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January 4, 2005
Library Picks
Book to Discuss on January 27
January 4, 2005
Library Hosts Living History Presentation "Harriet Tubman: Move or Die"
on
January 19th
January 28, 2005
4th Annual African (American) History Contest Begins February 1st at
Libraries
January 4, 2005
PRESS RELEASE - Allegany County Library System
Contact:
Linda Burkey
South Cumberland Library
100 Seymour Street
Cumberland, MD 21502
The Book Discussion Group at the South Cumberland Library has picked
The Bone People by New Zealander author Keri Hulme to discuss on
Thursday, January 27 at 7PM.
This first novel by New Zealander Hulme is a winner of the Booker
Prize. It starts as a very unusual read, but it turns into a very
gripping story of family. The land and sea of New Zealand are the
setting. Kerewin Holmes, a woman living in a tower on the sea, a
speechless boy named Simon, whose been recovered from a shipwreck, and
Simon’s Maori foster father are the characters.
The Book Discussion Group meets the 4th Thursday of each
month at 7PM to discuss books, usually novels, chosen by the group.
About an equal number of men and women make up the group. New members
are always welcome to come take their reading experience to a new level
by joining one or all of our discussions. No registration is required;
copies of the books are available through the library.
PRESS RELEASE - Allegany County Library System
Contact:
Linda Burkey
South Cumberland Library
100 Seymour Street
Cumberland, MD 21502
The South Cumberland Branch of the Allegany County Library System is
thrilled to host Gwendolyn Briley-Strand on Wednesda, January 19 at 7 PM
for a costumed, living history presentation portraying the life of
Harriet Tubman. After introducing the life of Harriet Tubman, Briley-Strand
discusses her research into the period in which this remarkable woman
lived.
Free tickets, required for the program, can be obtained by calling the
library at 301-724-1607. This program is for teens and adults. The
South Cumberland Branch is handicapped accessible; sign language
interpretation is available if requested in early January.
Harriet Tubman, who was born a slave in Dorchester County, Maryland, and
became a leader in the Underground Railroad, was known as the “Moses of
Her People”.
She led over three hundred slaves to freedom during the Civil War, she
served as both a spy and a scout for the Union, as well as nursing
fugitive slaves.
Briley-Strand has been touring her one-woman longer version of her show
portraying Harriet Tubman since 1993. She has performed at the White
House 4th of July Celebrations, the Smithsonian, the Kennedy
Center, museums, and cultural organizations. She received her Bachelor
of Arts in theatre from Fordham University in New York, and is a member
of the Actor’s Equity Association, Screen Actors Guild, and the American
Federation of Television and Radio Artist. Her television credits
include “Homicide: Life on the Streets”, “Law and Order”, HBO Mini
Series “The Corner”, and “The West Wing” to name a few.
This program is being sponsored by the Maryland Humanities Council, an
organization that offers programs in history, literature, ethics,
philosophy, religion, and artistic culture. They help us as their
introductions say “ask the big questions, help us to understand human
values and experience, provide a historical and cultural context for
our modern existence, and enable us to lead more thoughtful and
deliberate lives.” This program is one of many made possible by the
Council with generous support from Columbia Gas of Maryland, a NiSource
Company.
January 28, 2005
PRESS RELEASE - Allegany County Library System
Contact:
Linda Burkey
South Cumberland Library
100 Seymour Street
Cumberland, MD 21502
The 4th Annual African (American) History Contest,
co-sponsored by Community Unity In Action, Inc. and the Allegany County
Library System will kick-off on Feb. 1, 2005 and run till Feb. 23, 2005
at 4PM.
Kids ages 9-17 are invited to try and answer ten questions correctly so
they can have their names entered in the drawing to win one of the ten
$20. Walmart Gift Cards. All entries must be turned in to a branch of
the Allegany County Library System by 4PM on the 23rd. Pick
up a set of questions at any branch or on the library’s website
www.alleganycountylibrary.info
“The library system is happy to have an organization like Community
Unity In Action, Inc. to co-sponsor this contest with each year,”
commented Linda Burkey, Community Outreach Coordinator for the library
system. “They are a mentoring group with a lot energy.”
“The questions this year are not difficult, but they do allow the child
to learn about some of the contributions made to our culture by some
very talented African Americans. It’s a fun way to learn and maybe win a
nice prize too!”
