Author Shane Evans Inspires Kids to Dream Big; Librarians Converge in Springfield for Conference; Learn to "Trash the Books" at Fall Book Sale
October 12, 2012 — African-American author and illustrator Shane Evans will visit the Library Station this week for two free events at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday in the Frisco Room.
The Kansas City-based Evans is the recipient of the American Library Association’s 2012 Coretta Scott King Award for his book “Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom.” He has written and/or illustrated numerous books about African-American history.
Evans’ 10 a.m. talk is for older teens, parents and educators interested in teaching children about world cultures. He will talk about creating books and the business of art publishing. Volunteers will provide a story time for children of adults attending the session.
At 1 p.m., his talk “Dream Big!” is especially for children in grades 4-8. Evans will combine storytelling and art projects as he talks about his own world travels that have influence his work.
His visit is sponsored by the Springfield African American Read-In Chain, the Library and several other organizations in partnership with the Missouri Humanities Council and with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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Perhaps you noticed an economic boomlet Oct. 3-5 in downtown Springfield? Some 340 librarians from across Missouri converged on University Plaza for the 2012 Missouri Library Association conference. They rented hotel rooms and discovered great downtown restaurants and night spots. By day, they grappled with issues that library users also care about including training librarians to help customers download free e-books on their readers, keeping up with technology and helping people find jobs.
Overheard: “If the librarians get wild this week, who will shush them?”
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The big Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale is coming Oct. 23-28 at Remington’s, 1655 W. Republic Road. Friends members and those who pay $5 at the door to join can shop early during Friends Night Preview Sale from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 22.
New this year, Friends member Becky Kheen will give two free sessions on “Trash the Books!” where she makes new treasures and décor from old books. She’ll be in the lobby 10 a.m.-noon Oct. 24 and noon-2 p.m. Oct. 27.
Still have books to donate? The Friends can’t take donated books at the sale. Just drop them off any day at any library branch during business hours.