Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
HarperCollins to libraries: we will nuke your ebooks after 26 checkouts
LibraryGoblin sez, "HarperCollins has decided to change their agreement with e-book distributor OverDrive. They forced OverDrive, which is a main e-book distributor for libraries, to agree to terms so that HarperCollins e-books will only be licensed for checkout 26 times. Librarians have blown up over this, calling for a boycott of HarperCollins, breaking the DRM on e-books--basically doing anything to let HarperCollins and other publishers know they consider this abuse."
...
And that's why libraries should just stop buying DRM media for their collections. Period. It's unsafe at any speed.
More HERE. Related links HERE and HERE and HERE.
...
And that's why libraries should just stop buying DRM media for their collections. Period. It's unsafe at any speed.
More HERE. Related links HERE and HERE and HERE.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Stop Trashing My Library!
Libby Post and some associates have launched a new website/blog. www.stoptrashingmylibrary.org is "designed to forcefully correct the untruth said about libraries in blogs and on newspaper comment pages. Those of us in the library world have to start responding to the inaccuracies and, honestly, the just plain stupid things people say about our public libraries."
The group will also have a corresponding Facebook page going up shortly. Check it out. Send them stories and links. Comment on what’s there and take action—go back to the newspapers where the negative comments are made and correct them, tell them how important libraries are the fabric of our communities.
The group will also have a corresponding Facebook page going up shortly. Check it out. Send them stories and links. Comment on what’s there and take action—go back to the newspapers where the negative comments are made and correct them, tell them how important libraries are the fabric of our communities.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Making books is fun! (to watch)
"Back before inkjets, printing was a time-comsuming laborious process, that took teams of people working together to produce just one book. Now days, any crabby person can sit at home and crank out stuff on a blog or even make internet video. This movie will make you happy as you watch others toil for 'The Man' under primitive conditions."
Thursday, February 24, 2011
ALA statement in support of workers' rights
2/24/11 The following is being widely distributed by ALA's Public Information Office and is on the ALA website:
CHICAGO - As thousands protest proposed collective bargaining legislation in Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana, American Library Association (ALA) President Roberta Stevens released the following statement in support of those standing up for workers' rights.
"While governments are facing financial challenges, addressing deficits should not serve as an opportunity to strip away the hard-won right of workers to collectively bargain," said Stevens.
"As library visits continue to soar, with job seekers and families turning to our libraries to gain new skills and free access to education resources, the value of library service and staff should be recognized and protected.
"The ALA supports library employees in seeking equitable compensation and recognizes the principle of collective bargaining as an important element of successful labor-management relations. We affirm the right of employees to organize and bargain collectively with their employers, without fear of reprisal. These are basic workers' rights that we defend for thousands of academic, public and school library professionals."
The American Library Association is the voice of America's libraries and the millions of people who depend on them. With more than 63,000 members, the ALA is the oldest and largest library association in the world and represents all types of libraries and librarians.
Roberta Stevens President,
American Library Association
CHICAGO - As thousands protest proposed collective bargaining legislation in Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana, American Library Association (ALA) President Roberta Stevens released the following statement in support of those standing up for workers' rights.
"While governments are facing financial challenges, addressing deficits should not serve as an opportunity to strip away the hard-won right of workers to collectively bargain," said Stevens.
"As library visits continue to soar, with job seekers and families turning to our libraries to gain new skills and free access to education resources, the value of library service and staff should be recognized and protected.
"The ALA supports library employees in seeking equitable compensation and recognizes the principle of collective bargaining as an important element of successful labor-management relations. We affirm the right of employees to organize and bargain collectively with their employers, without fear of reprisal. These are basic workers' rights that we defend for thousands of academic, public and school library professionals."
The American Library Association is the voice of America's libraries and the millions of people who depend on them. With more than 63,000 members, the ALA is the oldest and largest library association in the world and represents all types of libraries and librarians.
Roberta Stevens President,
American Library Association
Position Announced – Public Computer Center Manager
The Albany Public Library seeks a full time Public Computer Center Manager to manage and coordinate the expansion of its library-based public computing center. This is an independent contractor position funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) through September 30, 2012. The selected candidate will report to the Head of Reference Services. The candidate should be a highly motivated, self-starter who can work with direction and minimal supervision. The PCC Manager will work closely with existing library staff to identify training needs across the library system and to establish a plan for continuation of service beyond the terms of the grant funding.
Summary of Position:
· Provide Training and Assistance to PCC Trainers, Albany Public Library staff, community partners and volunteers
· Coordinate the scheduling and staffing of the PCC and its services in concert with already-established Albany Public Library programs
· Identify vulnerable populations and implement audience-specific training programs
· Promote the PCC and the library’s services through a variety of measures, including attending meetings and preparing publicity
· Develop an outreach and evaluation plan
· Ensure that funds are spent in accordance with program requirements; all reporting requirements are met on time and with accuracy; all grant goals and objectives are met and completed
Minimum qualifications:
Graduation from a registered college or university accredited by the American Library Association or registered by the NYS Education Department to grant degrees with a Master’s Degree in Library Science, Information Services or equivalent and two (2) years of paid full time professional library experience in a library of recognized standing. In addition, eligibility and application for a New York State Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate at the time of appointment.
The salary for this full time independent contractor position is $29.14 per hour. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Application review will begin on March 9, 2011. To apply send resume, letter of interest, and the names and contact information for three professional references to:
Albany Public Library
Marjorie K. Reinhart, Human Resources Manager
161 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12210
reinhartm@albanypubliclibrary.org
Albany Public Library is an AA/EO institution and is committed to increasing diversity within its organization
Summary of Position:
· Provide Training and Assistance to PCC Trainers, Albany Public Library staff, community partners and volunteers
· Coordinate the scheduling and staffing of the PCC and its services in concert with already-established Albany Public Library programs
· Identify vulnerable populations and implement audience-specific training programs
· Promote the PCC and the library’s services through a variety of measures, including attending meetings and preparing publicity
· Develop an outreach and evaluation plan
· Ensure that funds are spent in accordance with program requirements; all reporting requirements are met on time and with accuracy; all grant goals and objectives are met and completed
Minimum qualifications:
Graduation from a registered college or university accredited by the American Library Association or registered by the NYS Education Department to grant degrees with a Master’s Degree in Library Science, Information Services or equivalent and two (2) years of paid full time professional library experience in a library of recognized standing. In addition, eligibility and application for a New York State Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate at the time of appointment.
The salary for this full time independent contractor position is $29.14 per hour. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Application review will begin on March 9, 2011. To apply send resume, letter of interest, and the names and contact information for three professional references to:
Albany Public Library
Marjorie K. Reinhart, Human Resources Manager
161 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12210
reinhartm@albanypubliclibrary.org
Albany Public Library is an AA/EO institution and is committed to increasing diversity within its organization
Position Announced: Public Computing Center Trainer
The Albany Public Library seeks a Public Computing Center Trainer to expand its library-based public computing center. This is an independent contractor position funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) through September 30, 2012. The selected candidate will report to the Public Computing Center Manager. The candidate should be a highly motivated, self-starter who can work with direction and minimal supervision. The PCC Trainer will work closely with the PCC Manager and existing library staff to identify training needs across the library system and to establish a plan for continuation of service beyond the terms of the grant funding.
Summary of Position:
· Provide Training and Assistance to PCC Trainers, Albany Public Library staff, community partners and volunteers
· Work in concert with already-established Albany Public Library programs
· Create, coordinate and implement digital literacy and job readiness training programs for library customers
· Staff the PCC during open-lab hours, evening and weekend hours
· Train the public at branch locations in the Albany Public Library system
· Identify vulnerable populations and implement audience-specific training programs
· Promote the PCC and the library’s services through a variety of measures, including attending meetings and preparing publicity
· Keep detailed accounting of time spent on training, outreach, etc.
Minimum qualifications:
Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree. Spanish-speaking candidates are highly desired and encouraged to apply.
The salary for this full time independent contractor position is $21.23 per hour. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Application review will begin on March 9, 2011. To apply send resume, letter of interest, and the names and contact information for three professional references to:
Albany Public Library
Marjorie K. Reinhart, Human Resources Manager
161 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12210
reinhartm@albanypubliclibrary.org
Albany Public Library is an AA/EO institution and is committed to increasing diversity within its organization
Summary of Position:
· Provide Training and Assistance to PCC Trainers, Albany Public Library staff, community partners and volunteers
· Work in concert with already-established Albany Public Library programs
· Create, coordinate and implement digital literacy and job readiness training programs for library customers
· Staff the PCC during open-lab hours, evening and weekend hours
· Train the public at branch locations in the Albany Public Library system
· Identify vulnerable populations and implement audience-specific training programs
· Promote the PCC and the library’s services through a variety of measures, including attending meetings and preparing publicity
· Keep detailed accounting of time spent on training, outreach, etc.
Minimum qualifications:
Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree. Spanish-speaking candidates are highly desired and encouraged to apply.
The salary for this full time independent contractor position is $21.23 per hour. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Application review will begin on March 9, 2011. To apply send resume, letter of interest, and the names and contact information for three professional references to:
Albany Public Library
Marjorie K. Reinhart, Human Resources Manager
161 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12210
reinhartm@albanypubliclibrary.org
Albany Public Library is an AA/EO institution and is committed to increasing diversity within its organization
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Free Tax Assistance at Main Library
Get free income tax help at the Main Library! Taxpayers with a household income limit of $49,000 in 2010 can get their taxes prepared for free by volunteers from the IRS VITA program. Here's how you can get tax help at the Main Library (161 Washington Avenue).
Saturday Walk-in Assistance -- Now through April 9
Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturdays. No appointments.
Wednesday Appointments -- Now through April 13
Assistance is provided on Wednesdays by appointment only. To make an appointment, call 427-4303.
Tax forms are available any time during regular library hours. For more information about the free tax assistance program, call the Main Library's Reference Department at 427-4303.
Saturday Walk-in Assistance -- Now through April 9
Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturdays. No appointments.
Wednesday Appointments -- Now through April 13
Assistance is provided on Wednesdays by appointment only. To make an appointment, call 427-4303.
Tax forms are available any time during regular library hours. For more information about the free tax assistance program, call the Main Library's Reference Department at 427-4303.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Winter Fun Flier
The APL has a series of activities and workshops during this week. And, the financial series ends on Sunday, Feb. 27, with Sunday Financial Fun Day at the Main Library from 1 to 3 p.m.
All of the Financial Fun Week events, plus the other family and kids' activities planned for winter break, are listed on this flier.
All of the Financial Fun Week events, plus the other family and kids' activities planned for winter break, are listed on this flier.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Proposed Fare for new CDTA BusPlus Service
A Public hearing will be held by the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) and its subsidiary companies with respect to the proposed fare for CDTA’s new limited stop BusPlus service to premiere on Route 5 on April 4, 2011. A Public hearing will be held on the following day and time and location:
Monday, February 28, 2011, 5:00-7:00pm
Albany Public Library
161 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12210
The proposed fare structure is set forth below:
BusPlus fare
Cash fare– the cash fare for BusPlus service will be $2.00 per ride.
Prepaid fare – prepaid passes willoffer same fare price as CDTA’s regular route system, with discounts at $1.50 per ride or less
Customers with Disabilities and seniors, Cash fare– pay half the cash fare, at $1.00 per ride, using valid ID
Monday, February 28, 2011, 5:00-7:00pm
Albany Public Library
161 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12210
The proposed fare structure is set forth below:
BusPlus fare
Cash fare– the cash fare for BusPlus service will be $2.00 per ride.
Prepaid fare – prepaid passes willoffer same fare price as CDTA’s regular route system, with discounts at $1.50 per ride or less
Customers with Disabilities and seniors, Cash fare– pay half the cash fare, at $1.00 per ride, using valid ID
Friday, February 18, 2011
How Do You Define Reading?
From Cheryl Russell, editorial director, New Strategist Publications.
The American Time Use survey, which is taken annually by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, asks Americans what they did minute by minute during the previous 24 hours. Their activities are classified into categories such as "reading for personal interest" and "computer use for leisure." Here's the question: How does the Time Use Survey classify reading a book on an iPad? Is it computer use or reading?
Not a problem, according to the time use experts at the BLS. Computers, they say, are tools for accomplishing other tasks. When respondents report using a computer, the interviewer then asks what they were doing on the computer. If they were reading a newspaper or book on their iPad, the activity is classified as reading, not computer use. Similarly, if they were using their computer to manage their money, the activity is classified as financial management rather than computer use. In fact, the category "computer use for leisure" is nothing more than a residual--what little remains after assigning all possible computer use to other activities...
This is good news because it means the time use survey category "reading for personal interest" is positioned to capture any changes in time spent reading due to e-readers. An increase in reading might be on the way, according to an analysis posted by Read It Later, an app that allows users to save articles on their computers and phones for later reading. The company's data show a spike in iPad reading between 8 and 10 pm--typically television time. Could e-reading compete with television as a prime-time activity? Maybe, but it is not happening yet. Between 2005 and 2009, the average person spent a lot more time watching TV and slightly less time reading. There is one exception, however. Teenagers aged 15 to 19 spent a bit more time reading and a bit less time watching TV. Is this a blip or a sign of things to come?
For more about American time use see New Strategist's American Time Use or visit the ATUS web site.
The American Time Use survey, which is taken annually by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, asks Americans what they did minute by minute during the previous 24 hours. Their activities are classified into categories such as "reading for personal interest" and "computer use for leisure." Here's the question: How does the Time Use Survey classify reading a book on an iPad? Is it computer use or reading?
Not a problem, according to the time use experts at the BLS. Computers, they say, are tools for accomplishing other tasks. When respondents report using a computer, the interviewer then asks what they were doing on the computer. If they were reading a newspaper or book on their iPad, the activity is classified as reading, not computer use. Similarly, if they were using their computer to manage their money, the activity is classified as financial management rather than computer use. In fact, the category "computer use for leisure" is nothing more than a residual--what little remains after assigning all possible computer use to other activities...
This is good news because it means the time use survey category "reading for personal interest" is positioned to capture any changes in time spent reading due to e-readers. An increase in reading might be on the way, according to an analysis posted by Read It Later, an app that allows users to save articles on their computers and phones for later reading. The company's data show a spike in iPad reading between 8 and 10 pm--typically television time. Could e-reading compete with television as a prime-time activity? Maybe, but it is not happening yet. Between 2005 and 2009, the average person spent a lot more time watching TV and slightly less time reading. There is one exception, however. Teenagers aged 15 to 19 spent a bit more time reading and a bit less time watching TV. Is this a blip or a sign of things to come?
For more about American time use see New Strategist's American Time Use or visit the ATUS web site.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Book Fair
Please help the Elks Lodge support their local projects by attending the Book Fair on February 26th. and 27th from 11-2. Hardcover books are $1, paperbacks $.50. The Elks is located at 25 South Allen St. Call 489-0699 for more information.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Librarian manifesto
Pasadena City College's Shatford Library adapted the Librarians' Manifesto orignally posted on a blog by Laura Cohen, Emeritus Faculty at the University at Albany, SUNY.
Monday, February 14, 2011
The Empire State Book Festival
April 1 & 2, 2011
Save the dates!
The 2011 Book Festival will feature two keynote speakers, singer/songwriter and author Rosanne Cash and Baby-sitter’s Club author Ann M. Martin.
Save the dates!
The 2011 Book Festival will feature two keynote speakers, singer/songwriter and author Rosanne Cash and Baby-sitter’s Club author Ann M. Martin.
Notice of Public Hearing: Proposed Fare for new CDTA BusPlus Service
A Public hearing will be held by the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) and its subsidiary companies with respect to the proposed fare for CDTA’s new limited stop BusPlus service to premiere on Route 5 on April 4, 2011. A Public hearing will be held on the following day and time and location:
Monday, February 28, 2011, 5:00-7:00pm
Albany Public Library
161 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12210
The proposed fare structure is set forth below:
BusPlus fare
Cash fare– the cash fare for BusPlus service will be $2.00 per ride.
Prepaid fare – prepaid passes willoffer same fare price as CDTA’s regular route system, with discounts at $1.50 per ride or less
Customers with Disabilities and seniors, Cash fare– pay half the cash fare, at $1.00 per ride, using valid ID
More info HERE.
Monday, February 28, 2011, 5:00-7:00pm
Albany Public Library
161 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12210
The proposed fare structure is set forth below:
BusPlus fare
Cash fare– the cash fare for BusPlus service will be $2.00 per ride.
Prepaid fare – prepaid passes willoffer same fare price as CDTA’s regular route system, with discounts at $1.50 per ride or less
Customers with Disabilities and seniors, Cash fare– pay half the cash fare, at $1.00 per ride, using valid ID
More info HERE.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
St. Rose Piano Concert
The Young Kim and Saint Rose Pianists III performance will be held on Saturday, February 19th. at 7:30 P.M. Location: The Kathleen McManus Picotte Recital Hall, Massry Center for the Arts, 1002 Madison Avenue. Free. For more information, go to www.strose.edu/concerts.
Annual conference on the Underground Railroad
The annual conference on the Underground Railroad will April 8. 9 & 10th of 2011 (NOT in February) in Troy at Russell Sage College.
Themed as Abolishing Slavery in the Atlantic World: The UNDERGROUND RAILROAD in
the Americas, Africa, and Europe, the conference will examine the international
aspects of the story. This is the 10th year we have done the conference and it
will be extra-special. It is expected that registration materials will be ready
in the upcoming week.
Themed as Abolishing Slavery in the Atlantic World: The UNDERGROUND RAILROAD in
the Americas, Africa, and Europe, the conference will examine the international
aspects of the story. This is the 10th year we have done the conference and it
will be extra-special. It is expected that registration materials will be ready
in the upcoming week.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Vacation Daze
Trying to find a way to keep the kids occupied this winter break? Steamer #10 can help. Take a look at this fun schedule of events:
February 20,21 Pekka- Presented by Theatre des Petites Ames.
Febuary 22 Ventriloquist Steve Charney
February 23 Music of Zucchini Brothers
February 24 Magician Jim Snack
February 25 Man Who Planted Trees- Presented by the Puppet State Theatre Company.
For more information regarding these performances and other February happenings at Steamer #10, call 438-5503 or go to www.steamer10theatre.org. Steamer #10 is located at 500 Western Avenue.
February 20,21 Pekka- Presented by Theatre des Petites Ames.
Febuary 22 Ventriloquist Steve Charney
February 23 Music of Zucchini Brothers
February 24 Magician Jim Snack
February 25 Man Who Planted Trees- Presented by the Puppet State Theatre Company.
For more information regarding these performances and other February happenings at Steamer #10, call 438-5503 or go to www.steamer10theatre.org. Steamer #10 is located at 500 Western Avenue.
Connecting the Sahara & the Adirondacks, Exposing Slavery in Our Chocolate
Valentine's Day 2011. On Monday, 14 February, John Brown Lives!' Dreaming of Timbuctoo Exhibition will be on display at the Concourse Entrance of the Legislative Office Building in Albany. The exhibition will be unveiled at 11:00 a.m. with guest speakers, including Assemblyman Steven Englebright, Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward, and Senators Kevin Parker and Betty Little.
In addition, Valentine's Day Fair Trade chocolates will be handed out to draw attention to the delicious alternatives to chocolate made from forced child labor, particularly on plantations in western Africa.
While the Dreaming of Timbuctoo exhibition brings to light a long-forgotten chapter of New York State freedom history, speakers will also draw connections across continents from the Sahara to the Adirondacks, discuss the importance public funding for state historic sites, and provide an update on the current campaign to end child/slave labor and trafficking in the chocolate industry.
Fifteen years before the Civil War, leading black and white abolitionists in New York State rolled out an ambitious voting rights strategy to break the juggernaut in Albany that kept Black New Yorkers disenfranchised. Part agrarian dream, it also resulted in radical reformer Gerrit Smith deeding 120,000 acres of Adirondack land to 3,000 free black men from all across the state. While few families moved to their plots, Smith's "scheme of justice and benevolence" is what attracted John Brown to move there with his family. The homestead is where Brown chose to be buried after his raid on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry in 1859 to strike a blow against slavery. Tens of thousands of visitors come to the John Brown State Historic Site outside of Lake Placid every year to visit the gravesite of Brown and several of his fellow Raiders.
Dreaming of Timbuctoo is the first serious and thorough treatment of the backstory behind John Brown's attraction to the Adirondacks. The exhibition premiered at the Adirondack Museum in 2001 and then toured campuses, libraries, historical societies, and museums around the state, including the State Museum in Albany, and was seen by well over 100,000 people. With Assemblyman Englebright, Assemblywoman Sayward, and Senators Parker and Little as sponsors, Dreaming of Timbuctoo will be on display at the Concourse Entrance to the Legislative Office Building for the public to view through Thursday 17 February.
Invited speakers at the press event in The Well on Valentine's Day, Monday 14
February, at 11:00 a.m. include:
- Assemblyman Steven Englebright and Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward;
- Senators Kevin Parker and Betty Little;
- Martha Swan, Director, John Brown Lives!
- Brian O'Shaughnessy, Executive Director, New York Labor-Religion Coalition, who will make the link to current work to end child/slave labor and trafficking in cocoa industry;
- Jane McNamara, Director of Grants & Special Programs, New York Council for the Humanities
- Dr. Hadley-Kruczek-Aaron, SUNY Potsdam professor and archeologist who is conducting a dig on one of the Timbuctoo plots in Essex County;
- Adham Stewart, a college freshman from Albany who was part of Dr. Kruczek-Aaron’s archeological team on a dig in 2009;
- Brother Yusef Wasi, an Albany educator and mentor of Adham and other teens involved in the dig;
- Ibrahim ag Mohamed, Director of Scarab School, Timbuktu, Mali (whose greetings from Mali will be read on his behalf)
- Amy Godine, exhibition curator, who will lead a walk-thru of the exhibition.
Fair Trade chocolate will be handed out and people will have the opportunity to send a Valentine's Day post card asking the Hersheys Company to certify that the cocoa used is their chocolate products is free of child and forced labor.
Dreaming of Timbuctoo is a joint project of the freedom education project John Brown Lives! and the Essex County Historical Society. Major funding for the exhibition and a slate of educational and cultural program was provided by the New York State Council for the Arts, the New York Council for the Humanities, private foundations, and numerous individual donors.
For more information: Martha Swan, Director, John Brown Lives!, 518-962-4758
or 518-582-2586.
In addition, Valentine's Day Fair Trade chocolates will be handed out to draw attention to the delicious alternatives to chocolate made from forced child labor, particularly on plantations in western Africa.
While the Dreaming of Timbuctoo exhibition brings to light a long-forgotten chapter of New York State freedom history, speakers will also draw connections across continents from the Sahara to the Adirondacks, discuss the importance public funding for state historic sites, and provide an update on the current campaign to end child/slave labor and trafficking in the chocolate industry.
Fifteen years before the Civil War, leading black and white abolitionists in New York State rolled out an ambitious voting rights strategy to break the juggernaut in Albany that kept Black New Yorkers disenfranchised. Part agrarian dream, it also resulted in radical reformer Gerrit Smith deeding 120,000 acres of Adirondack land to 3,000 free black men from all across the state. While few families moved to their plots, Smith's "scheme of justice and benevolence" is what attracted John Brown to move there with his family. The homestead is where Brown chose to be buried after his raid on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry in 1859 to strike a blow against slavery. Tens of thousands of visitors come to the John Brown State Historic Site outside of Lake Placid every year to visit the gravesite of Brown and several of his fellow Raiders.
Dreaming of Timbuctoo is the first serious and thorough treatment of the backstory behind John Brown's attraction to the Adirondacks. The exhibition premiered at the Adirondack Museum in 2001 and then toured campuses, libraries, historical societies, and museums around the state, including the State Museum in Albany, and was seen by well over 100,000 people. With Assemblyman Englebright, Assemblywoman Sayward, and Senators Parker and Little as sponsors, Dreaming of Timbuctoo will be on display at the Concourse Entrance to the Legislative Office Building for the public to view through Thursday 17 February.
Invited speakers at the press event in The Well on Valentine's Day, Monday 14
February, at 11:00 a.m. include:
- Assemblyman Steven Englebright and Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward;
- Senators Kevin Parker and Betty Little;
- Martha Swan, Director, John Brown Lives!
- Brian O'Shaughnessy, Executive Director, New York Labor-Religion Coalition, who will make the link to current work to end child/slave labor and trafficking in cocoa industry;
- Jane McNamara, Director of Grants & Special Programs, New York Council for the Humanities
- Dr. Hadley-Kruczek-Aaron, SUNY Potsdam professor and archeologist who is conducting a dig on one of the Timbuctoo plots in Essex County;
- Adham Stewart, a college freshman from Albany who was part of Dr. Kruczek-Aaron’s archeological team on a dig in 2009;
- Brother Yusef Wasi, an Albany educator and mentor of Adham and other teens involved in the dig;
- Ibrahim ag Mohamed, Director of Scarab School, Timbuktu, Mali (whose greetings from Mali will be read on his behalf)
- Amy Godine, exhibition curator, who will lead a walk-thru of the exhibition.
Fair Trade chocolate will be handed out and people will have the opportunity to send a Valentine's Day post card asking the Hersheys Company to certify that the cocoa used is their chocolate products is free of child and forced labor.
Dreaming of Timbuctoo is a joint project of the freedom education project John Brown Lives! and the Essex County Historical Society. Major funding for the exhibition and a slate of educational and cultural program was provided by the New York State Council for the Arts, the New York Council for the Humanities, private foundations, and numerous individual donors.
For more information: Martha Swan, Director, John Brown Lives!, 518-962-4758
or 518-582-2586.
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