Bring a brunch snack to share and join our discussion of ‘Inspiration, Perspiration and Publication’.

Today we highlight the works of Sara DuBose and Susan Shehane.

Both are delightful speakers with wonderful works to their credit. If you haven’t read their books, it’s not too late– visit with them Saturday May 9 and learn more about their work, and purchase one to have signed or check one out here at the library! 

Susan Shehane is the author of a lyric and poignant memoir of growing up in Slapout, Alabama Listening in the Cold War Era.

Sara Dubose’s Heart Trilogy novels, set in a fictionalized Verbena-like town, have endeared her to many Alabama readers, and her latest, A Promise for Tomorrow, offers a thrilling new twist.

The authors’ works are different in many ways– memoir vs. fiction, style, tone, inspiration for and objectives of the writing.

But Susan Shehane and Sara Dubose have in common a keen sense of place and the feelings and issues of coming of age and especially coming of age in Alabama in the fifties and sixties, years that would change their characters, Alabama and our nation forever.

Both authors’ works evoke the sights, sounds, and senses of small-town Alabama– the reader almost finds him or herself breathing the weighted Alabama summer air, so humid it is luminous and nearly touchable. Their fine use of detail is not just a backdrop but an integral part of their coming of age stories.

Learn more about Sara Dubose at her inviting web site http://saradubose.com.
Find delicious scraps of Susan Shehane’s short informal writings at  http://susanshehane.wordpress.com or learn more about Alabama Listening and her publishing house at http://coosariverbooks.com.

Please join us Saturday, May 9, 11am, to enjoy talking with these delightful and accomplished authors.

All are welcome!

Bring a brunch snack to share (and a book to get signed!) and enjoy a round table discussion of the authors’ unique processes of “Inspiration, Perspiration and Publication”

Today we highlight Dr. Richard Bailey’s groundbreaking works.

“Dr. Richard Bailey is an Alabama historian and a research specialist at the Center for Aerospace Doctrine, Research, and Education at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery. A frequent lecturer and consultant on black history, he also served on the state commission tracing the path of Spanish explorer DeSoto through Alabama.”

Neither Carpetbaggers Nor Scalawags Black Officeholders During the Reconstruction of Alabama, 1867-1878

“This book recounts events in post-Civil War Alabama, including political affairs and the attempts by the black population to carve out a social, educational, and economic existence during turbulent times after the end of slavery. It was a time of restrained joy, a time of jubilee, a time for building, especially a better way of living for the ex-slaves and their families. Many participated fully in the political process during the Reconstruction period. The stories of a number of black officeholders are told for the first time in this book.”

They Too Call Alabama Home African American Profiles 1800-1999

Professional historian and scholar Dr. Richard Bailey offers an examination of the contributions to American life made by more than 300 individuals, all of whom have ties to Alabama. Members of this diverse group influenced education, religion, civil rights, business, sports, entertainment, music, politics and the military.”

Other wonderful authors who will attend are:

Memoirist and writing teacher (and witty speaker) Susan Shehane, author of Alabama Listening in the Cold War Era

Quilting Historian and author Mary Elizabeth Johnson Huff, whose gorgeous books on African and African-American quilts are a true inspiration

Sara DuBose, delightful speaker and author of the touching Alabama coming of age Heart Trilogy as well as the thriller A Promise For Tomorrow

Maxine Ervin, whose Brown’s Farm books capture a different era and way of life for young people

We are so grateful to the authors for giving of their time to share their stories and encourage those of us who would like to write but don’t know how to start or think we just can’t do it.

Kids 5-12 are invited every Tuesday at 4pm, and parents are asked to donate their time, healthy individually wrapped nonperishable snacks, water, or juice boxes.

Our stepping off point will be Dorothea Lange’s poignant portrait Migrant Mother. Learn more about this important work of American history and art at the Library of Congress website: http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/list/128_migm.html

Discussion questions will help kids reflect on the women– mothers, grandmothers, relatives, older sisters, teachers, church friends and others– who nurture them, create a positive environment for living, learning and growing, and help to build our community.  Situating the photo in its historical context may help lead to meaningful discussion of today’s economy.

 Please bring a child aged 5-12 Tuesday May 5 at 4 pm for snacks, thought provoking discussion and as always a little bit of fun. See you Tuesday!

Interested? Go to

http://www.usajobs.gov/  

to search for open positions and apply.

Need some help using this valuable job searching resource? Call Kim Wilson Owen at 284-7929 to make an appointment to learn how to use the www.usajobs.gov federal job search resource.

We hope to see you at Governor’s Square Branch Library making a fantastic grade and moving forward in your career!

It’s Jazz Appreciation Month!

Celebrate America’s Classical Music with Mr. Milton Shirdan of 90.7 WVAS FM.

Price of admission? Free if you bring one young person or more to see this great program!

The Governor’s Square Library Kids Club meets every Tuesday at 4 p.m.

Mr. Shirdan will share the beauty, history and basics of Jazz with the kids this week through both music and visual arts, emphasizing how jazz ‘works’, its history and the cultural and emotional impact of jazz.

Don’t Miss It!

Mr. Shirdan, a Montgomery native, is a veteran of 20 years in Jazz and Urban Radio.

He graduated from Philadelphia’s Temple University School of Communication and Theater.

We are so grateful for the kindness of WVAS FM and Mr. Shirdan for giving of their time and expertise to share the joy of our priceless and uniquely American treasure, jazz music.

Governor's Square Branch Library Kids Club Tuesday April 28 2009

*Parent, guardian or other adult caregiver must stay with children 7 and under.

Throughout April Governor’s Square Branch Library will be playing music and movies featuring greats like Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Montgomery’s own Nat King Cole, John Coltrane, Dave Brubeck, Ella Fitzgerald, Astrud Gilberto, Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk, and many more.

Now playing at Governor’s Square: The movie “Harlem Renaissance: The Music and Rhythms that Started a Cultural Revolution” will be playing throughout April.

It features archival footage of greats like Minnie the Moocher and Stompin’ at the Savoy. It traces the roots of the revolution and gives historical perspective with great stars like Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Lena Horne, Dorothy Dandridge, Fats Waller and Count Basie. These artists’ work is as fresh and amazing as it was when they first burst on ‘the scene’. Between showings, listen for the sweet strains of music from some of the finest jazz artists!

This Joint is Jumpin’, but we Ain’t Misbehavin’!

Throughout April Governor’s Square Branch Library will be playing music and movies featuring greats like Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Montgomery’s own Nat King Cole, John Coltrane, Dave Brubeck, Ella Fitzgerald, Astrud Gilberto, Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk, and many more.

Now playing at Governor’s Square: The movie “Harlem Renaissance: The Music and Rhythms that Started a Cultural Revolution” will be playing throughout April.

It features archival footage of greats like Minnie the Moocher and Stompin’ at the Savoy. It traces the roots of the revolution and gives historical perspective with great stars like Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Lena Horne, Dorothy Dandridge, Fats Waller and Count Basie. These artists’ work is as fresh and amazing as it was when they first burst on ‘the scene’. Between showings, listen for the sweet strains of music from some of the finest jazz artists!

Tuesday April 21, Kids’ Library Club at 4pm will feature jazz music matched to our collection of children’s books on Jazz including Before John Was a Jazz Giant about John Coltrane and Leo and Diane Dillon’s Jazz on A Saturday Night.

Before John Was a Jazz Giant by Carole Boston Weatherford; Illustrated by Sean Qualls

 

Leo and Diane Dillon's Jazz on A Saturday Night

 

This week, April 14, join us for a special National Library Week program: Worlds Connect @Your Library.

International guest speakers and branch head Kim Owen talk about traditional and effective ways of connecting and communicating in America and around the world!

Price of admission? Bring a preschool aged child!

The children won’t be Misbehavin’ as they enjoy the unique New Orleans Dixieland sound.

You’re never to young to have a great time and learn about Jazz– celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month with Governor’s Square Library!