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The Groton Public Library is pleased to announce our selected title for the 20th Anniversary of Groton Reads, our annual community-wide reading event. Our 2024 pick is Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb, and the month of March will feature themed programs and events based on this fantastic book.

Symphony of Secrets is a captivating historical novel and intriguing mystery set during the Jazz Age. It explores issues of race, inequality, and how artists and creators should be justly credited and recognized. This time-honored event is made possible thanks to the support of the GPL Endowment Trust, community members, and local organizations. This year we are proud to partner with Groton Hill Music Center.

Books are available to borrow at the library now, with downloadable ebooks and audiobooks accessible on Libby. All formats can be borrowed using a current library card.

Accompanying the book, we will offer a variety of in-person and virtual programs to enhance participants’ reading experience. Activities will take place at the library, around town, and online. Here’s a small sample:

  • The Music of You with Susan Rogers, former record producer and professor (Zoom)
  • Introduction to Opera with Daon Drisdom, professional tenor and educator
  • Learn to Do the Charleston Dance Class
  • Roaring 20’s Accessories with Kimberly Stoney
  • Jazz and Gender Justice with Aja Burrell Wood from Berklee College of Music
  • Live Groton Reads Trivia Night
  • The Unknown Music of Helen Crane with Bernard Crane
  • Zoom with the Author- Brendan Slocumb (Zoom)
  • Roaring 20’s Murder Mystery Party
  • Arts & Music with Groton Hill Music
  • And much, much more!

All events are free, but registration is required. These events are expected to fill up quickly, so we recommend signing up when program registrations open on February 16. Preference for some events with limited capacities will be given to Groton residents.

Learn More About the Book

Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocomb

“A fascinating page-turner the slips back and forth in time and seamlessly blends a heart-pounding thriller and a heartfelt look at family and quiet heroism.”- Jeffrey Deaver, New York Times bestselling author

A gripping page-turner from the celebrated author of book club favorite The Violin Conspiracy: Music professor Bern Hendricks discovers a shocking secret about the most famous American composer of all time—his music may have been stolen from a Black Jazz Age prodigy named Josephine Reed. Determined to uncover the truth that a powerful organization wants to keep hidden, Bern will stop at nothing to right history’s wrongs and give Josephine the recognition she deserves.

This book is available to borrow from the GPL now. Pick up a copy at the Circulation Desk! Or place a request:

Join us all month long for events celebrating the book and the theme of music! More information coming soon. Keep an eye on our Events Calendar. Sign up for Groton events opens Friday, February 16.

Save the Date! Brendan Slocumb, author of Symphony of Secrets, will be joining us virtually to discuss his book on Sunday, March 24, 4-5 pm*! Sign-up to receive the Zoom link here.

This time-honored event is made possible thanks to the support of the GPL Endowment Trust, community members, and local organizations. This year we are proud to partner with Groton Hill Music Center.

*We regret very much that this event conflicts with the Celebration of Life for Al Stone. It was booked months before. We pushed the start time back to as late as the author would allow.

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See a full list of Groton Reads titles from 2005-present.

Adults