MARION COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM’S QUARTERLY NEWSMAGAZINE 9 VOLUME | ISSUE 4 ISSUE 4 | WINTER 2017 A World of DiversityAt Your Library PLUS profile calendar book review wordsMarion County Public Library’s Quarterly Newsmagazine Volume 9 | Issue 4 | Winter 2017 a Marion County Public Library 2720 East Silver Springs Blvd. word Ocala, Florida 34470 352-368-4507 FROM THE email: [email protected] website: library.marioncountyfl.org DIRECTOR Library Director: Julie Sieg By Julie Sieg Director, Marion County NEWSMAGAZINE STAFF: Public Library System Publisher: The Friends of The Ocala Public Library Editor: Karen M. Jensen Library Community Liaison The Many Meanings Writers: Erin Arnold, Kristen Calvert, Briann Inman, Paula McCahon, Jenny Ransone of Diversity Photos: Steve Floethe, Pat Lakin, Dave Schlenker In high school, you, like I, had to write plenty of research papers. You may recall the ones that involved selecting a subject and “arguing” a position on that subject. For some reason, I really enjoyed those papers; ON THE COVER: initially reading about my subject to fully understand it, figuring out Every day, the world of diversity is on display in thousands of ways in every aisle at each which stance I would take and then researching the arguments more Marion County Public Library System location. thoroughly so I could articulate the stance I chose. When I think about diversity, this research paper process is one of the aspects of diversity that I reference; understanding diverse or differing points of view to be better able to understand the sides of an issue, determining what fits with my belief system and being able to articulate my conclusion. While this is one of the things I think about when I hear the word diversity, you may think of something entirely different. Maybe you think of racial diversity or cultural diversity. Maybe you think of religious diversity or geographic diversity. Maybe you think celebrating diversity is a great thing, maybe not. That is the magic of diversity, its meaning is different for each of us. Its meaning is diverse. As you will read within the pages of this issue of WORDS, the library is the ideal place to explore your definition of diversity through our programs, our books, our databases and discussions with others. Who knows, maybe through exploration or “research,” your meaning of diversity will expand. The Marion County Public Library System is a department of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and is funded by them through general funds. The WORDS newsmagazine is funded by the Friends of the Ocala Public Library, Inc. FIND THE LIBRARY ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER! 2 words Winter 2017 library.marioncountyfl.org Diversity in Every Aisle at Your Library BY KAREN M. JENSEN very day the world of diversity is on display in thousands of ways at each Marion County Public ELibrary System location. It is vast in scope and offers itself through… The stories of a world of authors; The discoveries of a world of scientists; The experiences of a world of cultures; The insights of a world of philosophers; The studies of a world of sociologists; The imagery of a world of artists; The recipes of a world of chefs; The news of a world of journalists; The beliefs of a world of religions; The lessons of a world of historians; Th e sharing of lives of millions of people like you and me. Your Diversity at your public library is much more than an educational experience. Your library is also an public active participant that celebrates diversity within the library community. It’s a place where we can better understand diversity through a wide array of programs, lectures, celebrates‘‘ exhibits and events. Here are just a few of the highlights that await you at your public library. diversity within Celebrate African American History Month as your the community.‘‘ public library hosts African American Read-In programs at many locations. Enjoy Windell Campbell’s “Stories It’s a place where Alive,” tales as told by this highly acclaimed and animated storyteller. Listen to local African American studies everyone can scholar Emmett Coyne as he presents “A Synopsis of come together and Slavery: U.S. and Florida.” And join the public library book clubs as participants select and discuss a variety of books learn from one another. that address the topic of diversity. Check out this issue of Words calendar for more details and information about programs and events that celebrate the diverse community and world in which we live. Winter 2017 library.marioncountyfl.org words 3 REACH Across The 2017 Table Event to Facilitate Community Conversations BY KAREN M. JENSEN ver noticed how something magical occurs when people sit down to share a meal? Friends, families, neighbors Winners! E and even strangers begin to talk, share ideas, stories or Fine Arts Show maybe just the occurrences of the day. An easy camaraderie develops, and hidden or real barriers are typically removed by 1st Place: Hannah Smith, the simple act of breaking bread. ‘‘ Forest High School On Thursday, Jan. 25, the Racial Harmony and Cultural 2nd Place: Quinnan Piestrop, Awareness (REACH) Task Force will host a REACH Across the Dunnellon High School Table event from 5:30- 8 p.m. at the Silver Springs State Park 3rd Place: Brandon Champagne, banquet room. The purpose is to help generate meaningful conversations among people of different ethnic, religious and Vanguard High School political backgrounds using the dinner table as a medium. People’s Choice: Quinnan Piestrop, Dunnellon High When we can talk about the things School that divide us in a safe and respectful Writer’s Conference environment, we are more likely to 1st Place: Sarah Tomlinson, — Kathy Crile CPRP, develop solutions that work. City of Ocala Recreation Forest High School and Parks Director 2nd Place: Xyonn Solomon, According to committee chair Gerry Brent, “REACH Across Westport High School the Table is an unprecedented event in Marion County. It will bring a diverse group of people together to discuss issues, 3rd Place: Leah Rose, Marion obstacles and opportunities and start a dialogue in Marion Technical Institute County to foster racial equity and cultural harmony. “ Judges’ Choice: Taylor Robinson, ‘‘ This free event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a light mixer. Vanguard High School A buffet dinner, compliments of Mojo Grill & Catering, will be provided and all guests will receive a question to discuss Filmmaker’s Festival while enjoying their meal. The results of the table discus- 1st Place: Safe Haven, sions will be reported at the end of the evening and captured Max McCammon for future reference by the REACH Task Force. and Skyler Pittman, “This event is intended to start a conversation about is- Forest High School sues we face as a community as pertaining to racial equity and cultural harmony. We expect that this will be an annual 2nd Place: Storm Surge, event and that the topic of conversation will change from Logan Carhart, year to year. When we can talk about the things that divide us Lake Weir High School in a safe and respectful environment, we are more likely to 3rd Place: Remainder , Nich Rardin, develop solutions that work,” said Kathy Crile, CPRP, City of Vanguard High School Ocala Recreation and Parks Director. People’s Choice: WCAT Behind the The free event is open to the public. For more information Scenes, Ella Brookins, or reservations, call the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Maggie Crowe and Department at 352-368-5550 or visit reachocalamarion.org. Paige Ramsey, Deadline for reservations is Thursday, Jan. 18. Forest High School Cover and page art courtesy of publisher(s) and/or author(s). 4 words Winter 2017 library.marioncountyfl.org book Diversity Is Always on Display reviews at Your Public Library BY ERIN ARNOLD inding a balanced approach as walls we build between each other it pertains to understanding the can easily be torn down. F world around us can often be You will probably devour Claudia challenging. We are all influenced Rankine’s slim, but powerful, to one degree or another by what we “Citizen: an American Lyric” read, hear, learn and experience. By in one sitting, but her words and seeking out different perspectives, the cover image of an empty black we can become more enlightened and hoodie will stay with you much have a better awareness of this ever- longer. Nominated for the National changing world in which we live. The electoral map sorts us into red states and blue states, but in “The Big Sort: Why the Clustering of Like-Minded America Is Tear- ing Us Apart,” Bill Bishop examines how we are divided further—down to our neighborhoods, churches and the news channels we watch. As Trouble with Reality: A Rumina- we surround ourselves with people tion on Moral Panic in Our Time,” who think like we do, we become Gladstone examines how we make less open to our own reality in this the opinions post-truth, “fake news” era of others. and how we struggle as we According to interact with each other’s Bishop, elec- realities. tions are no A liberal from Berke- longer choices ley walks into a Tea Party between meeting in the Louisiana policies, but bayou. This is not the start bitter fights of a good joke, Book Award, between ways but the setting Rankine’s poems, of life. This for “Strangers essays and the book doesn’t in Their Own accompanying offer solu- Land: Anger multimedia images tions, but is an and Mourn- build up on each eye-opening look at divisiveness in ing on the American other to convey America.