What's New @ Your Memphis Public Library & Information Center

By: Marcey Evans

"Fourscore and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war…”

These words, spoken by America’s sixteenth president Abraham Lincoln, detailed the plight of a nation divided. This quandary was the subject of “Making Sense of the American Civil War,” a five-part reading and discussion series about the Civil War and its effects on America.

Crowds of people attended the series, which started in January and ended on March 28, 2013. It was held at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library and was presented by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association.

Dr. Timothy Huebner of Rhodes College’s History Department was the presenter for each session: Imaging the War, Choosing Sides, Making Sense of Shiloh, The Shape of War, and War and Freedom.

“The most profound outcome of the war is freedom for African Americans,” Dr. Huebner said, after identifying two “unresolved” issues in American society at the time – slavery and sovereignty. Huebner said the ongoing conflict between North and South resulted in the deaths of an estimated 620,000 people, but the death toll could have swollen to 800,000.

By: Marcey Evans

When “Real Men Read,” kids listen and learn. After more than five years of educating young minds, a few “real men,” Library employees, and other supporters took time to celebrate the program’s accomplishments with an appreciation luncheon at Cornelia Crenshaw Branch Library on March 27, 2013.

The third annual luncheon, this event highlighted the everyday heroes who routinely take time from their schedules to read to children, while setting a positive example.

“These are volunteers who give their time,” said Inger Upchurch, branch manager and program organizer. “They bring energy and warmth, and they show excitement for reading. Whether they had fathers in their lives or not, they say they want to be the best fathers and role models they can be. And, they are making a difference.”

Excited to give back, these men read to preschool-aged children, who have grown to love and respect the readers as role models. Upchurch said the children also expect the men to show up when she does. “If I come to one of the daycares without one of the (male) readers, the children ask ‘Where’s your man?’,” she said jokingly to the audience. “Watching the children grow up with Real Men Read is great!”

Bestselling author Hampton Sides is coming to Memphis for Libration, a three-night fundraising event benefiting the Memphis Public Library and Information Center.

Writer of the Ghost Soldiers and Hellhound on His Trail, Sides is headed to Memphis on April 25 – 27, 2013. And, you can be a special guest.

On Thursday, April 25 attendants will enjoy a cocktail-style garden party with Sides and delectable food by Felicia Suzanne at a private home. The author will review his current project and will interact with guests one on one. Tickets for this portion of the event are $300 each, which includes entry into Friday’s event.

On Friday, April 26 guests to the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library (3030 Poplar Avenue) are encouraged to dress as their favorite book characters during this spirited party. The evening will consist of live music, dinner, a disco, a silent auction, games, and more. Tickets are $75. Click here to purchase tickets.

On Saturday, April 27 at 1 p.m. attendants can return to the Central Library for a book signing and public talk with Sides. He will discuss his new project and answer audience questions. This portion of the event is free and open to the public.

All proceeds from the three-night event will go to the Memphis Public Library and Information Center. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (901) 415-2844 or visit www.memphislibraryfoundation.org.

Book lovers of all ages recently showed up to Harlem Shake and “Let Loose at the Library” to promote Summer Reading 2013.

You can join the Summer Reading Club too! It will begin on June 1 and end July 27 at each library branch. Children, tweens, teens and adults can participate in the program and win prizes. For more information on Summer Reading 2013, contact your local library branch or call (901) 415-2700.

Before “Letting Loose at the Library,” WNBA star Helen Darling read her original book to a youthful group of book lovers.

A “super” group of Library employees stopped to show off their muscles before showing their dance moves.

Adult Services Coordinator Wang-Ying Glasgow, Director of Community Outreach Nancy Knight and a few young readers stop to promote reading, one letter at a time.