Promoting Diversity and Literacy, African American Read-In Programs

in Missouri Libraries

Grace Jackson-Brown, MLS, Ph.D.(GJackson-Brown@MissouriState.edu)

October 6, 2011

The African American Read-In (AARI) is an exemplary cultural program and reading initiative

What is cultural programming?

“…programs and series of programs presented by libraries that seek to entertain, enlighten, educate, and involve adult and family audiences, primarily in the disciplines of the arts, humanities, sciences, and public policy or community issues. This type of programming is designed to elicit dialogue, discussion , and consideration of ideas and issues, as well as to further independent study.”

(Deborah A. Robertson IN Cultural Programming for Libraries, Chicago: ALA, 2005, p. 3)

Cultural Programming….

Helps “to illuminate the experiences, beliefs, and values that unite us as human beings. They stimulate us to make connections where we noticed none before—between our ancestors and ourselves, between one culture and another, between the community and the individual.” (quote from Susan Brandehoff, editor of the Whole Person Catalog, and found in Cultural Programming for Libraries, p. 2)

Benefits of Cultural Programming in LibrariesProvides opportunities for community

engagementDraws new and experienced users into the

libraryIntroduces users to diverse materials and

services in the library Promotes reading and literacy

What is the African American Read-In?

The African American Read-In(AARI)is a national event to promote reading and to celebrate black authors that is sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). Originated by the black caucus of the NCTE, the program has also been endorsed by the International Reading Association. Since 1989, over a million readers have joined in the reading celebration.

www.ncte.org/action/aari

How to become involved in the AARI? www.ncte.org/action/aari/packetinfo

Invo

lvem

ent i

n th

e AA

RI in

Mis

sour

i Lib

rarie

s

Invo

lvem

ent i

n th

e AA

RI in

Mis

sour

i Lib

rarie

s

Invo

lvem

ent i

n th

e AA

RI in

Mis

sour

i Lib

rarie

s

Interviews with 2 Missouri academic librarians about their AARI Participation:

UMKC –Miller Nichols Library

Lincoln University –Inman E. Page Library

Ms. Gloria Tibbs, Teaching & Learning

Librarian

Ms. Lois Marshall,Public Services

Coordinator

Missouri Libraries – UMKC Miller Nichols Library & AARI

Missouri Libraries AARI Involvement (continued)Lincoln University, Inman E. Page Library

The five institutional partners of the Springfield African American Read-In

Missouri State University Libraries & other MSU

Drury UniversitySpringfield-Green County Library DistrictSpringfield Public SchoolsNAACP Springfield Chapter

Events of the Springfield African-American Read-IN2009 - 2012

Young Writers’ Workshop led by Patricia McKissackStorytelling by Gladys Gaines CoggswellStorytime for children & families at Missouri HotelBooktalks & other activities at branch public librariesFebruary 2010 African American Poetry Reading

PerformanceFebruary 2011 African American Poetry Reading

Encore PerformanceNovember 2011 Tales of Wonder Storytelling

WorkshopFebruary 2012 February Storytelling Main Event

Springfield AARIC Pre-Event October 2009Young Writers’ Workshop featuring award-winning authorPatricia McKissack

Springfield AARIC Pre-Event Nov. 2009

Master StorytellerGladys Gaines Coggswell

Springfield AARICFinale Event,

February 22, 2010

2011 Springfield AARI Encore Poetry Reading

Future Keys for Success of the African American Read-In Programming in MO Libraries

Collaborate with programming partnersHave a Project Leader who is in charge of

coordination and communicationBegin by setting project goals and objectivesHave a Steering Committee whose members

can each be responsible for key tasks & recruit volunteer helpers

Decide early how resources (people, time, money) will be pooled

QUESTIONS?