Best of Friends Friends of the Durham Library Newsletter
Fall 2012
D
urham County Library’s community read event, Durham Reads Together 2012, kicked off on September 9 with a packed house. More than 160 people filled the Main Library auditorium to hear featured author, Margaret Maron, discuss her Judge Deborah Knott mystery series and to have her sign copies of her books.
This Durham Reads Together event is different from the one community/one book programs the library has hosted in the past. Instead of choosing one book for everyone to read, DRT 2012 encouraged the entire community to participate by reading any or every title in Maron’s Judge Knott series, which is set in counties throughout North Carolina. At the kickoff, Maron delighted the audience as she shared which of the secondary characters in the Judge Knott series are her favorites (Deborah’s brother Haywood and sister-in-law April); she told of visiting the coast to
pier and having her friend tell a curious passerby that they were “looking for a place to put the body”; and she had everyone in stitches as she talked about her experiences trying to create pottery by hand in preparation for writing Uncommon Clay. Maron’s books were a perfect choice for Durham Reads Together. They explore the culture, history and challenges of the state, while at the same time spinning a popular tale of a young lawyer, the daughter of a former notorious bootlegger, who becomes a judge in a North Carolina county. Durham Reads Together, presented by Durham Library Foundation, continues throughout the month of September with programs that explore local food, race concerns, the history of bootlegging and land use issues in North Carolina, all through the lens of Maron’s novels. The Durham Reads Together finale, a roast and toast of Maron by her writing group, will be held on Sunday, October 7 at 2:30 p.m. at the Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club. Those who missed the kickoff will have another opportunity to have books signed, and to spend time with this engaging author. Visit durhamcountylibrary.org/drt to get more information about Durham Reads Together, or to sign up for e-newsletters created by NoveList exclusively for DRT 2012 participants, or to share your thoughts about any of the 17 books in the Judge Deborah Knott series with fans throughout the county. Durham Reads Together 2012 is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Durham Library and NoveList.
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hanks to a grant from the Friends of the Library, the weekend of November 9 -11 will be fun-filled for lovers of romance novels. Southwest Regional Library is hosting the Fall into Romance Fan Festival with talks by authors, a book signing, a wine bar party and a chocolate tasting, all geared to the many fans of the genre in the Triangle area. On Saturday, November 10, local author and RITA-award winner Virginia Kantra will be giving her popular talk on romance heroes; Professor Sarah Frantz will talk about the 50 Shades phenomenon and popular romance; there will be a chocolate tasting with items by local chocolatiers hosted by author Laura Florand; and author Beverly Jenkins will talk about heroines. New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries will give the keynote speech on Sunday. The festival will kick off with a party on Friday (location to be announced) and will close with a book signing. The Friday party and the chocolate tasting are ticketed events, but the rest of the festival is open to everyone. The book signing won’t be limited to the authors speaking, but will include many local romance authors.
Saturday, Nov. 10 Talking Heroes with Virginia Kantra 10:30 a.m. Join New York Times bestselling and RITA-award winning author, Virginia Kantra, in a discussion of our favorite romance heroes. Kantra is the author of the popular Children of the Sea series, and Carolina Home, her first book in her Dare Island novels, which came out in July 2012.
The Traditional Romance and 50 Shades of Grey 1 p.m. Professor Sarah Frantz, from Fayetteville State University, will discuss the phenomenon of 50 Shades of Grey in relation to the traditions of the romance genre, included power relations, depictions of gender roles and (of course) BDSM. Frantz is the editor of New Approaches to Popular Romance Fiction and Women Constructing Men and a contributing author to Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey.
Talking Heroines with Beverly Jenkins 2:30 p.m. Join romance author Beverly Jenkins in a discussion of romance heroines, especially the AfricanAmerican heroines in her historical romances. Jenkins is a beloved author of historical romance, romantic suspense and faith-based women’s fiction. Her newest historical, Night Hawk, was published in October 2011. Her newest women’s fiction, A Wish and a Prayer, was published in April 2012.
2 Best of Friends Summer 2012
Nonprofit or U.S. Posta PAID Durham, N Permit No.
for excellence in ry continues to strive Durham County Libra the entire community mission of providing every area of our rces that inform, resou other and es with book s, servic and excite the ate understanding th inspire learning, cultiv tremendous grow area that has seen imagination. One the librar y hosted for adults. Last year, ase over the is our programming incre 26% This was a 1,728 adult programs. ed an all-time high of 17,902, a 28% dee ion, attendance reach n’s frequent atten previous year. In addit am Library Foundatio will prior year. The Durh 900 members, and increase over the grown to more than ty anities Society, has d that Durham Coun program, the Hum We are very excite and year. the adult of ty end the to find quali likely top 1,000 by of the best places one as ation a reput Library is building le and beyond. amming in the triang have humanities progr amming for us. We step in adult progr re and local represents a next programs – arts, cultu This new brochure d popular humanities our of s listing adult programs offere expanded the librar yd highlights of other of adde listing a we’ve ed and , we’ve also includ history (inside) – ngs y system. In this issue re other librar y offeri throughout the librar ures, we may featu t. broch e forma futur In . new this sponsored book clubs We hope you enjoy estions. be of interest to you. thoughts and sugg your that we think may share to 51 at 919-560-01 Please contact us Sincerely,
Tammy Baggett
Locations
Fall into Romance
nal South Regio -7409 4505 S Alston Ave., 919-560 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Hours: Mon., Tue. and Thu. p.m., - 6 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 6 Wed. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Fri. 2 Sun. 2 - 6 p.m. Sun. 2 - 6 p.m. nal Regio west South r -8590 y Family Literacy Cente 3605 Shannon Rd., 919-560 Bragtown Librar 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., -0210 Hours: Mon., Tue. and Thu. 3200 Dearborn Dr., 919-560 - 6 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Wed. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Fri. 2 Hours: Mon. - Fri. 2 - 6 p.m. Sun. 2 - 6 p.m. East Regional -0203 ren Branch 211 Lick Creek Ln., 919-560 Stanford L.War 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., -0270 1201 Fayetteville St., 919-560 Hours: Mon., Tue. and Thu. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., - 6 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Hours: Mon., Tue. and Thu. Wed. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Fri. 2 p.m. 2 - 6 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 6 Fri. p.m., 6 p.m. 6 a.m. 9 2 Wed. Sun. Terrace McDougald -0240 1101 Lawson St., 919-560 p.m. Hours: Mon. - Fri. 2 - 6 nal North Regio 221 Milton Rd., 919-560-0231 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Hours: Mon., Tue. and Thu. p.m., - 6 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 6 Wed. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Fri. 2 Sun. 2 - 6 p.m.
y Main Librar -0100 300 N. Roxboro St., 919-560 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Hours: Mon., Tue. and Thu. - 6 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Wed. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Fri. 2
This program will build on years of award-winning service and programming aimed at readers of romance. Durham County Library has hosted several romance teas with panels of local authors and popular blogger Sarah Wendell, and the popular Romance Lovers Book Club is in its third year. Romance novels have the largest share of the book market, and the readers appreciate coming to a library system where they are not mocked for their reading tastes, but instead are welcomed by staff who help them find other books. P.O. Box 3809 2 Durham, NC 2770
Fall into Romance Fan Festival @ Southwest Regional
From the Director
Sunday, Nov. 11 Keynote address with Sabrina Jeffries 2:30 p.m. Bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries will give the keynote address to close our romance fan festival. Jeffries is the author of 20 Regency romances, three novellas and three short stories. She is a regular on the New York Times and USA Today bestsellers lists and is called “The Queen of Sexy Regency Romance.” Her newest book, ‘Twas the Night After Christmas, comes out October 2013.
Book Signing 4 p.m. Books by your favorite local romance authors will be for sale, and the authors will be available for book signing. A list of authors will be posted in October. **Join us for two special ticketed events, including a visit to a wine bar and a chocolate tasting.** For more information about these events, visit durhamcountylibrary.org/fallintoromance.
Fall into Romance is funded by a grant from the Friends of the Durham Library.
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Humanities Programs at Durham County Library Brought to you with support from Durham Library Foundation. All programs are free and open to the public. 4TH ANNUAL BANNED BOOKS ON STAGE Saturday, Oct. 6, 3 p.m. Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro St. In celebration of Banned Books Week, join us for a selection of scenes from books that have been banned or challenged, performed by talented local actors directed by Tony Perucci of the Little Green Pig Theatrical Concern. Celebrate your freedom to read!
MEET THE AUTHORS: 27 VIEWS OF DURHAM: THE BULL CITY IN PROSE & POETRY Sunday, Oct. 21, 3 p. m. Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro St. Steve Schewel, founder of the Independent Weekly, will moderate a discussion with several contributors to this new collection by 27 writers who call Durham home.
MAMA JUGGS: THE BREAST HEALTH SHOW Sunday, Oct. 28, 3 p.m. Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro St. In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, meet Mama Juggs, a 100 year old greatgrandmother, who invites the audience to experience one family’s breast health issues. Anita Shontel Woodley created and performs this one woman show. She is an Emmy Award-winning producer and on-air storyteller for the National Public Radio program, The Story with Dick Gordon. N. C. HISTORY COMES ALIVE, FILM SERIES: TOBACCO LAND IN FILM HISTORY Saturday, Nov. 17, 3 p.m. North Regional Library, 221 Milton Road Film collector Tom Whiteside screens a 17-minute segment of Tobacco Land USA, a 1939 film about tobacco growing and manufacturing in Durham, focusing on the Buren Ellis family. Photo: Courtesy of North Carolina Collection, Durham County Library
HUNGER PROJECT – A PORTRAIT OF HUNGER IN NORTH CAROLINA Sunday, Nov.18, 3 p.m. Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro St. As we prepare for Thanksgiving, join Maureen Berner, of UNC School of Government, and Sharon Paynter, of East Carolina University, co-authors of The Hunger Project, and nationally known photographer, Donn Young as they share their A Portrait of Hunger in North Carolina. Photo: Courtesy of Donn Young. THE UNKNOWN DORIS DUKE Sunday, Dec. 2, 3 p.m. Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro St. Who was Doris Duke? Her name is often synonymous with the glamorous, eccentric heiress, yet there are many unexpected and hidden facets of Doris Duke’s life that contradict her public image. Join Mary Samouelian, Doris Duke Collection Archivist at Duke University’s Rubenstein Library as she shares her discoveries which shed light on the unknown Doris Duke. Photo courtesy of Doris Duke Photograph Collection, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University. ELIZABETH CATLETT’S DURHAM DAYS Sunday, Dec. 9, 3 p.m. Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro St. From 1935-1937, Durham Public Schools employed a young art teacher named Elizabeth Catlett. After her experience in Durham, Catlett emerged as a major international sculptor and printmaker. Catlett was 96 years old when she died in Mexico earlier this year. Retired educator Eddie Davis will discuss the role that Durham may have played in the development of Catlett’s art and the influences that Catlett may have had on the city.
For more information, call 560-0268 or visit durhamcountylibrary.org Friends of the Durham Library Newsletter 3
Funded by the Friends and Foundation Friends Award Staff Scholarship
Summer Reading – The Library’s Most Popular Program
Congratulations to Friends Scholarship recipient, Cecilia Romascanu. Cecilia won $2,500 to pursue her Masters of Library Science degree at North Carolina Central University. Martha Scotford presented Cecilia with her giant check at the library’s Spring Staff Development Day.
Reading proved to be “the” thing to do this summer, as more than 6,250 children, teens and adults signed up to Dream Big and Read with the library. Thousands attended the systemwide kickoff and finale events, and participated in 4. programs in June, July and August. Summer Reading helps children and teens retain what they’ve learned in school, so they can start each academic year better prepared. For the almost 1,000 adults who signed up, Summer Reading was 5. just plain fun. This popular program is funded by the county, the Friends and the Foundation.
1.
A Mini-Facelift for the Main Library The second floor of the Main Library is brighter, better designed and more welcoming, thanks to a grant from the Foundation. New computer tables and chairs, as well as cozy seating areas have improved the functionality and the appearance of the library. 2.
Comics Fest Draws a Crowd – Again! On May 19 and 20, 150 people descended on Southwest Regional Library for the second annual Comics Fest, a celebration of comics and graphic novels. Children, teens and adults met authors and experts, learned about the cartooning process and tried their hands at creating their own comics. Comics Fest was sponsored by the Friends. 3.
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New Weekend Hours in the North Carolina Room The North Carolina Collection has added Saturday hours! With a grant from Durham Library Foundation, which will provide for additional staff, the NC Collection is now open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. The North Carolina Collection houses more than 16,000 books, plus thousands of other items related to North Carolina and Durham history and culture.
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4 Best of Friends Summer 2012
Stanford L. Warren Teens Get Their Own Space 8.
Basic Computer Classes Certificate Program Gives Grads Valuable Skills
Humanities Society
Main Adult Services staff member, Aftab Ahmed, wanted to find a way to help job seekers prove that they had the basic computer skills required by many employers. So he worked with other staff at Main and the library’s new Technology Management Administrator, Jill Wagy, to put together a set of courses that would give participants a good foundation in computer skills and the confidence to learn more. Wagy’s coursework includes: Computer Basics, Internet Basics, Introduction to Word and Introduction to Email. Students receive a workbook at the beginning of the series, and those who complete all four classes receive a certificate. Eighteen participants have graduated since the courses began in June. Classes are held in the newly renovated computer lab, paid for by the Friends.
Teen visitors to Warren used to have to sit in child-sized tables and chairs, but no more. The Friends granted the library the funds to purchase furniture appropriate to the 1317 crowd. It’s a great place for teens to do homework, wait for computers to become available or meet with their friends.
The Humanities Society, made up of attendees of the library’s arts, culture and local history programs, has reached more than 1,000 members. The Foundation not only sponsors the library’s humanities programs, but it sponsors appreciation events for regular patrons of those programs. The most recent Humanities Society event was a behind the scenes peek at the Durham Performing Arts Center. More than 50 Society members enjoyed visiting spaces normally reserved for stars of the screen and stage. Membership in the Humanities Society is free.
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1) Cecilia Romascanu (left) accepts a scholarship check from Martha Scotford. 2) A new seating area in the Main Library. 3) Children learn to draw at Comics Fest. 4-6) Summer Reading activities at South Regional (top), East Regional (center) and North Regional (bottom). 7) Children learn about maps in the North Carolina room. 8) New furniture for teens at Stanford L. Warren. 9) Graduates of the library’s basic computer class certificate program. 10) Humanities Society members tour DPAC. Friends of the Durham Library Newsletter 5
The Library Family Board of Trustees Allan Lang, Chair Henry Felder, Vice Chair Beck Tench, Secretary Crystal Dreisbach Joe Hewitt Derrick Jordan Paolo Mangiafico Shawn Miller Joyce Sykes MJ Digby, Friends Liaison
Upcoming Board of Trustee Meetings November 15, 2012, South Regional January 17, 2013, Main Library March 21, 2013, East Regional Library
Friends of the Durham Library Elsa Woods, President Martha Scotford, Vice President Betty Danielson, Treasurer Jaime Danehey, Secretary Mary Jane (MJ) Digby Kimberly Gilbert Shayne Goodrum Elizabeth Hayes Janet W. Hessling Eve Marion Rob Rabb Ann Rebeck Leah Rutchick Alan B. Teasley André Vann Ann Wilder Angela Zoltners
Durham Library Foundation Ann Craver, President Steve Pike, Vice President Ellen Cox, Treasurer Bessie Carrington, Secretary Placide Barada Dannette Daniels Frances Dyer Pierce Freelon Phil Hutchings Tom Keller Lois Oliver Bob Otterbourg Bob Timmins Elizabeth Townsend Elisabeth Wiener Joyce Sykes, Board of Trustees Representative Ann Rebeck, Friends of the Durham Library Representative Tammy Baggett, Library Director Best of Friends is published in support of Durham County Library, with primary expenses for printing and distribution paid by the Friends of the Durham Library. The newsletter is produced by the library’s Marketing & Development Division.
6 Best of Friends Summer 2012
Is the Library Open? Never Guess Wrong Again
M
ore than five years ago, Durham County Library moved to a modified weekday schedule in order to open most library locations on Sunday throughout the year. The subsequent shift in staff hours meant that the library opens at 2 p.m. on Friday, instead of at 9 a.m. as it does on other weekdays. It’s been five years, but every Friday morning, patrons arrive at the doors and are disappointed to find the library closed. In addition, two years ago, after sustaining significant budget cuts, the library began closing early on Wednesday evenings. The result is a weekly schedule that is difficult for even the most diehard library fans to memorize. As liaisons to the community, the Durham County Library Board of Trustees recognized the frustration many patrons feel. So, the members of the board’s Advocacy Committee put their technological expertise to work and created a website that answers the most pressing question of library fans throughout the county: Is the library open? Isthelibraryopen.com allows users to select their favorite Durham County Library location from a drop-down
menu. Once a location is chosen, the site displays in large letters, “Yes” or “No.” If the library is open, the site tells customers how long it will remain open that day. If the library is closed, the site displays when it will reopen. There is also a map for each location selected and a listing of the library hours for the current week. The website works well for regular hours and scheduled holiday closings, but it will also be used for unscheduled closures due to inclement weather or power outages. Library staff will contact the site administrators as part of their standard procedures when an emergency results in a library closure. When necessary, staff has the capability of updating the site directly. Isthelibraryopen.com can be accessed from any type of browser and displays well on Smartphones, but because it is web based, it doesn’t require a special app. The website was created as open source software in the spirit of sharing information, which is a primary mission of the library.
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Books for Sale
Friends of the Durham Librar y
Find great bargains on gently used books and support the Durham County Library with your purchases.
Friday, Oct. 12, 4–7 p.m. Friends members only—join at the door! Saturday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Everyone welcome. Sunday, Oct. 14, 2–5 p.m. $7 Bag Sale. Main Library 300 N. Roxboro St., Durham, 27701 tel: 560-0100
Debit and credit cards accepted.
HOW TO DONATE BOOKS: The Friends of the Durham Library welcomes donations of books, audiobooks, CDs and DVDs, except for: encyclopedias, magazines, cassettes and condensed books. You may take your donation to any Durham County Library location during regular hours. Please bring large donations (more than one bag) to the Main Library garage on Tuesday morning between 9 and noon, when the Friends of the Durham Library are present and can help unload. For more info, visit: http://www.durhamcountylibrary.org/friends.php. Friends of the Durham Library Newsletter 7
Nonprofit org. U.S. Postage PAID Durham, NC Permit No. 312
P.O. Box 3809 Durham, NC 27702
durhamcountylibrary.org
Friends of the Durham Library Membership:
Become a member of the Friends of the Durham Library or renew your membership:
Name Phone Address
E-Mail City
Zip
Type of Membership: Memberships expire in one year (except Life memberships) q Family $25 q Adult $15
Please make your check payable and mail to Friends of the Durham Library, PO Box 3809, Durham, NC 27702. Questions: Dionne Greenlee (919-560-0190 or dgreenlee@durhamcountync.gov).
q Senior (over 65) $10 q Sustaining $50 q Youth (18 and younger) $5 q Patron $100
q Life $300 q Additional gift of
Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Donations of $25 or more to the Foundation include membership in the Friends of the Durham Library.
To Make a Donation to the Durham Library Foundation:
Yes, a stronger library makes a stronger Durham. Here’s my contribution! q $30 q $50 q $75 q $150 q $250 q Other
Name
Phone Address
Please make your check payable and mail to Durham Library Foundation, PO Box 3809, Durham, NC 27702. Questions, bequests & other planned giving needs: Alice Sharpe (919-560-0193 or asharpe@durhamcountync.gov).
Donate online any time at durhamlibraryfoundation.org
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