By Debby Woodin
and Andra Bryan Stefanoni
news@joplinglobe.com
A reception to welcome the new director of the Joplin Public Library and the kickoff for a statewide reading program at the Pittsburg (Kan.) Public Library are both planned for today.
Area residents may visit the Joplin Public Library at noon today for a reception to welcome new library director Jacque Gage.
“We want to recognize Jacque and do a formal introduction to the community,” said Jim Fleischaker, president of the library’s board.
Fleischaker is to give a welcome address during the reception from noon to 2 p.m. in the library’s large meeting room.
Gage, of Lamar, began work at the Joplin library on Feb. 1. She had been director of the Barton County Library for nine years. That library system was has branches in Lamar, Golden City and Liberal.
Gage has a degree in Christian education from Ozark Christian College and a master’s degree in librarianship.
She succeeds Susan Wray, who resigned in September to take a job in Blue Springs.
‘Kansas Reads’
The Pittsburg Public Library will kick off its participation in “Kansas Reads” today.
The statewide project is sponsored by the Kansas Center for the Book at the State Library of Kansas, and encourages Kansans to read, discuss and experience the same book.
This year will focus on “Dreams from My Father.” In this memoir, President Barack Obama chronicles his journey to discover his heritage, from the plains of Kansas to tropical Hawaii and finally to his father’s homeland of Kenya. The book, recommended by a committee of librarians and educators, was chosen by the state librarian for what is being called its broad-based appeal that encourages and sustains spirited discussion.
The library’s activities begin with a soup lunch at noon today, followed by a program by Kansas University English professor J. Edgar Tidwell on “American Dreams and Dreaming America: Barack Obama’s Search for Self.”
Copies of the book have been purchased by the Friends of the Library and will be distributed after the program. Participants are encouraged to read the book and then pass it on to others.
On Tuesday, the library’s monthly book discussion led by a library staff member will feature “Mixed: An Anthology of Short Fiction on the Multiracial Experience.” The group will meet at 6:30 p.m. Copies of the book are available for purchase or checkout from the library.
A discussion on “Dreams from My Father” will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, and led by Carol Ann Robb.
At 2 p.m. Monday, March 8, J.T. Knoll will lead a session on the value of memoir writing, and suggestions on writing family and life stories. A second session will be held Monday, March 15, for new and repeat attendees.
All programs are free and open to the public.
