Banned Books Week

The last week of September is Banned Books Week, which is a time to celebrate and appreciate free speech and reading. The wonderful thing about reading is not only that there are so many different worlds one can enter by picking up a book, but that it is our individual choice that guides us on these journeys. You may delight in reading of the trials and tribulations of a quirky small town in the 1950s and your neighbor might love to get lost in a gripping political thriller, while I might devour an epic vampire love story. But when we allow individual choice to be limited we encroach on this great personal freedom, and we chip away at what makes reading so special in the first place. Many libraries use Banned Books Week as a way to highlight the maligned titles that fall into this category through special displays and programs that encourage people to read these books for themselves and form their own opinions.

Here in the SERC Library one of our most popular Young People's books holds the dubious honor of topping the list of most frequently banned books for the past two years: the absolutely delightful and heartwarming And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell (YP F RIC). This book depicts the true story of two Central Park Zoo male penguins who fall in love and form a family by adopting an abandoned egg and taking the baby penguin, Tango, under their wings (so to speak). This book is frequently challenged because of its open depiction of a homosexual relationship, despite the fact that the relationship is presented in a positive and loving manner. This dichotomy between the author's intention and the reader's interpretation is what lies at the core of most banned book controversies.

Or, as acclaimed author (and personal favorite of mine) Francesca Lia Block stated when asked how she felt about her books being censored: "I'm a bit surprised in one way, because the message of all of them is love, tolerance and self-expression. On the other hand, I am not surprised because the message is love, tolerance and self-expression."

So exercise your First Right Amendment and read a banned book!

Happy International Talk Like A Pirate Day!

Ahoy, mateys!

There are many different ways that the world can be brought together. One of the more creative attempts at bridging cultures is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Established in 1995 by two guys who, frankly, thought the world could use a little more pirate lingo, September 19th is dedicated to putting a little more "Arrrr" in your day. For more information, including suggestions for pirate fun and games, pirate lingo, a pirate FAQ, and more pirate links than you can fire a cannon at, visit the Talk Like a Pirate website.

Avast! Here in the SERC Library we have an excellent resource that focuses on...you guessed it...pirates! Multiple Intelligences Centers and Projects by Carolyn Chapman and Lynn Freeman (IM 370.1523 CHA) features a host of classroom centered pirate activities that are specifically designed to work with multiple intelligences. Check out this little treasure the next time your ship docks at the Ole Port o' SERC Library!

Happy Swashbuckling,
Lucy Dagger (courtesy of the Pirate Name Generator)

Bookshare.org

Check out this great web resource for people with disabilities:

Bookshare

Bookshare's mission is to provides access to books and periodicals for readers with print disabilities. Membership is free for all U.S. students with qualifying disabilities (thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Education), and affordably priced for non-students. Members gain access to their online library of over 45,000 resources including digital books, text books, and assistive technology tools, as well as to an online community of volunteers, parents, publishers, and authors.

Iluminar is here!

As alluded to a few weeks ago, this is an exciting time for the SERC Library. Our new system is here and ready for you to explore! It is called AGent Verso Iluminar and can be accessed here, as well as from the sidebar on the left (and our homepage of course). To login the first time enter your patron barcode number (located on the back of your SERC Library card) as the username, and enter userpass as the initial password. You will then be prompted to create your own personal password. Be sure to keep it written down because SERC Library staff does not have access to your password. Once you're up and running you'll be able to:

• View your current circulation status anytime from any computer, including your current checkouts (and when they're due), reserves, and fines accrued
• Manage and update your account information online
• Create and save lists of your favorite resources
• Keep track of your search and checkout history
• Reserve and renew resources
  

That's right...renew. Many of you have been asking for the ability to renew your items, so we listened and are now happy to introduce the SERC Library renewal policy! All items, including tests, may now be renewed for a one-week period provided that no other patron has the item on reserve. You can renew your items online or by calling the library at 860-632-1485, option 4.

The Library staff is more than happy to provide a tutorial next time you come into the library...just ask! We can also provide you with a "cheat sheet" with all of the above information. We appreciate everyone's patience during this transition and hope you find the new system improves your SERC Library experience!

International Literacy Day!

Since 1967, September 8th of each year has been designated as International Literacy Day. Sponsored by the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Reading Association, the day is meant to draw attention to the importance of literacy with a special emphasis on developing countries. There is no doubt that literacy is an issue that needs to be addressed on an international level, especially when considering the following statistics:

• There are over 860 million illiterate adults worldwide (two-thirds of whom are women) and nearly 115 million children who lack access to education.
• When mothers are taught to read the infant mortality rate can decrease by up to 50%.
• Countries whose literacy rate is below 55% have an annual per capita income of less than $600.
• 98% of all non-literates live in developing countries, with 52% in India and China alone.
• The continent of Africa's literacy rate is less than 60%.

Domestically there are also urgent literacy needs to be met, especially when it comes to the undeniable connection between low literacy and poverty:

• Only 15% of low-income 8th graders read at a proficient level, with only 3% of all 8th graders reading at an advanced level.
  
• In the U.S. children of professional families hear an average of 2,153 words per hour, children of working class families hear 1,251 words per hour, and children of welfare families hear a mere 616 words per hour.
• The average literacy proficiency levels of African American and Hispanic 12th graders is equal to that of white 8th graders.
• 50% of all incarcerated adults are illiterate and 85% of juvenile offenders have reading problems.
• Lower education and literacy levels coincide with the likelihood of women ending up in abusive relationships.

For more facts, idea starters, local events, posters, certificates of participation and more, visit the websites of UNESCO and the International Reading Association. Whether you participate on a local or an international level, your contribution to the greater community is both necessary and welcome. The only hope we have of conquering this overwhelming issue is to come together and make sure that no citizens of the world are left behind when it comes to possessing the crucial and self-empowering tools of reading and writing.

Facts taken from www.reading.org/downloads/meetings/ILD2007_literacy_facts.pdf and www.reading.org/downloads/meetings/ILD2007_facts.pdf

Farewell, Reading Rainbow

The year was 1983. The hair was big, the leg warmers were bright, and the music was cheesy. Amidst all this a little show by the name of Reading Rainbow began to air on PBS. Hosted by LeVar Burton, the show was special because it encouraged kids to read for pleasure, rather than out of obligation. From the moment the memorable theme song kicked off one felt like they were entering another world, much like the feeling of losing oneself in a favorite book. This was a world where words and illustrations sprung to life, where there were no limits on how far one's imagination could go, and where children ruled.
As the eighties have given way to the nineties and then to the new millennium, there has been a tangible shift in the way literacy is looked at. Today the focus is more on the mechanics of teaching children how to read rather than encouraging their innate love for a good book. Sadly, due to this changed educational climate and complications with funding, it was announced last week that Reading Rainbow is no more. Though the last episode aired on Friday, August 28th, the lasting impression this show had on its audience is undeniable, as evidenced by the outpouring of support for this underrated gem since the announcement. Say the name LeVar Burton to any child of the eighties and there is a very good chance they will think not of his work on Roots and Star Trek, but of this:



On a personal note, I was 2 when this show began and my voracious love for reading from such a young age is no doubt due at least a little to the wonder of Reading Rainbow and the good fortune I had in being able to watch it throughout my childhood. Thanks LeVar and company! Your presence will be missed.