Salem Food Market, Tavern Road & Restaurant, Whole Foods, Wegmans Westwood.

Needham Bank Chief Executive Officer Mark Whalen notes, “We appreciate DLIT’s efforts to advocate for innovation in our libraries. Today’s evolving, modern library is a critical and exciting catalyst for life-long learning in a community - especially in a world where information is rapidly changing. Access to that knowledge and learning must be guaranteed to every citizen, and Needham Bank is committed to making investments that allow everyone the opportunity to realize their full potential.” 

Throughout February and early March, residents across Dedham were encouraged to read the book. Copies of the book have been made available at both Dedham libraries and as well as The Blue Bunny Bookstore in Dedham Square.

The Lincoln Letter takes place in Washington, D.C. - moving back and forth from the 1860s to modern times - as the main characters sleuth their way on a breathless chase to track down Lincoln’s long-lost, personal diary, which could reveal shocking details on the President’s behind-the scenes fight for emancipation.  As The Lincoln Letter takes place in the mid-1800’s, DLIT has chosen this time period as a theme for its celebration event.  Party goers are encouraged to come in civil war period outfits.

The Dedham Library Innovation Team (or DLIT for short) is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to creating collaborative, positive partnerships between the libraries, schools, public officials, businesses, and residents in order to support the strategic vision and development of a best-in-class, vibrant public library system in Dedham, MA.

Tickets for the event are $40 prior to the event, which includes all food, drink, live music and presentation. Tickets can be purchased at Blue Bunny Books in Dedham Square or online at www.DLIT16.eventbrite.com as well as at the door for $45.  The tax-deductible donation helps support Dedham’s public and school libraries.

About the Author

WILLIAM MARTIN, The New York Times bestselling author of ten novels, is best known for his historical fiction, which has chronicled the lives of the great and the anonymous in American history while bringing to life legendary American locations, from Cape Cod to Annapolis to The City of Dreams. His first novel, Back Bay, introduced Boston treasure hunter Peter Fallon, who is still tracking artifacts across the landscape of our national imagination. Martin's subsequent novels, including Harvard Yard, Citizen Washington, and The Lost Constitution have established him, as a "storyteller whose smoothness matches his ambition." (Publishers Weekly) He has also written an award-winning PBS documentary and one of the cheesiest horror movies ever made. Nevertheless, he was the recipient of the 2005 New England Book Award, given to "an author whose body of work stands as a significant contribution to the culture of the region." There are now over three million copies of his books in print. He has three grown children and lives near Boston with his wife.

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“What an irresistible combination--a sparkling mystery, intriguing characters, and lively history. I am a huge William Martin fan, but The Lincoln Letter is my absolute favorite.” ―Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Team of Rivals

“The Lincoln Letter is an engrossing mystery, a masterful blend of the past and present. The author captures Civil War Washington, D.C., Lincoln, and other historic figures in fine detail and historical accuracy. The narrative is a compelling read that moves deftly, back and forth, from the 1860s to modern times. The book should appeal to Civil War buffs and readers of mystery novels.” ―Jeffry D. Wert, Civil War Historian and author of The Sword of Lincoln

“William Martin is quite simply the best writer of historical suspense in the business today, and The Lincoln Letter is sensational reading even by Martin's lofty standards.” ―Michael Palmer, 16-time New York Times bestselling author of Oath of Office

“Highly imaginative, beautifully written, devilishly exciting, this explosive new thriller will excite Martin's legions of fans and win him many, many more.” ―Ralph Peters, New York Times bestselling author of Cain at Gettysburg

“If you thought you knew a lot about the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln, this book will change your mind. Bill Martin has woven history and mystery into a riveting narrative you can't stop reading.” ―Thomas Fleming, bestsellling author of The Intimate Lives of the Founding Fathers

“An electrifying novel of Abraham Lincoln's freeing of the slaves, the violence that ensued and how we came to be the people we are today. Shocking, terrifying, exciting, insightful.” ―Larry Bond, New York Times bestselling author of Exit Plan