The Library of Congress has approved a proposal from the DeKalb County Public Library for the creation of a Georgia Center for the Book, to be affiliated with the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.
"This is a wonderful development," said John Y. Cole, director of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. "We look forward to working with the Georgia Center for the Book in promoting books, reading and libraries in new and imaginative ways."
The Georgia Center for the Book, located at the DeKalb County Public Library, will be a focal point for the celebration of Georgia's literary heritage, promote collaboration among the state's publishers, writers, book sellers and librarians, and "highlight the value of the book as a central element in our culture."
According to Darro C. Wiley, director of the DeKalb Public Library, the new center's statewide advisory board will reflect Georgia's varied "community of the book," including "representatives of several academic institutions and local writers organizations."
For information about the Georgia Center for the Book, contact Anne Johnson, Executive Director, Georgia Center for the Book, DeKalb Public Library, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur, GA 30030. Ms. Johnson may be reached by telephone at (404) 370-8450 or by fax at (404) 370-8469.
"Great American Portraits" Programs to Be Presented Nationwide
Author Phyllis Theroux is presenting "Great American Portraits," a program of reading by well-known Americans about Americans, in four cities under the sponsorship of the Center for the Book. The spoken portraits are drawn from her new book, The Book of Eulogies: A Collection of Memorial Tributes, Poetry, Essays, and Letters of Condolence (Scribner, 1997). Each program features citizens of the state in which the program is being held.
"The Great American Portraits program at the Library of Congress on May 14 was such a success," said Center for the Book Director John Y. Cole, "that we decided to share it with the country through the state centers for the book. This four-city pilot project is the first step.
The first state program was held at the San Francisco Public Library on Sept. 26. The Connecticut Center for the Book will make "Great American Portraits in Connecticut" its inaugural event in Hartford on Nov. 17. For information, contact Kathleen Lyons, Connecticut Center for the Book, phone (860) 543-8652. Dates for programs in St. Louis and Chicago have not yet been set.
1998 "River of Words" Contest Announced
The International Rivers Network, the Center for the Book and former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Hass have announced the third annual "River of Words National Environmental Poetry & Art Contest" for children in grades K-12. The contest is free and open to poets and artists 5-19 years of age.
"River of Words" is designed to increase awareness and understanding of the natural world and its connection to artistic expression and the human spirit. The contest theme is "watersheds." "The project strives to give children a sense of place and belonging," said co-founder Mr. Hass. "We're encouraging children to explore their neighborhoods, schoolyards, creeks and imaginations," added project director and co-founder Pamela Michael.
Eight grand prize winners and their parents will win trips to Washington, where they will be honored next spring during a program sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. The Center for the Book supports the project as part of its "Rivers of America" program.
The deadline for contest submissions is Feb. 15, 1998. For entry forms and contest guidelines, or to order the 50-page Teacher's Guide ($6, includes postage and handling), contact International Rivers Network, River of Words Project, P.O. Box 4000-J, Berkeley, CA 94704, telephone (510) 433-7020, fax (510) 848-1008, e-mail row@irn.org or visit IRN's Web site.
