Libraries are not just books!

Most people think of libraries as a local book warehouse with reading room, but they are much more! In many communities, they offer free internet access (without having to buy coffee), free educational programs for kids and adults, access to music, movies, documentaries, photographs, primary research documents such as letters and diaries and audio narratives, as well as community meeting rooms, art and cultural exhibits, and more. If you are in Washington, D.C., our Library of Congress must not be missed! It is a cathedral built in honor of literature and learning. Tucked away upstairs is the Children's Literature Center and the office of our Chief Children's Librarian, Dr. Sybille Jagusch. She has remained at her post through decades of oval office turnover and turmoil. Hail to the Chief!

One of my favorite specialty libraries is the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History. It's the nation's second largest archives specializing in African history and culture related to the Diaspora, and African Americans. A current exhibit showcases Bunce Island in Sierra Leon, the gateway most enslaved Africans passed through on their way to American soil. Preserving our history and culture, inviting dialog, support of study, and encouraging understanding: this is the heart and soul of our community libraries.

25 Books Every Young Georgian Should Read 2010

Last night at a festive reception in Decatur, the Georgia Center for the Book announced its inaugural list of 25 books every young Georgian should read. The list represents children's literature by authors or about subjects that are linked to our state. Writing is a private vocation, practiced most often alone with only one's created characters for company and conversation.  And so I cherish the times I am in the company of fellow writers and those who love children's literature as much as I do, particularly librarians because they know how to throw a great party!

Thank you, GCFB for choosing Honey Bea as one of the books on the list this year! What good company to be among.

Sapelo Island Library

Tiny, remote Sapelo Island off the coast of Georgia is a jewel that has captivated me all of my adult life, and my writing from the first book. The only way to reach Sapelo is by ferry boat. All of the island's black residents can trace their ancestry back to one of 400 slaves brought from the west coast of Africa to work the old cotton plantation. They are the Salt Water Geechee of Hog Hammock and Raccoon Bluff. Preservation of the island resources, the community of Hog Hammock, and the Geechee culture are important initiatives that I strongly support. Today is the birthday of an important community leader: Michele Johnson, artist and founder/librarian of the Sapelo Island Library. Sending a few books her way as a gift to the library. For more information about Sapelo, go to: www.sapeloislandgeorgia.org/. To see Michele's art and writing go to: www.sapelosister.com/

Page One (again)

A recent trip with oldest son Aron to his orientation at Rhodes College found us listening to an audio book: Everything Matters! by Ron Currie Jr. Not a traditionally "trained" creative writer, his work is daring and fresh and humorous while posing big questions. Perfect for a multi-generational audience as we traveled toward new horizons. This redo of my defunct website is part of a renewed focus on my writing as my son leaves the nest. This idea of new beginnings and infinite possibilities is central to Ron Currie's story. What matters? Everything! Each decision and action is significant, sometimes in ways we don't anticipate. So, here I go again: page one.