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July 13, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Andrea Castillo
(301) 699-3500 x6158
andrea.castillo@pgcmls.info
Largo, Maryland – Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) and the Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights (PGCOHR) are hosting New York Times feature writer Elizabeth Williamson to discuss her book, “Sandy Hook: An American Tragedy and the Battle for Truth,” at the Hyattsville Branch Library on Tuesday, July 18, at 6 pm.
Through hundreds of hours of research, interviews, and access to exclusive sources and materials, Williamson’s book explores the aftermath of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, on Dec. 14, 2012, that left 20 first-graders and six educators dead, and the false conspiracy narratives and misinformation that have spread in relation to the tragedy. The book also explores the efforts of the Sandy Hook families – even in the face of threats to their own lives – to protect the victims’ legacies.
“The topics of school shootings and misinformation are masterfully woven together by Williamson in ‘Sandy Hook,’” said John Pfeifer, donor engagement and grants officer for PGCMLS.
Speaking from a place of experience, Pfeifer continues, "While serving as publisher of the newspaper in DeKalb, Illinois, on Valentine's Day, 2008, we reported and lived through the shooting of five students at Northern Illinois University's Cole Hall. Unfortunately, their deaths and those of 26 others at Sandy Hook Elementary School nearly five years later were all too real."
Williamson will sign copies of her book after the program, and copies of “Sandy Hook: An American Tragedy and the Battle for Truth” will be available for purchase at the event.
About the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System
The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) helps customers discover and define opportunities that shape their lives. The Library serves the 967,000+ residents of Prince George’s County, Maryland through 19 branch libraries, a 24/7 online library, the County Correctional Center Library, and pop-up services throughout the community. PGCMLS is a responsive and trusted community-driven organization. Programs, services, and outreach activities serve book lovers, immigrants and refugees, job seekers, children, young professionals, seniors, and families alike. PGCMLS is the recipient of two Top Innovator Awards from the Urban Libraries Council (2023 - Democracy; 2021 - Workforce and Economic Development). Learn more at pgcmls.info/about-us.
About Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights
The Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights is committed to the pursuit of justice for those harmed by discriminatory behavior, predatory acts, and denial of services through thorough investigations; a cohesive response to human trafficking through its Human Trafficking Division; enforcement of language access to equal government services for all; and robust education and outreach to build community and to reduce incidents of hate, bias, and violence. The Library is also working with PGCOHR to host the Rock Banned Book Club through June 2024, featuring a monthly discussion of one of the top 13 banned books of 2022.
About the Author
Elizabeth Williamson is a feature writer for The New York Times. She joined the Times as a member of its editorial board, writing about national politics during the 2016 presidential campaign. Previously, Williamson was a writer for The Wall Street Journal, covering national politics and the Obama White House, and a national reporter for The Washington Post. She began her career with a decade as a foreign correspondent, including covering Eastern Europe for The Wall Street Journal. She grew up in Chicago and lives in Washington, DC.