(Crystal A. Proxmire, Ferndale 115 News, May 1, 2012 ed)
On April 22, 2012 The Society of Sant Jordi and The Friends of the Ferndale Library held their Day of Books and Roses Celebration.
The Day of Books and Roses has its roots in Spain, where folklore tells of Sant Jordi slaying a dragon and the spilled drops of its blood turning into rose petals. On April 23 in Catalonia, people buy books and roses to exchange as gifts. The tradition was introduced to the Ferndale area by Ferndale resident Elie Boudt, owner of Elie Wine in Royal Oak, and his wife Núria Garrote, who is from Catalonia, first introduced Metro-Detroiters to the Saint Jordi Day celebration in 2006 at Book Beat in Oak Park. The event was so successful that Elie and his wife eventually turned it into a fundraiser for the Ferndale Public Library in 2010.
The event brought together musicians, artists, booksellers, poets and other writers. Attendees each received a used book from the Library’s bookstore and a rose. The money raised helps fund Library events.
For more information on the history of Saint Jordi Day, click here.
For more on the Ferndale Public Library please go to http://www.ferndale.lib.mi.us/.