Access | issue 002

issue 002

2310 Gervais Street (1958)

Photo by Joseph E. Winter / Courtesy of the South Caroliniana Library

Richland Library, working with Studio 2LR, has designed a library informed by community feedback.

Edgewood: A Letter from the Director In 1931, a small, independent library operated in loaned space in the Negro YWCA on Park Street.

Standing right behind where our Main library stands today, the YWCA bore the name of Phillis A. Wheatley—an African slave and well-known eighteenth-century poet.

In September of 1936, the library branch was given a home of its own in an old Methodist Church on Gervais Street. Its new name, the Waverly Branch Library, came from the surrounding, up-and-coming black neighborhood. For 36 years, this library fed the hearts, minds and souls of its patrons as the one “blacks only” library community’s in Columbia.

Our painful and unjust past is right on our heels, tripping us up, try as we might to move forward.

Former patrons of the Waverly Library have shared with me that they have never forgotten what it was like to have access to that library.

Some called it a “lifeline;” and others remember Ms. Foster, the librarian who would search and search through the dusty books—most of which were inappropriate for children—and not stop until they could go home with at least one book that met their interests. The Waverly Library also employed Ms. Katherine Wheeler, its head librarian and the first trained black librarian in the Richland Library system.

The Waverly Library was special. It was the heart of a tight-knit community, offering information, education, respect and kindness to everyone who entered.

In May of 1972, the Waverly Library closed; its operations moved from Gervais Street to a storefront in a busy, predominantly white neighborhood on Devine Street. In the 1990s, it relocated and expanded again, this time to Woodrow Street where it was re-named (Phillis A.) Wheatley Library and where it has operated ever since.

Sometimes, what is intended as progress isn’t progress for everyone. The 1972 move to Devine Street, in a just barely, post Jim Crow South was, to the residents that remember it, a painful, disinvestment in the Waverly and adjacent Edgewood communities. While in practice, the new library in Shandon was accessible to all people and all races, it may as well have been on the moon.

Our community’s painful and unjust past is right on our heels, tripping us up, try as we might to move forward. The injustices that have defined us as a country are so deep, it seems we’re left trying to reconcile a chasm of inequities, one decision, one interaction at a time.

Later this year, the opening of the new Richland Library Edgewood will symbolize many things; an expansion of library services for our community; further investment in a neighborhood with a rich history and high aspirations; and an example of how, when we work together, we can make things right.

Melanie Huggins, Executive Director

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contents

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F E AT U R E

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Let's Talk About Race

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Broader Bookshelf 2018

More Alike Than Different

R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S

pg. 7

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Michael A. Murray

Check Your Bubble pg. 9 Start a Conversation pg. 11 Take Action pg. 12

C R E AT I V E

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Off•Book Joey LeRoy

On Tap:

Crafty Pairings for Bibliophiles

BUSINESS

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H O W -T O

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DIY T-Shirt Cat Toy Brittany Crowley

Plan Like A Boss Kasie Whitener

FUN

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Book-to-Movie

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Richland Library’s Access magazine reflects how we learn, create and share within our vibrant community. Forged on the idea of collaboration, Access connects you with important issues like early literacy and workforce development—all while boosting your literary prowess and introducing you to our thriving creative community.

Community Contributors

Maria Fabrizio

Michael A. Murray

Illustrator / Designer

Poet

Wendell Culbreath

Kasie Whitener

Musician

Entreprenuer

Staff Contributors Sarah Cameron

Main, Research & Reader's Advisory

Brittany Crowley

Main, Teen Center

Thomas Hammond

Main, Collections

Joey LeRoy

Marketing & Digital Strategy

Andrew Johnson

Co-owner, Craft and Draft

Laura Kelley

Project Manager

Whitney McCormac

President, Midland Craft Beer Supporters

Lee Snellgrove

Executive Director, One Columbia

David West

Photographer

Diane Luccy

Main, Business, Careers & Research

Sara McBride

Main, Research & Reader's Advisory

Heather McCue

Main, Children's Room

Chantal Wilson

Main, Research & Reader's Advisory

Laura Morris

Editor

Steven Olexa

Art Direction

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How you see race relations can depend a lot on your own background. From Charlottesville to Dreamers to Black Lives Matter to the Confederate flag and beyond, people of different racial backgrounds have vastly different American experiences. But we all have a story or a struggle worth honoring.

If you’re ready to start an honest, courageous conversation, and really get to know yourself and your neighbors, turn the page.

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let's talk about race

More alike than different

by Michael A. Murray

One thing I love most about being a poet here in Columbia is the endless inspiration I receive from simply hearing the stories of other artists. Humans are the absolute best natural resource for creative influence; I firmly believe everyone has the potential to be a poet because everyone has a unique story to tell. My experience with the HandsOn Project has proven no different.

Although the hand casting and interview only took about an hour, I feel like it generated enough inspiration to write a lifetime of poems, and then some!

Just minutes after initially meeting my two interviewees—Danielle, a 46 yearold African-American woman hailing from Oakland, California, and Jacquie, a 55 year-old white woman traveling far from her native home of Australia— I knew they had countless stories inside them. Though they were raised in two different households on two considerably different regions of Earth, both ladies expressed a great passion for experiencing new culture and scenery.

With her father being in the military, Danielle often moved between various states as a child, including Georgia and Washington. She absolutely loved taking in new settings while getting to know new faces. Jacquie, on the other hand, got her adventurous thrills by hiking in new territory, basking in every bit of nature’s countless wonders.

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Like a lot of people, family is a value that is very near and dear to the hearts of both these lovely women. With both their parents divorcing when they were at a very young age, they’ve always taken pride in maintaining a healthy home environment for their children to grow up in. Both their children are now in their 20’s and well on their way to becoming the next great leaders of tomorrow. Jacquie’s two sons are incredibly smart and well-mannered, and Danielle’s daughter has always preferred her studies over obnoxious block parties. Similar to most of us, both ladies agree that their grandmothers have always been the most impactful family member in their lives, teaching them love, kindness, and everything in between. Danielle has been married now 24 years, and Jacquie 10 years longer than that, so it’s safe to say those values have carried over quite nicely.

When it comes to entertainment, these two aren’t very hard to please. While discussing music, Jacquie expressed her love for Rock n’ Roll and the countless guitar riffs of classic bands like Deep Purple that make it so glorious. Danielle, on the other hand, mentioned her appreciation for unique music acts, like Black Violin, a bow-wielding duo who also eloquently let their string instruments do most of the talking. However, as long as the beat of whatever song

tugging their ear is in their words, “magical”, they’re down to listen to just about anything. Both women also enjoy bingeing on new forms of visual entertainment. Once she catches hold of an interesting new show, Danielle will often find herself glued to the couch until the season finale credits finally roll, however long that may be. Jacquie does the same, except with books, her endless fascination with stories stemming since childhood.

With everything they have in common, Jacquie is a person who bases all her beliefs on scientific facts. In contrast, Danielle considers herself a very religious person, two lifestyle choices that often drive a huge wedge between many members of our society. That’s where these two women are part of the rarely found exception. At the end of the day, they believe the key to true happiness lies in treating everyone with dignity and respect, upholding honest, trustworthy morals and spreading love.

Oh, and wine. Plenty of wine.

Hands-On: A Community Hand-Casting Project is an interdisciplinary effort between multiple writers, photographers and local artist and educator Kara Gunter. The session outlined above was held at Richland Library Main in September 2017. For more information, visit handsoncolumbia.wordpress.com.

Photos by David West

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let's talk about race

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Check your bubble

What does your life look like through the lens of racial identity?

While Americans’ segmentation into social bubbles (or to use the preferred sociological term, homophily) is not purely driven by an individual’s choices, the implications of a society where similarity breeds attraction are not always positive. And while examining

your life through the lens of one’s racial identity doesn’t account for all the facets of our tendency towards homophily, it can certainly be enlightening on many levels.

Use the exercise on page 10 to get started.

In September 2017, the library’s award-winning Social Awareness Taskforce used the following exercises to lead customers through a series of gripping community conversations, tackling the complex issue of racism. Download and #ShareFreely at RichlandLibrary.com/letstalk.

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INS T RUCT I ON S

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Answer the questions below.

Look for patterns.

Think about your views on social awareness.

I am…

My significant other is…

My neighborhood is mostly…

My best friend is…

My friends are mostly…

My co-workers are mostly…

My place of worship is mostly…

My high school was mostly…

The author of the last book I read is…

My primary care doctor is…

My hairdresser/barber is…

The characters in my favorite books/movies are mostly…

The staff at my favorite restaurant are…

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let's talk about race

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Start a conversation Ready to really get to know your friends, neighbors, colleagues or perfect strangers? Grab three to four people and get started using the dialogue guidelines and discussion questions below.

di a lo g u e g u i de li n e s 1. "Try On.” Be open-minded to others’ ideas and feelings, even when they are very different than your own.

2. It’s ok to disagree. While we have many similarities, it’s OK to acknowledge our different perspectives.

3. Learn to respond to others with honest, open answers instead of counsel, corrections or attack.

Make your conversation goal to listen and share, not to change people's minds.

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4. Speak your truth in ways that respect other people’s truths.

Our views of reality may differ.

Use “I” statements (I think, I feel, I believe), trusting others to do their own sifting.

di s cus s i on qu e s t i on s

5. Practice “both/and” thinking.

This invites us to see that more than one reality or perspective can be true at the same time, rather than “either/or,” right or wrong, good or bad.

2. What one or two things would you want others to know about your racial/ethnic group?

6. Observe deep confidentiality.

Agree that nothing said in this conversation of trust will be repeated to others.

Drawn from Circles of Dialogue Facilitator’s Guide, by Deborah Walker (SC State Museum June-Sept. 2016) and Circle of Trust “Touchstones” (©2012 Center for Courage & Renewal–CourageRenewal.org)

1. How do you identify racially and ethnically? What messages did you receive growing up about your racial / ethnic group? From who or what?

3 Take action Broaden Your Bookshelf: Books, movies and television give us a window into other people’s lives. Explore someone’s story that is different than your own. We are happy to provide recommendations.

Step Outside Your Bubble: Attend a program, go to an art exhibit or visit a church outside of your social bubble. Look for experiences that magnify the perspectives of people of color.

Join or Support Local, State and National Organizations: The NAACP, Showing Up for Racial Justice, The Southern Poverty Law Center, The Equal Justice Initiative and the Modjeska Simkins School are local and national organizations that advocate for and protect people of color.

Speak Up: Use your voice­—at work, with your family and out in the world. Speak out against stereotypes and against prejudice when you hear or see them.

Change the World with a Cup of Coffee: Invite someone you don’t know well out for a cup of coffee. Bridges of understanding are built on connection.

Vote: Make your political antenna sensitive to issues, policies or laws that are being voted on and impact people of color at the local, state and national level.

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#BroaderBookshelf

Broaden Your Bookshelf Chantal Wilson / Sarah Cameron / Sara McBride Richland Library Main

Ready to take action? Challenge yourself by taking part in the #BroaderBookshelf project, a librarian-tailored reading challenge designed to expand your reading repertoire and guide you to enjoyable reading outside of your comfort zone.

We have 14 fresh prompts ready for 2018, so let’s get started.

Here’s how it works:

Discover.

Win.

Use the following reading prompts to discover authors, genres and books you might not otherwise pick up or download.

You can start in any order, and if you get stuck you can check out some of our favorite titles for each prompt at RichlandLibrary.com.

Complete all 14 reading prompts and return this page to any Richland Library location and receive a $3 for Free card. ( Yes! You can check off more than one category with the same book! )

Share.

Happy Reading!

That’s it.

Share a photo of what you're reading or listening to on social media, using #BroaderBookshelf. Don't forget to keep track of each title.

#BroaderBookshelf originated at Richland Library Main in the spring of 2017. Based on its popularity, it was expanded systemwide in 2018 to keep the conversation flowing throughout the Midlands.

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broaden your bookshelf

Read a ...

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Book suggested

by Richland Library staff

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Book that has won a major literary prize in the last 5 years

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Fiction or nonfiction book about refugees

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Book of travel essays or a travel memoir

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Fiction or nonfiction book set in Alaska or Hawaii

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Fantasy novel

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Blind Date with a Book selection (July and December 2018)

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Book about food and cook a meal inspired by the book

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Book about books

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Military history

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Book of short stories

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Book with a central character that identifies as LGBTQ+

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Book with a red spine or cover

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One Book, One Community selection

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Crafty Pairings for Bibliophiles What could be better for our beer-loving bibliophiles

than reading recommendations that pair perfectly with your favorite Carolina craft beers?

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Andrew Johnson

Lee Snelgrove

b r e w e ry

b r e w e ry

beer

beer

book

book

Co-owner, Craft and Draft River Rat

Winter Warmer

America's Game: The Epic Story of How Professional Football Captured a Nation by Michael MacCambridge Winter weather AND football season.

Why not pair the two? You'll be ready for the impending chill after drinking this spice-driven, cold-weather-ready beer that's perfect for a good sports read.

MacCambridge’s detail-driven, historical recollections and thought-provoking proverbial coach's musings make it just as hard to put down as the Winter Warmer, which boasts a malty backbone and a flurry of spices that create a sweet and herbal finish.

Laura Kelley Project Manager

Executive Director, One Columbia Bierkeller Columbia

Kellerbier

Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell Cloud Atlas spans a vast amount of time with jumps between the periods, giving the plots a sense of timelessness. This beer is timeless and will always be something enjoyable—no matter what beer fad is in at the time. And, hovering around 5% ABV, you'll be able to enjoy a few while you are "yibberin' and yarnin'" with friends.

Whitney McCormac

Marketing Associate by day, President of Midlands Craft Beer Supporters by night b r e w e ry

Holy City Brewing b r e w e ry

Bierkeller Columbia

beer

Pluff Mud Porter beer

Rauchbier

book

Slade House by David Mitchell book

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng Could you ask for a better beer than Bierkeller Columbia’s Rauchbier, a smoked lager, to pair with a novel that begins with a house burning to the ground? The Rauchbier is slightly intense but nicely balanced and easy to drink, making it an appropriate companion to Ng’s tale of mid-1990s suburban upheaval. Bierkeller’s fun, outdoor beer gardens are the perfect setting to enjoy a brew and a book while you wait for your friends to arrive. Prost!

An American Porter may seem like a strange choice for a book that begins in a British pub, but the familiar roasted chocolate and coffee flavors will feel extra comforting should this slightly spooky story start to give you the chills.

I recommend enjoying Slade House and this medium-bodied porter on your porch, preferably during a light storm for added effect. The style is heavy enough to keep ghosts (and cold) at bay but crisp enough to enjoy on even a warm, autumn night.

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Plan Like A Boss Dr. Kasie Whitener, Entrepreneur

If you announce you want to start a business, and the first piece of advice you hear is, “Don’t do it!” ignore that advice. The first piece of advice you should receive is, “Write a business plan!” Entrepreneurship is fun. Really.

But, you need a plan.

need funding for prototypes and iterations, the time and capacity to create a product and a reliable, repeatable process for distributing that product. A product-based business needs an inventory management strategy and a cost model to ensure you will be profitable.

So, get yourself a business plan template and get started.

You have a side hustle if you have a day job that pays your bills and a hobby you dedicate free time to. With a side hustle you can achieve higher levels of mastery in your preferred hobby while still providing for your family via your day job. But, a side hustle is not technically a business. Once you reach a level of competency, you can monetize the hobby, possibly making it into a business. But, you must decide whether or not you want to do that hobby all the time and depend on it for your livelihood.

First, identify your business model You will have one of three kinds of business: services, product or side hustle.

You have a services-based business if you have the skills and tools needed to perform a specific service. The challenges with a services-based business include the time you have to dedicate to performing services. This can be managed by developing a service-delivery method. You will also need to find a way to measure the value of the services you provide and a cost model to ensure you have been profitable.

You have a product-based business if you have the skills and resources you need to create product. With a product-based business, you 17

Marketing Business plans must include marketing strategies. Often we fill that section with Facebook, Twitter, events and sponsorships. We think we can speak and spend our way through customer acquisition. The idea that customers will come to us because of what we’re saying and where we’re saying it isn’t realistic.

All marketing strategies begin with finding customers. So, where are they? Art shows?

Craft fairs? Holiday markets? The mall?

Technology conferences? It can get expensive to have a presence in all of those places.

So, don’t go as a vendor. Go as a buyer. Then, you can discover what your customers want; why, when, how they want it and if they buy more than once.

Business strategy is a sales strategy Your business strategy begins with sales, but “Here’s this thing I made or do. Come buy it,” is not enough. Instead, ask yourself, “What problem exists and how will I solve it?” Sales must lead to growth. Growth comes from knowing exactly what it takes to deliver the service or product you’re selling. For servicebased businesses, this means you know the time and resources you’ll need, and what success looks like. For product-based businesses, you’ll need to understand material and time needs as well as what the final product looks like.

Take the leap There are dozens of reasons for taking the leap to entrepreneurship. Sometimes it’s a genuine desire to pursue a passion. Other times, it’s a layoff, unemployment, retirement or simply dissatisfaction with your current job. If you’re taking the leap because you’re dissatisfied, make sure you understand the principle of Minimum Viable Income before you leap.

Hustling to ensure you can buy groceries, make a car payment or keep your mortgage

paid creates additional stress that your business start-up probably doesn’t need. That stress may equal your job dissatisfaction, so leap carefully.

Building six months of savings before you start your business is tried-and-true advice.

Determine what your business will have to earn to support you and then work on the business until the revenue stays viable for a pre-determined period of time. Three-to-six months of company revenue that could pay you—but doesn’t—will leave both a savings in the company to get you through a down quarter and proof that the income is viable.

When you do take the leap, expect your company’s revenue to grow because you are now dedicated to the business. But don’t expect it to triple or quadruple. Business growth is usually a steady process, not a big bang.

Key factors of viability Entrepreneurship can be lonely. Being in business for yourself can mean procrastination and failure, diverting yourself from difficult or unsatisfying tasks and allowing yourself to make excuses. Successful entrepreneurship requires a specific set of character traits: tenacity, adaptability and resiliency.

Tenacity means you’ll stick with something, persevere and work until it works. Adaptability means you’ll change as needed to meet the expectations of your customers. Resiliency is your ability to take rejection and failure in stride and persist in your mission.

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For your business to be viable, you need a product or service that people want or need to buy.

You need to create urgency around that product or service, so your customers are inspired to invest right now. Your delivery process must be reliable, and you must maintain a positive relationship with your customers.

Through it all, don’t forget that entrepreneurship—while fun—is also hard. If owning a business was easy and planning was intuitive, everyone would do it.

There are concrete needs for viability as well.

You’ll need revenue sufficient to pay expenses; customers to provide feedback, so you can improve; basic marketing elements, like a website, so people can look you up; and a brand people recognize and remember. I also can’t recommend enough that you have a strong elevator pitch. A 20-word summary that tells people exactly what you do and who you do it for while offering a call-to-action is invaluable.

Dr. Kasie Whitener is a writer, educator and President of Clemson Road Creative. She writes for the South Carolina Writers' Association and Columbia Business Monthly, consults for Bpeace and co-organizes 1 Million Cups. Connect with Kasie and other entrepreneurs at 1 Million Cups every Wednesday at Richland Library Main.

Viability is about more than being able to say, “I’m an entrepreneur.” I own running shoes, a subscription to Runner’s World magazine and a medal display with three Half Marathon medals.

What makes me a runner is that I’m out there putting foot to pavement and racking up miles.

Sarah Simmons

Mix & Mingle Keep an eye on these entrepreneurs who are hitting the pavement and mixing things up in the Midlands.

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CEO, City Grit Hospitality Group @sarahmcsimmons Celebrity Chef and Restaurateur Sarah Simmons is the owner of Rise Gourmet Goods & Bakeshop in Columbia, Birds and Bubbles and City GRIT in New York City, and CEO of the City Grit Hospitality Group. Simmons rocketed to fame in 2010 after winning the America’s Home Cook Superstar contest, hosted

by Food & Wine magazine. Through initiatives, like combined-workspace, culinary professional training and partnering with farm-to-table efforts and charitable organizations, Simmons latest enterprises are sure to shift the balance of food prosperity in Columbia.

Elite Pierre

Host, E2P Media Business Talk Show @elitepie After serving 20 years in the United States Army, Elite Pierre decided to pursue his dream of owning a business.

With more than 10 years of experience in business and the Armed Forces, Elite has impacted tens of thousands through his audio broadcasts, videos and leadership trainings. Elite travels the country, mentoring and educating people in daily life skills and entrepreneurship. He is the author of the Amazon Editor’s Pick, Only the Elite, as well as host of the E2P Media Business Talk Show, broadcast live on Facebook, Tuesday mornings at 9 a.m.

plan like a boss

NEW BUSINESS CHECKLIST: DECIDE ON THE FORM OF BUSINESS.

FILE FOR OTHER NECESSARY PERMITS:

Do you want to become a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, s-corporation or corporation?

Building Permit

PREPARE A BUSINESS PLAN The Small Business Administration will help you with this. A Business Plan should be a part of any business and it is required by banks for financing purposes.

This permit is generally required if you are constructing or modifying your place of business.

Business License

You are required to apply for licenses at the City of Columbia and/or Richland County.

Health Permit

REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS NAME WITH THE SOUTH CAROLINA SECRETARY OF STATE If your business is a corporation, a nonprofit, a limited liability company or a partnership (limited, or limited liability), you must register with the SC Secretary of State. You may access www.scbos.sc.gov to register a new business/corporation in South Carolina.

Once the name is registered, you will be sent a Certificate of Existence either via mail or email.

FILE FOR A BUSINESS LICENSE / PERMITS Columbia and Richland County require business licenses/permits for every business in Richland County, including home-based businesses. They are valid for one year and good only in the jurisdiction where they were issued. Fees are based on revenue and type of business.

Revenue will be estimated for the first year.

Dr. Gail Wilson-Giarratano CEO, Anchor Shred & Recycle @tweetgwg When Dr. Gail Wilson-Giarratano gets an idea, she runs with it. As CEO of Anchor Shred & Recycle, Gail saw an opportunity to serve businesses by picking up recyclables they collected from their workers, and transporting those items to recycle facilities. Anchor Shred & Recycle is a service business filling a gap between what companies want and actually do to help the environment. Gail is a contributor to TedX Charlotte 2017, an experienced leader in the non-profit space and a savvy business woman.

From your city or county health department, SC DHEC.

Occupational Permit

This permit is required for home-based business in some jurisdictions.

Signage Permit

Some jurisdictions require a permit before you can erect a sign for your business.

Alarm Permit

If you have installed a burglar or fire alarm, you will likely need an alarm permit.

Zoning Permit

This permit is required if you are developing land for specific commercial use. Richland County Zoning is in the Richland County Administration Building.

Forrest Alton

President, 1000 Feathers @ForrestLAlton Forrest Alton is a veteran non-profit leader in Columbia. He helmed the South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy for nine years before stepping into entrepreneurship with 1000 Feathers, a consultancy to community non-profits working to build joint ventures and collaborations that meet bigger needs in the region.

Forrest is a dynamic speaker, a community leader and a passionate advocate for collaborative efforts, making a name for himself by forging some of the best relationships in the start-up ecosystem.

Joe Hall

Founder, Hall Analysis @joehall Joe Hall is a self-proclaimed web-head and confirmed, internet expert. Joe’s company, Hall Analysis, specializes in search engine optimization research and has served companies, like NBC and Vango. Joe is an accomplished speaker, a frequent guest on podcasts and a consistent workshop favorite in the tech community. His insights are frank and entertaining and his advice for founders has earned him support and appreciation in the Midlands.

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Watch THE Dubber perform crazy at RichlandLibrary.com/crazy

OFF BOOK •

8 Things You Don’t Know About THE Dubber Interview by Joey LeRoy, Richland Library Main

Where’d “THE Dubber” originate from?

The name originated from a group I played with in Los Angeles, called The Dubbers of King Selassie I. The word dub means to redo or rework, and in Jamaica, there was an era where the producers would rework songs, so they’d take a Bob Marley song, and remove vocals from certain parts, and highlight the bassline a little more and hit the splash a little more. They’d use reverb and delay to give a real spacey ambiance effect to the song and that was called dub. Once the Kings disbanded, I wanted to keep that name going in some fashion, so I decided to be THE Dubber. Capital T–H–E and capital D with lowercase everything else.

Biggest musical influence?

George Clinton. It’s a toss-up between George Clinton, James Brown, Michael Jackson and Prince. But I’d have to say George Clinton.

It’s really hard to choose.

Favorite international venue?

I’d have to say the L'Entrepôt in Paris, France It’s the first place I played as THE Dubber, and they treat me very well every time I play there.

You’ve been doing this for a while.

Best decade (80s, 90s, 2000s)?

I’d have to say...now.

Best advice for stage fright?

Just do it. Stage fright is good. Use it.

If you got one do-over, what would it be?

I wish I had taken THE Dubber a little more seriously in the beginning. I sort of stumbled across this. Intitally, I recognized the importance and the artistry, but it was new for me to perform by myself—guitar and vocals—but especially vocals. I just didn’t take it as seriously in the beginning, but I wish I would have.

Last book you read?

I read Miles Davis’ autobiography again recently for the second time. I also read a book about pottery in Edgefield, South Carolina that I can’t remember the title of right now.

The one thing you want to say to the world with your music…

Unity.

Wendell Culbreath (aka THE Dubber) has been trailblazing around the world with only his words and a guitar for more than 30 years. The library’s second Artist-in-Residence, Culbreath is a self-taught singer/songwriter whose music fuses the sounds of Rock, Jazz, Funk, Reggae, Afro Beat and more. His weekly songwriting workshops provided both creative and educational opportunities to the community while supporting cultural and artistic exchange at the library.

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Khadija

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Photo by Thomas Hammond

DI Y

T-Shirt Cat Toy

Embrace your inner crazy-cat lover with this simple DIY toy that’s sure to bring all the cats to your yard. Pin the instructions at RichlandLibrary.com/meow (Seriously!).

Adapted by Brittany Crowley, Richland Library Main

INSTRUCTIONS Supplies: • Old T-shirts

1. Cut T-shirts apart up each side and by the seams.

• Scissors • Ruler • Cutting mat (preferred but optional )

Cat Tip: Ensure your feline friends' love by adding a spritz of catnip.

or i g i n a l s o u rc e :

2. Cut T-shirts into 3x10” rectangular strips. Divide strips into groups of 6.

3. Slightly stretch each strip, so it starts to roll into itself.

4. Tie group of 6 strips into a knot and pull ends tightly.

http://muslinandmerlot.blogspot.com

In October 2017, our Teen Advisory Board and Tween Advisory Group members led a do-it-yourself tutorial for cat toys and bedding. Created items, along with much-needed supplies, were then donated to pets in need at local animal shelters.

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Ashlyn Lichliter Fowler Ella Enchanted 7

Like Reply Message 12w Ashley Snelgrove It was so terrible. Love Anne Hathaway, but whoever decided to go with the weird musical/slapstick theme was so wrong 1

Like Reply Message 12w

Troy Battle “The Tommyknockers� by Stephen King.

1 Like Reply Message 12w

Least favorite book-to-movie adaptation...?

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Dina Phillips Forrest Gump. Even the author hated that movie.

1 September 29 at Like Reply Message 8:23pm Trez Wayne Brown Wah? It was a book?!?

I had no idea! I loved the movie, I guess I’ve got to get to the library now and check it out.

Like Reply Message September 29 at 9:47pm

Rosheene Harrision The Notebook. Nicholas Sparks told me he didn’t like it either.

Like Reply Message 12w

Jillian Owens Serena Like Reply Message

6 September 29 at

9:13am

Carla Lewis Moore Absolutely. The. Worst.

1 September Like Reply Message 29 at 9:52am Carla Lewis Moore Second vote for Serena. I mean how in the world do you mess up Ron Rash starring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper?

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Like Reply Message 12w

Nancy Pitocchi Morris All of them! The book is always better!i

Haha Reply Message

9 September 29

at 9:27am

Keela R. Glover Two exceptions to that -The Devil Wears Prada and Silver Linings Playbook!

2 September Like Reply Message 29 at 2:05pm

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Cover Illustration: A Good Death (NPR) Maria Fabrizio, Richland Library Artist-in-Residence An illustrator and designer who’s worked for everyone from NPR and Vox to the University of South Carolina and Writer’s Digest, Maria believes smart ideas make beautiful work.

We asked her what she’d like in her byline for ACCESS, and her response was perfection! “I am not great a many things.

I’m terrible at sports. I’m a rushed cook. I was never a straight A student—but I am good at putting my eggs all in one basket.

I’ve been making art as long as I can remember, and I’ve never once thought about pursuing a career that wasn’t rooted in the visual world. Instead of listing the places I went to school, the years I graduated and things that other people feel are accomplishments, I’d rather share where I am now. I am an illustrator and a designer, a messy studio-keeper, a wife, a mom to a wild boy and a resident of Columbia.”

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AccessMag@RichlandLibrary.com