Video games and books seem to have little in common. Games are often seen as pure entertainment, media that offers no intellectual or artistic merit. Books have always been held in high regard as a method to exchange ideas and inform the masses. The widely-held belief is that if books are the fruits, vegetables, and whole grains of an intellectual diet, then games are the candy, soda pop, and potato chips.
While most popular games that appeal to consumers are designed primarily for entertainment and diversion, there are many games that examine human emotion and experience, politics, and literary themes in a serious manner. Likewise, many books exist as guilty pleasures, delivering stories that do little but fill up the reader’s free time. Games such as Metal Gear Solid 3, Halo, and America’s Army mirror current topics of interest such as warfare and terrorism. Titles like Shadow of the Colossus and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic introduce elements of morality and human ethics into their game design. And of course, the ever-popular computer game The Sims emulates human social interaction and the concept of a hierarchy of needs for the playable characters. It’s hard to argue that all video games are merely expensive toys when presented these games; much like it’s hard to concede that all books are valuable learning tools when shown Harlequin romances.
Both games and books are important and useful. A skilled gamer has strong analytical thinking skills. They are good at solving puzzles, formulating strategies, and making decisions. There’s a reason that computer technicians and mathematicians are known for being avid gamers; the two worlds merge well together.
Likewise, avid readers are creative and philosophical. They enjoy exchanging ideas and opinions, discussing and debating current issues, and trying to understand abstract concepts such as love, grief, or friendship. And since many games allow you to create your own characters and explore fantastical worlds, its not hard to imagine a person who loves to read and create being an enthusiastic gamer.
Of course, a person who is both an avid gamer and a fervent reader has the potential to develop especially sharp thinking skills.
The Wayne County Public Library would like to acknowledge the value of video games—as well as their predecessors, board games—with the first ever “Geeks and Gamers Festival” to be held on September 16th and 30th in the Gertrude Weil Auditorium at the Main Branch of the Library. The event will appeal to avid gamers, readers, and anyone interested in gaming culture.
Not only will the library have various board games open to play and displays of science-fiction and fantasy books (all of which will be available for check-out on that day), but as our main event there will be a tournament for the video game Dance Dance Revolution on each day. Sign-up is necessary for participation in the tournament, but anybody is welcome to come participate in the other activities. Though gamers range in age from children to professional, working adults, this is an event with our youth in mind; kids and teens from 10 to 19 years of age are eligible for the tournament and many of the activities will most readily appeal to them.
For more information, call the Wayne County Public Library at 735-1824 ext. 5100 and ask for Brandon. More details will be made available at a later date.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Letting All Voices Be Heard: Libraries and Censorship
In the classic dystopian novel 1984 by George Orwell, the British populace is subject to a totalitarian government that seeks to provide order and stability by way of completely controlling every aspect of daily life, the media most especially. The members of the Ingsoc Party heavily censor every movie, television program, radio broadcast, newspaper article, book, and even historical document; they remove every statement that conflicts with their ideology, forcing allegiance by conformity of thought.
Thankfully we do not live under such a directly authoritarian government. The First Amendment protects the right of every American citizen to speak freely and openly, to present controversial opinions and test the boundaries of acceptable content in entertainment media. Everybody is protected by this amendment, not just those in the majority. However, that does not mean that there is no effort at all to practice some sort of censorship and control of materials that are publicly available through institutions that are publicly funded.
Libraries have often been the target of would-be censors and activist groups that express concern over the contents of books and other materials offered by the library to the public. Such organizations share the mindset of many private citizens: taxpayers have the right, if not obligation, to influence the operations of an institution that is supported by tax dollars (“Intellectual Freedom”, 257). Specifically, if an organization or citizen feels that a library (which is supported by tax dollars) is circulating material that they interpret as inappropriate for a public forum then they have the right to demand the material removed and to have that demand honored.
And contrary to popular opinion, socially and politically conservative groups are not the only representatives of such an idea. Censorship comes from all points along the political spectrum with any given group having its own distinct motivations and goals. Conservative religious organizations and individuals may seek the removal of materials on the grounds that the item in question is blasphemous, promotes anti-Christian attitudes, or is indecent; focus groups for cultural and ethnic minorities may find material objectionable due to the fact that it perpetuates outdated and offensive stereotypes and fails to promote social justice. However, since conservative groups tend to be better funded and more organized, they are also more visible and active in censorship campaigns (Nielsen, 245).
No matter what a patron’s personal beliefs or definitions of “acceptable” or “unacceptable” may be however, librarians have to allow for the equal access of any and all materials for the sake of encouraging the public to be informed, enlightened, entertained, and inspired. Statement II of the American Library Association Code of Ethics explicitly states that librarians are to “uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.”
Statement VII builds on this philosophy to say that librarians must distinguish between their personal convictions and professional duties and not let their beliefs hinder the aspirations of a library or the access to a library’s resources. Even librarians may want to selectively censor materials but to do so would be professionally unethical (which is not to say such censorship does not occur—according to Gordan Conable’s essay “Public Libraries and Intellectual Freedom” there are several sources of censorship from inside any given library).
The Wayne County Public Library in Goldsboro, North Carolina is not without its challenges from concerned individuals who would wish to have materials removed from the collection, but it is not an overwhelming and long-standing issue. According to Jane Rustin, the Director of the Wayne County Public Library system, there have been perhaps four instances of a patron finding inappropriate material in the library in the past twelve months, and overall challenged material is a very rare issue. “More often that not,” says Rustin, “the concerns are over children’s materials that challenges the beliefs of the parent.” While the book may be far removed from recent memory, Daddy’s Roommate is the most obvious and memorable example. It was about a young boy with divorced parents. The boy’s father, whom the main character of the story spent a great deal of time with, was homosexual and had a live-in boyfriend. The book portrayed the father and his partner engaging in activities many other couples do: having dinner, shopping, arguing with each other, and on many occasions spending time with the young boy. The main character’s mother at one point says that “Being gay is just one more kind of love” (Rev. of Daddy’s Roommate, 31). The book aimed to promote homosexuality as acceptable and normal and to instill tolerance and understanding in young people. Many parents who disagreed with homosexuality’s acceptance were appalled by the book’s content and did not want their children reading it. The book was the year’s most challenged book for both 1993 and 1994 (“Daddy’s Roommate”, 368) and was removed from several libraries. It was not removed from the shelves of the Wayne County Public Library but was placed in the special collection for books related to parenting and child-rearing (Rustin).
The challenging of a patron’s beliefs, as well as material that seemingly promotes immoral or intolerant behavior, are only a few reasons why some patrons seek to censor library materials. In the past, many censorship cases involved books assigned to a child for required school reading that a parent found objectionable, or a child checking-out a book from the library about sex that the parent though was not appropriate for a child’s age (Nielsen, 246-247). In all of these instances, individuals and organizations have tried to persuade the library to act in accordance with personal beliefs and morals that are representative of the individual or organization making the demand, having developed the notion that matters of religious belief or personal morality can be legislated (246). Doing so would undermine the function and mission of a public library: to make all materials available for all patrons and to encourage the exchange of information and ideas.
However, that is not to say that all materials available in a library are suitable for all age and maturity levels. Children and young people may lack the practical experience or cultural knowledge to place references to events or concepts in the proper context and could misconstrue an author’s intent; other works may make impressions on children that certain deplorable behaviors are acceptable or even trendy and fashionable. However, the library cannot act in loco parentis, enforcing controls and boundaries as if they themselves were the parents (Conable, 261). Likewise the library cannot base their collection solely on what is appropriate for children; doing so would limit the materials available to consenting adults. As Rustin says “the public has accepted the fact that adults are free to read what they choose.” Creating a collection of material strictly appropriate to children would undermine this ideal.
Complaints about material not being age-appropriate are well-intentioned but emotionally-charged; the parent is trying to protect their child from a perceived threat (261). Librarians are willing to assist the parent in selecting materials for their child without actually playing the role of parents themselves. At the Wayne County Public Library, books appropriate for younger readers in grade school are kept separate from books written for adults. Novels, graphic novels, and magazines that appeal to middle- and high-school students are also kept in a separate section. Other ways libraries have assisted parents in making responsible choices for their children are with reader’s advisory services and suggested reading lists (261).
Another motive for attempting to censor materials is much rarer but is also more difficult to handle and involve sophisticated political agendas. Well-organized individuals and or groups may challenge material that does not conform to their aspirations and goals (262) and may try to introduce material that does so. By showing even the slightest hint of favoritism of or unquestioned conformity to any one party, candidate, or specialized focus group the library is undermining its own vision and purpose. The library must remain a neutral place to find information from varying points of view about social and political issues, legislative and electoral processes, candidate and political party platforms, and the well-being of a community (Nielsen, 253).
With the motivations behind attempted censorship having been discussed and the reasons why a librarian cannot remove materials based on a patron’s personal opinion, it is important to keep in mind that these philosophies apply to the entire library collection and not just select materials. An ethical librarian cannot discriminate against material that is considered to be lacking in artistic or intellectual merit. For example, while a patron may not have a problem with a reference book on human reproduction having graphic descriptions or depictions of sex, they may take issue with a romance novel by a popular (yet badly reviewed) author having explicitly-written sex scenes. It would be far too easy to honor this complaint simply because the work may not contribute any great ideas or concepts to the public. However, a failure to defend seemingly meaningless or trivial literature shows a sign of not being able to defend any written or filmed work that may be challenged (Conable, 262-263). Again, a librarian cannot ethically remove any work from the collection on grounds of censorship; doing so would restrict free access to materials.
Just as selecting proper materials for a child to read falls on the responsibility of the parent, librarians are held accountable for upholding their principles and professional ethics. A patron at any library has the right to complain, and more often than not complaints about inappropriate material for minors were solved without an act of censorship taking place (Nielsen, 247). Patrons who find material in a book or any other work of art are not themselves censors; only when a person actually has influence to restrict access to a material are they censors in the most direct and literal meaning of the word (Conable, 266). The great irony is in fact that the same First Amendment rights that protect the author of the work challenged allow for the complaining person or institution to make known their opinion (Nielsen, 253).
The ultimate deciding factor in a case of censorship is indeed on the library and the librarians who facilitate it. No matter how vocal a protest may be, it is meaningless as long as the librarian does not comply to it, and truly ethical librarians will never bow to the demands of those wishing to censor materials that are freely available to the public. As Joanne Goldsmith, the Executive Director for National Coalition for Public Education and Religious Liberty has said:
The librarian who quietly removes a book from the shelf because of a noisy complaint is more guilty of restricting intellectual freedom than the complainant. The librarian has responsibility to a tradition, a body of law, and to the procedures established and approved for dealing with complaints. Worse, once the librarian has surrendered on a single occasion, he or she is the first target in future assaults. Extremism feeds on success. It is made bolder and more demanding by victory (qtd. in Conable, 263).
We may not live in a society where a governing body directly controls the information and entertainment that is accessible, but we do live in a society where all individuals, despite their political and religious beliefs or tastes in humor and recreation, can express their opinions and have their grievances addressed. While sounding utopian, such a society can also allow for a heavily-controlled flow of ideas and facts to come to fruition. Librarians are important guardians of intellectual freedom and freedoms of speech and expression. Those in this occupation should take this responsibility very seriously and remain ever-vigilant in their fight to retain our independence.
Works Cited
American Library Association Code of Ethics. Adopted by the ALA Council on June 28, 1995.
Conable, Gordon M. “Public Libraries and Intellectual Freedom.” 259-267.
“Daddy’s Roommate year’s most challenged book.” American Libraries Apr. 1995: 368.
“Intellectual Freedom: An All-Embracing Concept.” Office for Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association. 257-258.
Nielsen, Carol. “Pressure Groups: Politics, Religion, and Censorship in Libraries.” Office for Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association. 244-254.
Office for Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association. Intellectual Freedom Manual. 5th. Ed. Chicago: American Library Association, 1996.
Rev. of Daddy’s Roommate, by Michael Willhoite. Book Links Jan. 2005: 31.
Rustin, Jane. Personal Interview. 28 Mar. 2006
Thankfully we do not live under such a directly authoritarian government. The First Amendment protects the right of every American citizen to speak freely and openly, to present controversial opinions and test the boundaries of acceptable content in entertainment media. Everybody is protected by this amendment, not just those in the majority. However, that does not mean that there is no effort at all to practice some sort of censorship and control of materials that are publicly available through institutions that are publicly funded.
Libraries have often been the target of would-be censors and activist groups that express concern over the contents of books and other materials offered by the library to the public. Such organizations share the mindset of many private citizens: taxpayers have the right, if not obligation, to influence the operations of an institution that is supported by tax dollars (“Intellectual Freedom”, 257). Specifically, if an organization or citizen feels that a library (which is supported by tax dollars) is circulating material that they interpret as inappropriate for a public forum then they have the right to demand the material removed and to have that demand honored.
And contrary to popular opinion, socially and politically conservative groups are not the only representatives of such an idea. Censorship comes from all points along the political spectrum with any given group having its own distinct motivations and goals. Conservative religious organizations and individuals may seek the removal of materials on the grounds that the item in question is blasphemous, promotes anti-Christian attitudes, or is indecent; focus groups for cultural and ethnic minorities may find material objectionable due to the fact that it perpetuates outdated and offensive stereotypes and fails to promote social justice. However, since conservative groups tend to be better funded and more organized, they are also more visible and active in censorship campaigns (Nielsen, 245).
No matter what a patron’s personal beliefs or definitions of “acceptable” or “unacceptable” may be however, librarians have to allow for the equal access of any and all materials for the sake of encouraging the public to be informed, enlightened, entertained, and inspired. Statement II of the American Library Association Code of Ethics explicitly states that librarians are to “uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.”
Statement VII builds on this philosophy to say that librarians must distinguish between their personal convictions and professional duties and not let their beliefs hinder the aspirations of a library or the access to a library’s resources. Even librarians may want to selectively censor materials but to do so would be professionally unethical (which is not to say such censorship does not occur—according to Gordan Conable’s essay “Public Libraries and Intellectual Freedom” there are several sources of censorship from inside any given library).
The Wayne County Public Library in Goldsboro, North Carolina is not without its challenges from concerned individuals who would wish to have materials removed from the collection, but it is not an overwhelming and long-standing issue. According to Jane Rustin, the Director of the Wayne County Public Library system, there have been perhaps four instances of a patron finding inappropriate material in the library in the past twelve months, and overall challenged material is a very rare issue. “More often that not,” says Rustin, “the concerns are over children’s materials that challenges the beliefs of the parent.” While the book may be far removed from recent memory, Daddy’s Roommate is the most obvious and memorable example. It was about a young boy with divorced parents. The boy’s father, whom the main character of the story spent a great deal of time with, was homosexual and had a live-in boyfriend. The book portrayed the father and his partner engaging in activities many other couples do: having dinner, shopping, arguing with each other, and on many occasions spending time with the young boy. The main character’s mother at one point says that “Being gay is just one more kind of love” (Rev. of Daddy’s Roommate, 31). The book aimed to promote homosexuality as acceptable and normal and to instill tolerance and understanding in young people. Many parents who disagreed with homosexuality’s acceptance were appalled by the book’s content and did not want their children reading it. The book was the year’s most challenged book for both 1993 and 1994 (“Daddy’s Roommate”, 368) and was removed from several libraries. It was not removed from the shelves of the Wayne County Public Library but was placed in the special collection for books related to parenting and child-rearing (Rustin).
The challenging of a patron’s beliefs, as well as material that seemingly promotes immoral or intolerant behavior, are only a few reasons why some patrons seek to censor library materials. In the past, many censorship cases involved books assigned to a child for required school reading that a parent found objectionable, or a child checking-out a book from the library about sex that the parent though was not appropriate for a child’s age (Nielsen, 246-247). In all of these instances, individuals and organizations have tried to persuade the library to act in accordance with personal beliefs and morals that are representative of the individual or organization making the demand, having developed the notion that matters of religious belief or personal morality can be legislated (246). Doing so would undermine the function and mission of a public library: to make all materials available for all patrons and to encourage the exchange of information and ideas.
However, that is not to say that all materials available in a library are suitable for all age and maturity levels. Children and young people may lack the practical experience or cultural knowledge to place references to events or concepts in the proper context and could misconstrue an author’s intent; other works may make impressions on children that certain deplorable behaviors are acceptable or even trendy and fashionable. However, the library cannot act in loco parentis, enforcing controls and boundaries as if they themselves were the parents (Conable, 261). Likewise the library cannot base their collection solely on what is appropriate for children; doing so would limit the materials available to consenting adults. As Rustin says “the public has accepted the fact that adults are free to read what they choose.” Creating a collection of material strictly appropriate to children would undermine this ideal.
Complaints about material not being age-appropriate are well-intentioned but emotionally-charged; the parent is trying to protect their child from a perceived threat (261). Librarians are willing to assist the parent in selecting materials for their child without actually playing the role of parents themselves. At the Wayne County Public Library, books appropriate for younger readers in grade school are kept separate from books written for adults. Novels, graphic novels, and magazines that appeal to middle- and high-school students are also kept in a separate section. Other ways libraries have assisted parents in making responsible choices for their children are with reader’s advisory services and suggested reading lists (261).
Another motive for attempting to censor materials is much rarer but is also more difficult to handle and involve sophisticated political agendas. Well-organized individuals and or groups may challenge material that does not conform to their aspirations and goals (262) and may try to introduce material that does so. By showing even the slightest hint of favoritism of or unquestioned conformity to any one party, candidate, or specialized focus group the library is undermining its own vision and purpose. The library must remain a neutral place to find information from varying points of view about social and political issues, legislative and electoral processes, candidate and political party platforms, and the well-being of a community (Nielsen, 253).
With the motivations behind attempted censorship having been discussed and the reasons why a librarian cannot remove materials based on a patron’s personal opinion, it is important to keep in mind that these philosophies apply to the entire library collection and not just select materials. An ethical librarian cannot discriminate against material that is considered to be lacking in artistic or intellectual merit. For example, while a patron may not have a problem with a reference book on human reproduction having graphic descriptions or depictions of sex, they may take issue with a romance novel by a popular (yet badly reviewed) author having explicitly-written sex scenes. It would be far too easy to honor this complaint simply because the work may not contribute any great ideas or concepts to the public. However, a failure to defend seemingly meaningless or trivial literature shows a sign of not being able to defend any written or filmed work that may be challenged (Conable, 262-263). Again, a librarian cannot ethically remove any work from the collection on grounds of censorship; doing so would restrict free access to materials.
Just as selecting proper materials for a child to read falls on the responsibility of the parent, librarians are held accountable for upholding their principles and professional ethics. A patron at any library has the right to complain, and more often than not complaints about inappropriate material for minors were solved without an act of censorship taking place (Nielsen, 247). Patrons who find material in a book or any other work of art are not themselves censors; only when a person actually has influence to restrict access to a material are they censors in the most direct and literal meaning of the word (Conable, 266). The great irony is in fact that the same First Amendment rights that protect the author of the work challenged allow for the complaining person or institution to make known their opinion (Nielsen, 253).
The ultimate deciding factor in a case of censorship is indeed on the library and the librarians who facilitate it. No matter how vocal a protest may be, it is meaningless as long as the librarian does not comply to it, and truly ethical librarians will never bow to the demands of those wishing to censor materials that are freely available to the public. As Joanne Goldsmith, the Executive Director for National Coalition for Public Education and Religious Liberty has said:
The librarian who quietly removes a book from the shelf because of a noisy complaint is more guilty of restricting intellectual freedom than the complainant. The librarian has responsibility to a tradition, a body of law, and to the procedures established and approved for dealing with complaints. Worse, once the librarian has surrendered on a single occasion, he or she is the first target in future assaults. Extremism feeds on success. It is made bolder and more demanding by victory (qtd. in Conable, 263).
We may not live in a society where a governing body directly controls the information and entertainment that is accessible, but we do live in a society where all individuals, despite their political and religious beliefs or tastes in humor and recreation, can express their opinions and have their grievances addressed. While sounding utopian, such a society can also allow for a heavily-controlled flow of ideas and facts to come to fruition. Librarians are important guardians of intellectual freedom and freedoms of speech and expression. Those in this occupation should take this responsibility very seriously and remain ever-vigilant in their fight to retain our independence.
Works Cited
American Library Association Code of Ethics. Adopted by the ALA Council on June 28, 1995.
Conable, Gordon M. “Public Libraries and Intellectual Freedom.” 259-267.
“Daddy’s Roommate year’s most challenged book.” American Libraries Apr. 1995: 368.
“Intellectual Freedom: An All-Embracing Concept.” Office for Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association. 257-258.
Nielsen, Carol. “Pressure Groups: Politics, Religion, and Censorship in Libraries.” Office for Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association. 244-254.
Office for Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association. Intellectual Freedom Manual. 5th. Ed. Chicago: American Library Association, 1996.
Rev. of Daddy’s Roommate, by Michael Willhoite. Book Links Jan. 2005: 31.
Rustin, Jane. Personal Interview. 28 Mar. 2006
Monday, March 06, 2006
On Coretta Scott King
As part of remembering Coretta Scott King, we asked our patrons to share their thoughts on this great woman. Here are some of the many things people had to say.
I appreciate all that Mrs. King has done to help our country and for teaching us to learn to love one another. I'm saddened by her death. She will be truly missed.
The Dream: One Day!
Beside a very good man, is a great woman! Mrs. King is that virtuous woman!!
As a Wayne County school employee I have seen alot of changes over the year. Everyone deserves respect and love. She was a nice, respectful lady.
May her legacy continue through her children and others who believed as she has.
I don't really know her but I know she made a difference in the world we live in today!!!
What a full, wonderful life. A truly mythic figure.
One patron even shared a heart-felt poem dedicated to this legendary leader.
"Dreams"
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
We here at the Wayne County Public Library hope that these words resonate with all who read them and inspire others to follow in Mrs. King's footsteps.
I appreciate all that Mrs. King has done to help our country and for teaching us to learn to love one another. I'm saddened by her death. She will be truly missed.
The Dream: One Day!
Beside a very good man, is a great woman! Mrs. King is that virtuous woman!!
As a Wayne County school employee I have seen alot of changes over the year. Everyone deserves respect and love. She was a nice, respectful lady.
May her legacy continue through her children and others who believed as she has.
I don't really know her but I know she made a difference in the world we live in today!!!
What a full, wonderful life. A truly mythic figure.
One patron even shared a heart-felt poem dedicated to this legendary leader.
"Dreams"
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
We here at the Wayne County Public Library hope that these words resonate with all who read them and inspire others to follow in Mrs. King's footsteps.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Putting Up Your Words: The Wayne County Public Library Poetry Slam
Poetry is an ageless art form, starting as a way to preserve the myths and legends of ancient cultures long before these tales were written down. As all arts poetry has evolved with the times and remains with us today. The latest evolution of poetry is often referred to as “slam poetry.” Two or more poets recite their poetry out loud, sometimes with musical accompaniment, in a contest measuring both poetry writing and performance skills.
To encourage the youth of our communities to express themselves creatively and to raise awareness of this constantly-growing mode of literary performance, the Wayne County Public Library is sponsoring a Poetry Slam on April 22 in the Gertrude Weil Auditorium at the Main Branch. It is one of the many events that the Library has scheduled to celebrate National Poetry Month.
The Slam is open to students in middle school and high school, and participants can compete individually or in groups. Of course all poems performed must be original and if competing as a team all performers must have collaborated on the poem. The Library gladly offers performance consultants for those desiring it.
Other events to observe National Poetry Month include and open mic night at the Steele Memorial Branch in Mount Olive and a poetry video. The video is an especially interesting experiment; a manned video camera will be sent around Wayne County’s communities, and people young and old alike will be invited to perform their favorite poetry in front of it.
Brandon Robbins is an employee of the Library’s Reference Department who helped organize and execute last fall’s well-received “Poetry Out Loud” program, wherein he joined local poet C. K. Goodman (who will also be contributing to the National Poetry Month celebrations) in bringing poetry performance to Wayne County’s schools. He has been writing poetry since his sophomore year of college. “I think it’s great that we’re doing things for our youth that involve poetry,” he says. “Our kids need an outlet for expression, and helping them find that outlet is one of the most important things the Library can do.”
Many teenagers find poetry natural. Not only does poetry require only a pen and paper, it is also so closely tied with music (which is another favorite pastime of youth) that it is not as alien to some teens as other pursuits may be. In fact, although music is not allowed as part of the performance for the Library’s Slam, the participants are encouraged to use music as a source of inspiration for their poems and performance styles.
Perhaps the greatest boon of poetry is that it is a safe and sane way for teens to articulate their thoughts, opinions, concerns, and emotions; and performing their poetry is an equally safe and sane way to share them.
For more information about Wayne County Public Library’s Poetry Slam, or any of the National Poetry Month events, come by the Reference Desk of the Main Branch and ask to speak to Sue Geiger or call 919-735-1824 ext. 5116.
To encourage the youth of our communities to express themselves creatively and to raise awareness of this constantly-growing mode of literary performance, the Wayne County Public Library is sponsoring a Poetry Slam on April 22 in the Gertrude Weil Auditorium at the Main Branch. It is one of the many events that the Library has scheduled to celebrate National Poetry Month.
The Slam is open to students in middle school and high school, and participants can compete individually or in groups. Of course all poems performed must be original and if competing as a team all performers must have collaborated on the poem. The Library gladly offers performance consultants for those desiring it.
Other events to observe National Poetry Month include and open mic night at the Steele Memorial Branch in Mount Olive and a poetry video. The video is an especially interesting experiment; a manned video camera will be sent around Wayne County’s communities, and people young and old alike will be invited to perform their favorite poetry in front of it.
Brandon Robbins is an employee of the Library’s Reference Department who helped organize and execute last fall’s well-received “Poetry Out Loud” program, wherein he joined local poet C. K. Goodman (who will also be contributing to the National Poetry Month celebrations) in bringing poetry performance to Wayne County’s schools. He has been writing poetry since his sophomore year of college. “I think it’s great that we’re doing things for our youth that involve poetry,” he says. “Our kids need an outlet for expression, and helping them find that outlet is one of the most important things the Library can do.”
Many teenagers find poetry natural. Not only does poetry require only a pen and paper, it is also so closely tied with music (which is another favorite pastime of youth) that it is not as alien to some teens as other pursuits may be. In fact, although music is not allowed as part of the performance for the Library’s Slam, the participants are encouraged to use music as a source of inspiration for their poems and performance styles.
Perhaps the greatest boon of poetry is that it is a safe and sane way for teens to articulate their thoughts, opinions, concerns, and emotions; and performing their poetry is an equally safe and sane way to share them.
For more information about Wayne County Public Library’s Poetry Slam, or any of the National Poetry Month events, come by the Reference Desk of the Main Branch and ask to speak to Sue Geiger or call 919-735-1824 ext. 5116.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Remembering Coretta Scott King
Recently, a national icon and a courageous leader passed away. Coretta Scott King, wife of the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. (whose birthday the nation celebrated just last week), passed away on January 31 . She was 78 years old.
Born Coretta Scott, Mrs. King spent her childhood working on her family’s farm in Heiberger, Alabama. She picked cotton to help her family survive the Great Depression. In 1945 she graduated at the top of her class from Lincoln Normal School in Marion, Alabama. After graduating from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, she moved to Boston where she met Martin Luther King Jr.
The two were married on June 18, 1953. After Coretta earned her degree in voice and violin from the New England Conservatory, she moved with her husband to Montgomery, Alabama where he had just been named the pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church.
Mrs. King’s life is populated with achievements and accolades. She was active in the Civil Rights movement led by her husband, putting together a series of Freedom Concerts which drew attention to the movement through poetry, narration, and music. She was also an advocate for peace, serving as a delegate to the 1962 Disarmament Conference in Geneva, Switzerland and pre-dating Dr. King’s protests against the Vietnam War by two years.
After the tragic death of Martin Luther King, Coretta King continued in her husband’s footsteps. In her autobiography My Life with Martin Luther King Jr. she reflects "Because his task was not finished, I felt that I must re-dedicate myself to the completion of his work." In addition to successfully fighting to make the civil rights leader’s birthday a national holiday, Coretta has been an advocate of women’s right, lesbian and gay rights, and AIDS/HIV prevention.
The American Library Association awards the Coretta Scott King Award to an African-American authors and illustrators for outstanding achievements in children’s literature.
Coretta King has authored three books and holds honorary doctorates from over 60 colleges and universities. All of her children have become vocal civil rights and racial equality advocates.
The Wayne County Public Library welcomes your thoughts and reflections on the achievements of this admirable woman, the civil rights movement that she was such an integral part of, and how the world has benefited from the efforts of the King family and their many fellow crusaders.
To find out how to learn more about Coretta Scott King, the civil rights movement, or any other related topic, feel free to inquire at the Reference Desk of the Wayne County Public Library.
Born Coretta Scott, Mrs. King spent her childhood working on her family’s farm in Heiberger, Alabama. She picked cotton to help her family survive the Great Depression. In 1945 she graduated at the top of her class from Lincoln Normal School in Marion, Alabama. After graduating from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, she moved to Boston where she met Martin Luther King Jr.
The two were married on June 18, 1953. After Coretta earned her degree in voice and violin from the New England Conservatory, she moved with her husband to Montgomery, Alabama where he had just been named the pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church.
Mrs. King’s life is populated with achievements and accolades. She was active in the Civil Rights movement led by her husband, putting together a series of Freedom Concerts which drew attention to the movement through poetry, narration, and music. She was also an advocate for peace, serving as a delegate to the 1962 Disarmament Conference in Geneva, Switzerland and pre-dating Dr. King’s protests against the Vietnam War by two years.
After the tragic death of Martin Luther King, Coretta King continued in her husband’s footsteps. In her autobiography My Life with Martin Luther King Jr. she reflects "Because his task was not finished, I felt that I must re-dedicate myself to the completion of his work." In addition to successfully fighting to make the civil rights leader’s birthday a national holiday, Coretta has been an advocate of women’s right, lesbian and gay rights, and AIDS/HIV prevention.
The American Library Association awards the Coretta Scott King Award to an African-American authors and illustrators for outstanding achievements in children’s literature.
Coretta King has authored three books and holds honorary doctorates from over 60 colleges and universities. All of her children have become vocal civil rights and racial equality advocates.
The Wayne County Public Library welcomes your thoughts and reflections on the achievements of this admirable woman, the civil rights movement that she was such an integral part of, and how the world has benefited from the efforts of the King family and their many fellow crusaders.
To find out how to learn more about Coretta Scott King, the civil rights movement, or any other related topic, feel free to inquire at the Reference Desk of the Wayne County Public Library.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
A Celebration of Culture: Multi-Culture Day at the Library
America is indeed a great melting pot. Even in our own community, numerous nationalities and cultures are represented. With such a diverse population come numerous beliefs, traditions, holidays, and folklore. It’s not unusual for someone to lack understanding about the numerous ethnicities surrounding them, but the more a person knows about their neighbors then the better they can live amongst them.
The Wayne County Public Library will be hosting a Multi-Cultural Day on Saturday, January 14th from 2-4 PM in the Gertrude Weil Auditorium (located inside the Library). With this event the Library staff hopes to educate the community about Wayne County’s cultural diversity and provide a time for fellowship and enjoyment.
Several different countries and cultures will be represented by Wayne Country citizens. Light snacks will be served. On display will be several books reflective of the cultures represented. The books will be available for check-out. There will be music and stories. Special guest LaShonda Atkinson of Mystic Dance Productions will be performing Egyptian-style belly dancing. Kids of all ages are sure to have a great time!
This event is part of the Library’s ongoing effort to reach out to Wayne County’s diverse population and unite the community. Recently, the Library sponsored a Kwanzaa Crafts activity that was open to the public. Also, the Library has a collection of Foreign Language books to check out.
People of all ages are invited to participate in this informative and entertaining event.
The Wayne County Public Library will be hosting a Multi-Cultural Day on Saturday, January 14th from 2-4 PM in the Gertrude Weil Auditorium (located inside the Library). With this event the Library staff hopes to educate the community about Wayne County’s cultural diversity and provide a time for fellowship and enjoyment.
Several different countries and cultures will be represented by Wayne Country citizens. Light snacks will be served. On display will be several books reflective of the cultures represented. The books will be available for check-out. There will be music and stories. Special guest LaShonda Atkinson of Mystic Dance Productions will be performing Egyptian-style belly dancing. Kids of all ages are sure to have a great time!
This event is part of the Library’s ongoing effort to reach out to Wayne County’s diverse population and unite the community. Recently, the Library sponsored a Kwanzaa Crafts activity that was open to the public. Also, the Library has a collection of Foreign Language books to check out.
People of all ages are invited to participate in this informative and entertaining event.
Reading Together: Wayne County Reads 2006
Literacy and critical thinking are cornerstones to building a strong community. A society populated with skilled readers and thinkers are able to examine and solve problems with a level of sensitivity and insight that leads to far-reaching and effective solutions.
The Wayne County Public Library encourages this idea with the Wayne County Reads program, a county-wide activity that encourages members of the community to read the same book and then come together for discussion and reflection on the book’s content.
“The hope is that as people share ideas and thoughts, they build a stronger community,” says Jane Rustin, Director of the Wayne County Public Library System. “It’s a wonderful mechanism to encourage reading and ideas and to think about the issues of our time.”
For several years, libraries across the country have been sponsoring community-wide programs to encourage literacy and literary discussion. The Wayne County Public Library started its incarnation of the program in 2004. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee was the selection that year, and numerous events were held across the county. There were discussion forums at Wayne Community College, a lecture on the book’s film adaptation at the Library’s Gertrude Weil Auditorium, and a trivia question contest sponsored by the News-Argus. In 2005 the community engaged in similar events while reading Big Fish by Daniel Wallace.
People participating this year will read a stirring, often unsettling, but always enlightening account of one of history’s great tragedies; Night by Elie Wiesel, a first-hand account of one person’s experiences in a Nazi concentration camp during the Holocaust.
“We always choose a serious book because we want a work with meaning and depth that would encourage reflection and discourse,” says Rustin.
With a work of such depth as Night, it’s possible that this could be the most moving Wayne County Reads event yet.
There will be numerous events of similar nature to those in the past and this blog will be used as a forum of discussion for the novel. Anybody wishing to participate can check out a copy of the book from the Library, and Books-A-Million located on 1101-D Berkeley Blvd. has several copies of the book in stock. Just ask for it at the front desk.
For more updates on the Wayne County Reads program, stay posted to the Library’s official web-site, the News-Argus, and this blog.
The Wayne County Public Library encourages this idea with the Wayne County Reads program, a county-wide activity that encourages members of the community to read the same book and then come together for discussion and reflection on the book’s content.
“The hope is that as people share ideas and thoughts, they build a stronger community,” says Jane Rustin, Director of the Wayne County Public Library System. “It’s a wonderful mechanism to encourage reading and ideas and to think about the issues of our time.”
For several years, libraries across the country have been sponsoring community-wide programs to encourage literacy and literary discussion. The Wayne County Public Library started its incarnation of the program in 2004. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee was the selection that year, and numerous events were held across the county. There were discussion forums at Wayne Community College, a lecture on the book’s film adaptation at the Library’s Gertrude Weil Auditorium, and a trivia question contest sponsored by the News-Argus. In 2005 the community engaged in similar events while reading Big Fish by Daniel Wallace.
People participating this year will read a stirring, often unsettling, but always enlightening account of one of history’s great tragedies; Night by Elie Wiesel, a first-hand account of one person’s experiences in a Nazi concentration camp during the Holocaust.
“We always choose a serious book because we want a work with meaning and depth that would encourage reflection and discourse,” says Rustin.
With a work of such depth as Night, it’s possible that this could be the most moving Wayne County Reads event yet.
There will be numerous events of similar nature to those in the past and this blog will be used as a forum of discussion for the novel. Anybody wishing to participate can check out a copy of the book from the Library, and Books-A-Million located on 1101-D Berkeley Blvd. has several copies of the book in stock. Just ask for it at the front desk.
For more updates on the Wayne County Reads program, stay posted to the Library’s official web-site, the News-Argus, and this blog.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)