Wayne County Public Library

Staff Picks: The Wedding of the Waters by Peter Bernstein

2007-08-28T11:34:00.000-04:00

Recommended by Gail Askins, Ciruclation Supervisor.

Bernstein tells the story of the making of the Erie Canal with such skill that it reads like an adventure novel. Hacking through the wilderness with axes, saws, and the brute strength of animals and men, the men who built it (and who had never before constructed a canal) were as optimistic and persistent as the young America itself. We not only learn about the gigantic job of constructing locks and canals from Albany to Buffalo, but also the political and economic forces that drove it. I was once again awed at the selflessness and vision of our country’s forefathers.

Staff Picks: The Dark Mirror by Juliet Marillier

2007-07-13T09:34:00.000-04:00

Recommended by Rhonda Konig, Reference Supervisor.

In this book Marillier weaves an engrossing tale about a young Pict boy named Bridei. Bridei is educated in a powerful druid’s household for a daunting future role that is not revealed to him until he reaches adulthood. It is a lonely life for him until the Shining One chooses to send him a fairy sister who he names Tuala. Broichan does not approve of Tuala, but lets her stay in his household so as to not offend the god who sent her. Readers will love the detail about the Pict culture and the bonds that form between her uniquely skilled characters.

I first discovered Marillier when I was working at another library. Her first novel, Daughter of the Forest, was based on the fairy tale “The Wild Swan.” Since I had recently read another novel based on the same fairy tale, I was curious to see another take on it.

If you like this book, I also recommend The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley. It's another fantasy novel based on another mythology: the King Arthur legends.

Staff Picks: The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman

2007-06-22T14:40:00.000-04:00

Recommended by Brandon Robbins, Young Adult Librarian.

I had always been into comic books, but had never read the series that is hailed as the greatest ever: The Sandman. I knew that it was a rare gem in the comics world, one that earned praise from both elite academic critics and comic book enthusiasts, a thinking person's title that had weight and depth. But all of this I knew second-hand from reading about Sandman, not from reading the material itself.

Recently, the entire seventy-five-issue-long series has been compiled into a set of ten graphic novels, and I was quite excited to see Preludes and Nocturnes, the first volume in this set, come to the library a few years ago. I took it home and devoured it in a single sitting.

It was a magical book. The story it told was simple, a classical tale about a hero hunting down magic artifacts, but it was told in such an eerie and human tone that it sucked you in and refused to let you go. Gaiman somehow managed to make this dark tale inspiring when it could have been cynical, and there is one scene in particular that is so moving you'll find yourself thinking of it when you most need an uplift.

I went on to read more of Neil Gaiman's work. American Gods is a rich and twisting novel that will bend your mind with its philosophical content, and Coraline is one of the scariest books I've ever read, in a way that good books ought to be scary. But Preludes and Nocturnes will forever be my favorite.

Readers that enjoy books by Stephen King or Clive Barker, or enjoy dark fantasy works and comic books in general, should definitely give it a try. There's no way you won't like it.

So, What Do I Read Next?

2007-05-02T12:59:00.000-04:00

The Wayne County Public Library Blog will be used as an extension of our Reader’s Advisory service. We will feature regular articles that spotlight new authors, new titles, or recommend ways that our patrons can expand their reading interests. All of these articles will be tagged with the “Reader’s Advisory” label, so to access them all at a glance just click on the “Readers’ Advisory” link under the “Labels” heading, either at the end of each article or in the sidebar.

Every avid reader knows how it feels to discover a new favorite author: you immediately devour every book that person has written, scour the Internet and magazine for every interview the author has ever given, and even look for any movies based on the author’s work.

Then, you’re empty-handed: you’ve exhausted the writer’s body of work and--according to every piece of promotional material you get your hands on--there’s nothing new coming from the author for quite a while. If you want to keep reading, you’ve got to find something new. The library is a great place to start. Not only is it a risk-free way to discover new literature (books are free to check-out, and if you don’t like something just bring it back) but the library staff members are avid readers knowledgeable about what books might match your reading interests.

The Wayne County Public Library offers many ways to help you discover new books and authors that you might enjoy. Not only do we have in-house resources, but also a survey for our patrons to participate in. The Library can also connect you on-line resources that offer book recommendations along with several other useful resources for bibliophiles.

The Reader’s Corner is a located inside the main branch, and the spotlight of this display is the reader’s advisory volumes available for use in the library. Each book details a different genre, breaking down the most popular and notable titles in that genre into even more-detailed listings and giving plot summaries of each title. While visiting the Reader’s Corner, also be sure to pick up the latest issue of Book Page, a periodical that focuses on new and upcoming books and authors, or a copy of our Book Match survey. You can find the Reader’s Corner at the Main Branch immediately to your left after entering through the lobby area under the “Community Information” sign.

Book Match is a service that the Library offers for patrons who would like a list of recommended books. To participate in the Book Match service, simply visit the Library and fill out our Book Match survey. Then, turn it in to the Reference Desk. One of our staff members will generate a list of ten books that fit in with your reading interests. We can either e-mail your list to you or call you to pick it up: whichever method is most convenient for you. The Book Match service caters to readers of all ages, and no matter what your reading interests are we can find a book that you would enjoy. Also, there’s no limit to how many times you can participate; if you finish your reading list, fill out another survey and we’ll generate another reading list for you.

If you would be interested in exploring what book are out there yourself, our patrons have access to two great databases. Both are available online.

Novelist is a reader’s advisory service available through NCLIVE. It is operated by a staff of librarians and offers many resources for finding information about a near-unlimited number of fiction titles. Users can search Novelist’s database in a variety of ways and read reviews of titles from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus; and search Novelist’s database in a variety of ways. They can also find out what titles are in a specific series and read feature articles spotlighting various genres or special topics in literature.

Along with all of those resources, Novelist also offers useful tools such as author read-a-likes, which focus on lesser-known writers that write similarly to famous authors. With this resource at hand, users can find new books that closely match those that they have already read and significantly expand their reading interests. Novelist also has lists of award-winning titles, so readers looking for the best of a particular genre will be able to locate them easily.

Another valuable resource for discovering new titles is a database called Fiction Connection, available through the website Books in Print. Fiction Connection organizes titles by genre, subject, topic, and setting and allows patrons to search using several different options. In just a few clicks, you can turn a broad subject heading (such a “historical romance”) into a very narrow, specific label. If you enjoy books set in a medieval land featuring dragons and unicorns with elements of murder mysteries, a search on Fiction Connection will no doubt bring something up. Fiction Connection also has reviews of titles, plot summaries, and many of the same features that Novelist has.

Books in Print also has several different ways to locate new books to read and find out information about specific titles. User can search their database by the awards a book has read and find where titles are available online for purchase. Unlike Fiction Connection and Novelist, Books in Print also catalogs non-fiction titles as well, making it a valuable resource for history, science, and biography buffs. Readers can also search by award-winning titles and authors.

There is no charge for our library patrons to use either resource; merely having a card grants you access to them, and patrons can access them from home. Novelist is available through NCLIVE and requires a password. Patrons need only show their card at the Reference Desk of the Main Branch of the Wayne County Public Library to get it. Fiction Connection is only available to patrons who registered for their card at the Main Branch. Novelist can also be used at any of the public-access computers at any branch of the Wayne County Public Library system; Books in Print and Fiction Connection can only be used at the Main Branch computers.

If you need any assistance using any of these resources, feel free to call the Reference Desk at the Main Branch: 735-1824 ext. 5100. Also, the Library encourages you to participate in the Book Match service. We love to read, and love recommending good books that we’ve enjoyed even more.

The Sixties: A Film History of America's Decade of Change and Crisis

2007-04-09T17:34:00.000-04:00

Last year, the Wayne County Public Library hosted a film-and-discussion series on the Post-War Years of American history. With the guidance of Dr. Alan K. Lamm, a history professor from Mount Olive College, participants examined the late 1940s and the 1950s and discussed the repercussions of cultural and political events of that time.

Many of the events of this era laid the ground-work for a society steeped in tradition and conformity, and those traditions and conformist ideals would eventually be challenged in what is often considered the most turbulent—no doubt the most controversial and arguably the most memorable—decade in American history: the 1960s.

In the early part of this decade, the Civil Rights Movement demanding racial equality and an end to legal segregation would grow in support. Average citizens became more cognizant of foreign involvement in American politics—and the involvement of America in foreign politics. The cultural unrest experienced by America’s youth would find a voice in rock-and-roll and the Beat movement.

As the sixties progressed, causes for rebellion increased, shattering what remained of the consensus and complacency of the Post-War Era. At times, the very survival of American society seemed threatened; not from nuclear holocaust as in the previous decade but from the violent dissatisfaction experienced by segments of America’s own population. The wide-spread conflict gave birth to images that remain vivid in our collective memory: the horrifying succession of assassinations, urban rioting, and masked police in fogs of tear gas; campus buildings under siege and masses of sprawling youth at rock festivals; the haunted faces—soldiers and civilians alike—of the Vietnam War. The United States was experiencing a massive breakdown: a breakdown of faith in its ideals, its institutions, and its prospects.

Clearly Americans experienced the decade in strikingly different ways. The vast majority of people did not engage in protest and many were offended by the rhetoric and actions of the activists. Moreover, the sixties fell far short of becoming the total political and spiritual revolution some believed it to be. But the explosion of creative energy that defined the decade was more than an adolescent outburst or an orgy or permissiveness. It was a clarion call to change.

It’s only fitting that the Library follow-up last year’s popular study of the 1940s and the 1950s with a look at this turning point in American history and culture. The Sixties: A Film History of America’s Decade of Crisis and Change will be held at the Main Branch in the Gertrude Weil Auditorium. The film series will be six sessions: one session each Sunday beginning on April 15 and ending on May 27. Each session will last from 2 to 4 PM.

As with last year’s series, Dr. Alan K. Lamm will be leading the discussion that follows each film. Dr. Lamm is a former Army Chaplain and Army Historian. He holds degrees from Mount Olive College, UNC-Greensboro, Duke University, and the University of South Carolina.

All patrons all welcome to participate, but space is limited for this program. To sign-up or for more information, feel free to call the Reference Desk of the Main Branch at 735-1824 and ask to speak to Matt Bolen.

Walking Across Egypt

2007-01-17T10:28:00.000-05:00

Literature has an amazing power to bring people together, to connect strangers by touching on life experiences that we can all relate to. In that spirit, the Wayne County Public Library sponsors Wayne County Reads each year. Ever since the first Wayne County Reads in 2003, it’s always been a success—and this year looks to be no different.

As is customary, Wayne County residents will be encouraged to read the same book within the same amount of time and then attend public events centered on the book. Walking across Egypt will be the focus of this year’s Wayne County Reads, having been chosen by the community by way of a ballot.

Walking across Egypt is the story of Mattie Rigsby, a 78-year-old widow that lives in Listre, North Carolina. She is “slowing down” and spends her time supporting her church and playing hymns on a piano. Mattie has accepted the fact that she doesn’t have much time left and has already made arrangements for her burial so as to not be a burden on her family.

But despite the fact that she is ready to bow out gracefully, Mattie regrets one thing—she has never had any grandchildren. Her adult children have never married (despite the encouragement from their mother), and it’s unlikely they ever will.

When a stray dog shows up at her home, Mattie calls the town dogcatcher, feeling that caring for the dog is a responsibility she is unable to accept. But when she learns of the dogcatcher’s nephew—a young man named Wesley who was raised in an orphanage and is now in a reformatory school—Mattie feels compelled to care for the young man. She visits him, bringing him food, and makes an impression on him such that he escapes the school and seeks her out, hoping that she will take him in. Mattie discovers that she needs the challenge and sense of purpose that Wesley brings just as much as he needs her love and attention, and against the advice of her children she takes him in.

This novel is Edgerton’s second, and has been consistently well-reviewed. Thomas L. Kilpatrick of Library Journal has called it “a beautiful story of determination, made more poignant by a Southern small-town setting.” Kirkus Reviews call it “an unpretentious, deceptively slight, and perfectly-toned comic novel” while praising Edgerton’s ability to inspire his readers with “a laughable comedy that hits the mark and lingers.”

Clyde Edgerton is from Bethesda, a small community outside of Durham, North Carolina. He attended UNC Chapel Hill where he majored in English and learned to fly a small plane while participating in the Air Force ROTC program. After graduation, her served for five years in the Air Force and then completed a Master’s degree in English. While teaching at his old high school, he completed a doctoral program and started writing in 1978. He has won numerous fellowships and awards, including five notable book awards from the New York Times. To learn more about Clyde Edgerton and his works, visit his official website at www.clydeedgerton.com.

As the kick-off time for Wayne County Reads draws nearer, the Library will begin announcing events that tie-in to the themes, setting, and characters of Walking across Egypt. Events in the past have included lectures, panel discussions, film showings, and stage productions. As usual, the Library will be ordering extra copies of Walking across Egypt for readers to check out; the book will also be available for purchase at the Goldsboro Books-A-Million.

Be sure to check back regularly on the Library’s website and blog—as well as at the Library itself—for more updates.

Geeks and Gamers Festival

2006-08-18T12:09:00.000-04:00

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.

Letting All Voices Be Heard: Libraries and Censorship

2006-05-18T18:02:00.000-04:00

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

On Coretta Scott King

2006-03-06T19:05:00.000-05:00

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.

Putting Up Your Words: The Wayne County Public Library Poetry Slam

2006-02-15T12:35:00.000-05:00

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.

Remembering Coretta Scott King

2006-02-01T17:22:00.000-05:00

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.

A Celebration of Culture: Multi-Culture Day at the Library

2006-01-05T15:33:00.000-05:00

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.

Reading Together: Wayne County Reads 2006

2006-01-05T11:09:00.000-05:00

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.

Strange and Dangerous Times

2005-12-19T17:40:00.000-05:00

From the ashes of war rose a new America and a new world.

An end to the threat of war, as well as an end to the terrible repercussions of the recent Great Depression dominated American culture and politics in the wake of World War II.
National security seemed assured with a strong American military and its monopoly of the atomic bomb. However, pressure for a smaller military, combined with the spread of communism spear-headed by the Soviet Union (with fears of a war-weary Western Europe falling to the ominous form of government) gave rise to a new American foreign policy: the containment of Soviet influences.

The new directive of U.S. foreign policy led to involvement in the Korean War (1950-53) as well as the lengthy and expensive Cold War. Rising anxiety about communist espionage birthed fears at home, permitting ambitious politicians to engage in boundless searches for disloyal citizens. Senator Joseph McCarthy led the hunt for American communists that fostered political and social conformity.

Meanwhile, America was expanding. People moved from cities to suburbs, with millions migrating to the west and southwest. Demand for housing, automobiles, and the increasingly-common television set grew. A post-war baby boom brought a demand for schools and other public expenditures. Middle-class Americans were enjoying a new affluence and settling into a complacent lifestyle.

However, not all Americans were content to conform to a homogenous lifestyle. A subculture known as the Beats introduced rebellious music and literature while dissent found a voice in “rock ‘n roll.” The civil rights movement gained momentum, scoring a major victory in the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision. No longer were public schools to be segregated.

And finally, America’s position as a world leader and superpower was challenged with Russia’s success in launching Sputnik, the first space satellite.

A new dawn was rising.

The Wayne County Public Library proudly presents Post War Years, Cold War Fears: American Culture and Politics, 1946-60. It is a powerful and informative film and lecture series that studies in-depth this exciting and insecure time period in American history. What could be the most pivotal years in our nation’s history are examined with valuable commentary by Dr. Alan Lamm, a professor of history at Mount Olive College.

Anyone interested in participating in this event should sign up at the Reference Desk of the Main Branch. An information packet will be given to you so that you may familiarize yourself with each session’s subject matter.

The series will be every Sunday from 2-4 PM starting on January 29 and concluding March 5. It is made possible by a grant form the North Carolina Humanities Council, a state-based program of the National Endowment of the Humanities.

For more information, contact Rhonda Konig at 735-1824 ext. 5117. More information will be posted on the Wayne County Public Library blog as the event draws near.

Portions of this post were adapted from an essay by John Morton Blum, Sterling Professor Emeritus of History at Yale University.

A Place of Their Own: Teens and the Library

2005-11-29T13:10:00.000-05:00

Teenagers are at an important and exciting stage in their life. They are both physically and mentally turning into adults and entering a world that is unfamiliar to them. It is challenging, but rewarding as well. Many of life’s hardest lessons are learned in adolescence.

The teenage years can also be dangerous however. Far too often teenagers make destructive decisions that have far reaching repercussions. Teenagers also stare down problems that often seem trite to adults but are stressful to them.

Because of the challenges teenagers face, the Wayne County Public Library realizes their need for a place to find acceptance and to nurture their blossoming talents. To help the youth of our community to find ways to express their creativity and individuality, and to encourage them to serve their community and build positive friendships, the Library has many services available to teenagers.

First of all, the Library has a special section devoted to teenagers, the “Teen Zone.” In this section, teens will find a billboard designed with their interests in mind along with places to sit and read the many books that found there that would appeal to them.

However important it is for teens to have good literature available to them, it is just as important for teenagers to be involved in productive and creative activities. For that reason the Library offers numerous social events designed for teenagers. During the summer there are weekly Movie Night for teenagers. A movie is screened in the Gertrude Weil Auditorium and all teens are welcome to come free of charge. This fall, we have even improved our movie screenings. They are now twice a month on Saturdays, and before the movie the participants have a chance to make arts and crafts or play games while listening to music and enjoying each others’ company, with a chance to win a door prize.

Encouraging teens to use their creativity can lead to powerful, healthy outlets for them to express their opinions and the personal challenges that they face. To help stimulate the creative growth of teens, the Library has many programs centered on an easily approachable art: poetry. This fall the Library has sponsored school programs featuring the local poet C. K. Goodman, wherein students are educated about the benefits of poetry but also encouraged to find their own creative interests. The programs have garnered rave reviews from the staff of the schools it has been featured at. C. K. Goodman also teaches two Saturday poetry workshops, to help teens interested in poetry to refine their talents.

Also, this winter the Library is sponsoring a Multi-Cultural Day. Many different foods and activities from several cultures world-wide will be presented. While this is an event for the whole family, teens will find it a valuable opportunity to become more sensitive to people from other countries and understand the people that are their neighbors and classmates.

And of course, the Library encourages teens to give back to their community. High school students are welcome to participate in the Teen Volunteer Program. They choose a night to volunteer for two hours and do helpful tasks around the library. It is a valuable way to earn volunteer hours for college scholarships, or for memberships in organizations such as the National Honors Scholarships. Volunteer work also looks impressive on job and college applications. Of course, many teens volunteer simply enjoy using their time in a productive manner.

The Library is a possession of the public, and an integral part of that public is our youth. The Wayne County Public Library wants teenagers to make the library a place of their own, for study, enjoyment, and expression. For more information about our teen programs, contact Sue Geiger at the Reference Desk of the Main Branch.

The History of You: Exploring Genealogy

2005-11-10T13:03:00.000-05:00

Many of us know where our parents were born. If you have lived in the same area for quite some time you may even be able to identify the childhood home of your great-grandparents, or possibly know of some ancestors that fought in the Civil War.

But how many of us can tell you what country our ancestors came from? How many of us know for certain that we are of Irish or German descent, or that at one point in history our family name was associated with royalty? Many people have colorful stories from our family history, but how many of us can relate those stories to the history of the world?

More and more people are trying to, with the rising popularity of genealogy. Genealogy (pronounced “genie-ology”) is the study of ancestry or family history. The tools used in genealogy are mostly documentations of births, deaths, land purchases, and any other resource that can “link” one generation to another or give a history of an area or establishment. It is a versatile discipline, as genealogy can be as involved as you would like it to be. Perhaps you are only interested in tracing your family history back a few generations to better understand the structure of your family tree, or you want to know how long your family has been living in America. While you can certainly have a rewarding experience with these projects, more dedicated genealogists (people who practice genealogy) want to trace their family line back as far as possible. Alex Haley, the author of Roots, wrote his famous novel based on the genealogical research he had done on his own family.

While people have always had a general curiosity about their ancestry, the popularity of genealogy has grown greatly in the past few years, chiefly because of the growing ease with which one can access genealogical research materials. What used to have to be done by pouring over mounds of legal documents and prowling through numerous cemeteries can now be done easily by perusing an online database. A great amount of time and attention is still needed, but a genealogist can now do a great amount of research at home for a small subscription fee.

As with any research endeavor, the Wayne County Public Library is prepared to assist the public with their genealogical pursuits. Rhonda Konig, a reference librarian at the main branch, is an experienced genealogist who can help patrons effectively use the numerous resources available both online and in our Local History Room. The library subscribes to two online databases, HeritageQuest and Ancestry Library Edition, which are available to patrons with a valid library card (Ancestry, however, can only be used on an in-house Internet computer at the main location and any of the branches). These sources offer a plethora of genealogical sources, such as census records, genealogical books; passenger lists for ships coming to America, and many more. Also accessible online is the Wayne County Historical and Genealogy Gateway. This resource links to historic photographs of Goldsboro, books, newspaper abstracts and more detailed information about our Local History Room.

“The most important thing to me about genealogy is that it helps us to appreciate the lives of our ancestors and the struggles they had to face in order for us to exist,” says Rhonda Konig. If you agree with her, and are interested in the history of you and your family, then visit the Wayne County Public Library and get started on a rewarding pursuit.

For more information about the genealogical resources available at the Wayne County Public Library or the study of genealogy please contact Rhonda Konig.

Steele Memorial Book Club for Kids

2005-11-08T13:50:00.000-05:00

The Steele Memorial branch of the Wayne County Public Library is starting a book club for children in grades 4-8. The meetings will be every Tuesday from 4:00-4:45 P.M. starting on November 15 of this year. Registration is required; you can pick up registration forms at Steele Memorial.

Steele Memorial Library is the branch of the Wayne County Public Library located in Mount Olive. They are located at 111 N. Chestnut Street. Their hours of operation are 9 A.M. until 5:30 P.M. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. They are closed on Sunday and open from 9 A.M. until 8 P.M. on Tuesdays.

For more information on the book club of Steele Memorial in general, call (919) 705-1891.

Remembering Rosa Parks

2005-11-01T14:51:00.000-05:00

Rosa Parks was a hero. She didn't fight in any wars, she didn't compete in any sporting events, and she didn't hold any political office. But she was hero just the same.

Very few people are not familiar with the woman who refused to give up her seat on the bus. And even if we have not heard her story, we all live with the repercussions of her actions. Rosa Parks was a major influence in the Civil Rights Movement, giving supporters of equal rights for African-Americans a figure head to rally behind. Her seemingly small act inspired many people, the courage she displayed being reflected in numerous people in her wake.

Rosa Parks died on October 24 of this year. Not only was she the first woman to lay in state at the National Rotunda ins Washington, D.C., but she was also the first person to have never been President. She deserved no less; she is one of the most important historical figures of our time. Her story is a testament to the powers of small acts by ordinary people.

The Wayne County Public Library will be honoring Rosa Parks in a Memoriam program on Tuesday, November 22 at 6:30 PM. The event is open to the public. We hope the community comes together to give honor to this remarkable woman.

The Wayne County Public Library invites you to share your thoughts about Rosa Parks and her legacy in the comments section.

Welcome!

2005-10-29T17:13:00.000-04:00

The Wayne County Public Library now has a blog!

We'll use this as a tool for communicating to the community. Check back here often to find out what's going on at the library. We welcome suggestions and comments.

Again, welcome to the official blog of the Wayne County Public Library!