Best of Friends Friends of the Durham Library Newsletter
Summer 2014
Children participate in a garden program at Southwest Regional.
How Do Our Gardens Grow?
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ith the recent launch of the Digging Durham Seed Library at three locations, Durham County residents and library patrons are experiencing new opportunities for learning. However, DCL has been encouraging patrons to dig in the dirt for years, with special focus on our younger population. Both the Friends and the Foundation have been great supporters of various garden programs for children and teens, and the fruits of their support can be seen throughout the system. There are currently three locations with developed gardens and regular programming geared towards children. Bragtown Library Family Literacy Center welcomes Master Gardener (and DCL Friends member) Melissa Young once a month for “What’s in Your Garden,” a program focused on toddlers and pre-schoolers. With Young’s guidance, the group learns about common garden tools and practices and helps to plant and groom the Bragtown garden. There was much excitement during a recent program when it was discovered that two tiny potatoes survived the winter months.
Both Southwest Regional and Stanford L. Warren Branch also welcome children to their gardens throughout the year with monthly programs. Southwest Regional incorporates a themed storytime and hands-on activity, targeting children ages 4-11. Through Durham Library Foundation, the House and Garden Club provided funding for this wonderful garden. Stanford L. Warren hosts a monthly Garden Club, also with the assistance of Young, with opportunities to learn many different aspects of gardening. These programs offer children a unique opportunity to connect with the library on multiple levels, allowing them to see the space as more than a building with books. They are eager to learn about the garden and are thrilled to see their seedlings grow and bloom. Most importantly, the library is educating future generations about the earth and sustainability. None of this would be possible without the support of the Friends and Foundation. Thank you for helping our gardens, and our patrons, grow!
The Library Family Board of Trustees Beck Tench, Chair Henry Felder, Vice Chair Crystal Dreisbach, Secretary Tamara Bynum Sandra Chambers Joe Hewitt Rosemarie Kitchin Shawn Miller Joyce Sykes Eve Marion, Friends Liaison Wendy Jacobs, BOCC Liaison
Upcoming Board of Trustees Meetings July 17, 2014, Stanford L. Warren September 18, 2014, Southwest Regional
Friends of the Durham Library Martha Scotford, President Jaime Danehey, Vice President Shayne Goodrum, Treasurer Janet W. Hessling, Secretary Betty Danielson Robert Colver Jane Goodridge Elizabeth Hayes Arlene Lutenegger Eve Marion Tina Oshinski Carol Owen Rob Rabb Leah Rutchick Lauren Spohrer Alan B. Teasley André Vann Carol Ann Walters Elsa Woods Angela Zoltners
Spotlight on Leadership: An Introduction to Two New Friends’ Board Members
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s organizations evolve, so often do their rosters of committees and board members, growing to fill vacancies and fulfill missions of service. The Friends of the Durham Library are delighted to introduce a couple of its new board members, Arlene Lutenegger and Tina Oshinski, who have joined bringing a wealth of new experiences and talents along with them. Arlene is a life-long advocate of libraries, and because of this interest, she returned to school in 2009 to earn a graduate degree in library science. As a former reference librarian, she taught information literacy at the University of Minnesota Libraries. She also volunteered and served as an intern at the Hennepin County Public Library System and Friends organization. Also while in Minneapolis, Arlene worked for many years as a licensed psychologist, treating clients with a variety of mental health disorders and serving on a speakers bureau. She served as an educational consultant, leading a small practice specializing in teaching courses on
college admissions processes and helping college-bound students and their families find good-fitting schools. She moved to Durham in 2011, and loves to jog, do yoga, knit and read in her spare time. Tina is a home health and hospice social worker, who has worked at Duke University for the past 17 years. Raised in Miami (and a loyal Miami Dolphins Fan), she received her Masters in Social Work from Florida State University. Another of her talents is bookkeeping, which she performs part-time for a small company. Tina has been married to her husband, Michael, for more than 30 years, and they have two daughters. No stranger to volunteer service, upon her arrival to Durham 30 years ago, she immediately began volunteering with various organizations in the area, including Durham County Library! Tina holds the distinction of being the library’s first OASIS volunteer. Her hobbies include attending musical theatre, and as an avid reader, Tina particularly enjoys mysteries.
Durham Library Foundation Phil Hutchings, President Steve Pike, Vice President Bonnie Cox, Treasurer Bessie Carrington, Secretary De (Diane Elizabeth) Cutshaw Dannette Daniels Frances Dyer Pierce Freelon Andrew Hutchings Tom Keller Anne Lloyd Bob Otterbourg Frances Rollins Elizabeth Townsend Anne Wright Beck Tench Board of Trustees Representative Betty Danielson Friends Representative Tammy Baggett, Library Director Best of Friends is published in support of Durham County Library, with primary expenses for printing and distribution paid by the Friends of the Durham Library. The newsletter is produced by the library’s Marketing & Development Division.
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Join Us for Lunch with the Director Friday, September 12, North Regional Friday, November 14, Main Library Lunch is from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.
Tammy Baggett
Registration is now open for the next installment of Lunch with the Director. Join Director Tammy Baggett for lunch, hear the latest DCL news, discuss what’s on the horizon and get answers to your questions about the library. Visit durhamcountylibrary.org/lunch and sign up for one of the following dates.
There are only five spaces available for each lunch, so sign up early! (One lunch per person, per year, please.) You may also submit your questions and comments in advance online so that the director will be prepared with answers. Lunch is provided, so all you need to bring is your passion for the library. Bon Appétit!
Funded by the Friends!
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ach year, the Friends select projects, programs and events to support. Here are just a few images of the progress:
1-2: Christine Grant, North Regional, and Jennifer Brannen, South Regional, proposed purchasing Chromebooks for teen programming in the Fall 2013 funding cycle. The Chromebooks have arrived and are being put to good use, especially with tech initiatives. 3-5: John Davis, Main, proposed adding miniature figures that represent diverse, pre-generated characters for Main’s monthly Dungeons & Dragons programs. Participants enjoyed the additions at the March event. 6: The first of three self-publishing workshops, proposed by Carter Cue at Stanford L. Warren, drew a large and responsive crowd.
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HOW TO DONATE BOOKS: The Friends of the Durham Library welcomes donations of books, audiobooks, CDs and DVDs, except for: encyclopedias, magazines, cassettes and condensed books. You may take your donation to any Durham County Library location during regular hours. Please bring large donations (more than one bag) to the Main Library garage on Tuesday mornings, between 9 a.m. and noon, when the Friends of the Durham Library are present and can help unload. For more info, visit: friendsofthedurhamlibrary.org. Friends of the Durham Library Newsletter 3
Adult & Humanities
Programs
Apr. - Jun. 2014 E x p a n d Yo u r K n o w l e d g e . . . E n g a g e i n C o n v e r s a t i o n . . . E x p e r i e n ce S o m e t h i n g N e w. . .
Humanities Programs at Durham County Library Brought to you with support from Durham Library Foundation. All programs are free and open to the public. Bullish on Durham: American Dance Festival Monday, Jun. 2, 7 p.m. Main Library
The American Dance Festival (ADF) starts June: 12. Learn about this Durham-based institution, one that the New York Post called “The world’s greatest dance festival.” Join Jodee Nimerichter, Director of ADF; Allen Roses, ADF Board Chair; Arthur Rogers, ADF Board Member; and Gaspard Louis, ADF Director of Creative Movement Outreach, for a lively discussion.
Impromptu Players In Performance!
Tuesday, Jun. 3, 7 p.m. Southwest Regional Library Impromptu Players is an improvisation troupe from Durham that uses the forms of InterPlay to create heartfelt stories, songs, poetry, music and dance on the spot from audience input.
Meet the Author: Trish Foxwell
Saturday, Jun. 7, 2 p.m. Southwest Regional Library Join journalist Trish Foxwell for a walk through the haunts, havens and homesteads of Southern writers as chronicled in her travel book, A Visitor’s Guide to the Literary South. Foxwell’s presentation includes a talk, film, Q&A and book signing.
Durham’s Other Founding Fathers
Sunday, Jun. 8, 3 p.m. Main Library Why was W.T. Blackwell called the “Father of Durham”? Why isn’t Durham named “Prattsburg,” if not “Pratfall”? What Durham institution started in a brush arbor, and what circuit-riding Methodist tried to found the town with no “ardent spirits” allowed? Find out why, what and who when Jim Wise, local historian, author and columnist, talks on the Bull City’s not-so-well-remembered founders.
Reception Honoring Mr. R. Kelly Bryant, Jr.
Saturday, Jun. 21, 3 p.m. Main Library Join the library’s North Carolina Collection for a reception honoring local historian and civil rights activist Mr. R. Kelly Bryant, Jr. City Councilman Eddie Davis emcees the tribute to Bryant, whose funeral programs and other papers from the 1930s to the present are housed in the NC Collection. These materials provide an invaluable record of Durham’s black community.
Cathedrals, Castles, Coal and Cod
Saturday, Jun. 28, 3 p.m. Main Library Durham, NC has enjoyed a warm and enduring relationship with the people of Durham, England since official ties began through Sister Cities International in 1989. Yorkshire tea and scones will be served. This program is co-sponsored by Durham UK Committee, Sister Cities of Durham.
Meet the Author: Jennifer Lohmann
Sunday, Jun. 29, 3 p.m. Southwest Regional Library Join DCL librarian and author Jennifer Lohmann for a reading from her new book, Weekends in Carolina. Maxine “Max” Backstrom is leasing an old tobacco farm in northern Durham County. Unfortunately, the new owner, Trey Harris, cannot sell the land fast enough. His life isn’t in North Carolina, but several weekends spent with Max convince him that his love may be living in Durham.
Meet the Author: Catherine W. Bishir
Sunday, Jul. 13, 3 p.m. South Regional Library Join Catherine W. Bishir, Architectural Records Special Collections at North Carolina State University Libraries, for a talk and discussion on her book, Crafting Lives: African American Artisans in New Bern, North Carolina, 1770-1900.
Meet the Black Mountain Poets!
Sunday, Jul. 20, 3 p.m. South Regional Library The Washington Street Writers Group – Beverly Fields Burnette, Sally Ann Drucker, Jan Z. Hilton, Richard Krawiec, Bruce Lader, Lenard D. Moore and Randy W. Pait – is back again. They will present the work of Black Mountain College Poets, including Gary Snyder, Robert Creeley, M. C. Richards, Denise Levertov, Charles Olson, Allen Ginsberg and others.
Meet the Author: Dr. Sally Rhine Feather
Tuesday, Jul. 22, 7 p.m. Main Library Join Dr. Sally Rhine Feather, retired director of the Rhine Research Center, as she shares ESP experiences from her book, The Gift: The Extraordinary Experiences of Ordinary People. Dr. Feather continues the work started in the 1930s by her father, J.B. Rhine, with a special interest in studying the psychic experiences reported by the general public.
For more information, call 919-560-0268 or visit durhamcountylibrary.org 4 Best of Friends Summer 2014
Friends Recognized as “Volunteer Group of the Month” by Atria Southpoint Walk
Friends of the Durham Library
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Thursday, June 12, 7:30 – 9 p.m.
eek after week, Cathy Elias works alongside other Friends volunteers to furnish the library’s book sales with donated literary treasures. As she shared her excitement about these ongoing activities with others in her retirement community, Atria Southpoint Walk, little did she know that her excitement was contagious! Those who were listening to Elias were certainly impressed, and decided to acknowledge the Friends for all that they do for the Durham community. After hearing about the volunteer efforts and projects initiated by the Friends, Regina McDuff, Engage Life Director of Atria, thought that the group should be honored for its work. “We started a program called ‘Adopt Durham’ to acknowledge the work of the many unsung heroes in Durham,” McDuff shared. The idea was to develop a program that didn’t focus as much upon the projects that local groups take on, but rather upon the groups themselves, to celebrate caregivers and those who serve in other capacities to help the greater Durham region.
Atria Southpoint Walk honored the Friends book sorters as “Volunteer Group of the Month” for March, presenting a lovely luncheon created by Atria’s Culinary Director for them to enjoy.
2014 Annual Meeting
Main Library Auditorium 300 N. Roxboro St., Durham NC 27701
All members of the Friends of the Durham Library are invited to attend.
Annual Meeting Agenda Atria has continued to l Election of Friends Board expand its commitment Officers for the 2014-2015 to the Friends, fiscal year periodically providing additional refreshments, l Approval of the 2014-2015 as well as serving as a Budget sponsor for the most l Reception for Friends recent book sale through Scholarship Recipients a large purchase of l Updates on projects DVDs. In addition to supported by funding from this support, McDuff the Friends noted another library partnership. Atria also RSVP and questions: benefits from having Dionne Greenlee a book stop on the 919-560-0190 premises provided by dgreenlee@dconc.gov OASIS, the library’s outreach program that specifically furnishes reading materials to places where seniors reside. “Atria Southpoint Walk simply loves the library,” McDuff said.
Large Book Donations Help Make Friends’ Spring Book Sale a Success
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n April, the Friends of the Durham Library launched its annual, three-day spring book sale, providing bargain hunters of all ages an opportunity to find good reads among thousands of books. However, the number of books found at any given sale depends on the donations of loyal library advocates. Without such donations, revenues generated by the book sales are adversely affected, which then negatively affects the amount of funding the Friends are able to contribute in support of much needed library services and resources. In a year that experienced a particularly low point in donations, the individuals who donated books, CDs and DVDs can’t be thanked enough.
Not only was there an increase in the number of general donations, many extremely large donations consisting of more than 1000 volumes each were received leading up to the book sale. This wave of support ensured that the spring sale would yet again be a success.
Once the Friends determined that donations were lacking in late 2013, a call for action went out in December asking the greater Durham community to consider cleaning out their unwanted books early to help increase the number of volumes available. The support received was record setting.
In case you’re in the midst of your annual spring cleaning regimen, it is never too late to donate books, CDs and DVDs to the library! Contact Dionne R. Greenlee at dgreenlee@dconc.gov, or by phone at 919.560.0190 to coordinate a large donation.
The Friends would like to take this opportunity to send out a special thanks to all who supported the group with their donations – both large and small. It is through your generosity that the Friends are able to pass along books for others to enjoy, while providing financial support to Durham County Library.
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C A M P A I G N
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The Halcyon Club: Still Strong After 100+ Years From The North Carolina Collection Durham County Library “The first thought of forming the Halcyon Club originated around a card table in the Spring of 1910. This game was in the home of Mrs. William Morris, better known as Mrs. Buck Morris, who was a great card player and entertainer. At that time “bridge-whist” had swept the country, supplanting all other card games such as plain whist, euchre, hearts, etc and generally only those playing “bridge” were among those present. During this particular afternoon four of the guests at one table (Mrs. Alphonsus Cobb, Mrs. Morris, Mrs. Thom Bost and Mrs. Paul Taylor) were regretting the fact that several of their closest friends were never at these parties due to the fact they did not play “bridge.” One of the four advanced the idea that if they had a literary club, similar to the two literary clubs then in existence in Durham, they could include their non-bridge playing friends and have a very enjoyable club as well.
The second meeting was most business like. All business left from the previous meeting having been disposed of, the last important item on the agenda – the club’s name was taken up. Not every member had come armed with a name, but a half dozen or more suggestions were advanced. Time has erased the memory of many of them but among those brought forward were Entre Nous, Pandora, Halcyon and the Young Matrons. One of the members had formerly lived in Eastern Carolina and knew of a Cotillion club called the Halcyon. Since the meaning of the work carried the thought of peace and happiness, the name Halcyon appealed most to the majority and was so chosen. As you know, the Halcyon is a mythical bird, akin to the kingfisher, who is supposed always to bring calm and peace to the seas when he settles down on the waves and troubled waters. However, through the ages the name has become associated with anything meaning peace, pleasure or happiness. …As one by one the original twelve were withdrawn, they were replaced by other bright, energetic and interesting women so that at no time has the progress of the Club faltered or shown weakness. On the contrary, with the passing years it has waxed and grown stronger, passed its apprenticeship and growing pains and become one of Durham’s oldest and most substantial clubs.” -Mrs. C.C. Thomas, 1931
Members of the Halcyon Club at the Spring Luncheon, May 2012
After a general discussion it was agreed that a book club was more to their liking. They had no desire to be highbrows, the other two clubs were covering that field most successfully, so the deep question was what kind of “low brows” to be. Finally, a definite plan was evolved. It would be a book club which would meet once a month throughout the year, each meeting beginning with a luncheon. 6 Best of Friends Summer 2014
The Halcyon Club continues to be one of Durham’s “oldest and most substantial clubs” in 2014. They have also continued a tradition that started many, many years ago. To this day, the Halcyon Club supports Durham County Library and now, Durham Library Foundation. We are very grateful for this support that helps all in our community. The Halcyon Club continues to bring “peace, pleasure and happiness” to many Durham County Library patrons!
Farewell to Bessie Carrington & Steve Pike Bessie Carrington is a co-founder of Durham Library Foundation, currently serving as Treasurer. She has been an excellent steward of every penny given to the Foundation, asking tough questions regarding expenditures to make sure that donor monies are well spent. Bessie and her Bessie and Paul husband, Paul, are preparing to embark on a new adventure by moving closer to her family in Maryland. The impetus for Durham Library Foundation grew out of challenges that Bessie faced as a member and as chair of the Library Board of Trustees. Tired of hearing “there is no money for that,” when trying to obtain new books or services for Durham County Library, Bessie and several others created the Foundation. Her vision is solidly reflected in the Foundation’s mission to “raise funds to provide a margin of excellence for the Durham County Library.” Over the years, that “margin of excellence” has provided new computers, books, Summer Reading support, stellar Humanities programming and help for Digging Durham, a free seed library at the library. The “margin of excellence” has changed lives in Durham County. Bessie (BA, Texas; AMLS, Michigan) has worked as a librarian in a government agency, urban and branch public libraries. She and Paul came to Durham in 1978, and she retired from Duke University after serving as a Reference Librarian. She enjoys gardening (taking a very practical approach), reading and has served on the League of Women Voters for many years at both the local and state levels. She has four children and eight grandchildren.
Stephen (Steve) Pike currently serves as Vice President on the Board of Durham Library Foundation, where his wit and financial knowledge have brought humor and a solid understanding of financial realms. He is an “out of the box” thinker who has served the Foundation and Durham County Library quite well. Prior to joining Investors Title in 2003 to launch the company’s trust and investment management business, Steve managed both employee benefit departments and personal trust sales and administration in previous positions. He has lived in Atlanta, New York and Charlotte, but now resides in Durham with his wife, Nancy, and two of their four children. Steve is active in the community and has served on the boards of the CCB Foundation, the Durham Historical Preservation Society (treasurer), the Vestry of St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church (treasurer), and the Durham Educational Network (Development Chair). Currently, Steve is also serving on the Board Steve Pike of Carolina Meadows as Chairperson and is the Treasurer of the NC Mayflower Society. An avid golfer and fisherman, Steve enjoys these activities as often as possible. While we hope that Steve will have more time to devote to these pursuits,we know that he will still be engaged as a supporter of Durham Library Foundation!
In her own words: “Where does the time go? It gets sucked up by reading the newspapers, reading the email, responding to email, deleting the email, walking the dogs, admiring the birds at the feeders, listening to music, letting the garden alone, feeding the fish in the ponds, and trying not to let the powers in Raleigh get our goat. But the best part of our time is well spent, for and about and with family and friends. We hope you are doing that as well.” Thank you for everything, Bessie!
Earn Your Stripes by donating $10 today to Durham Library Foundation. Text STRIPES to 20222 or scan the QR code. A one-time donation of $10.00 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Donor must be age 18+ and all donations must be authorized by the account holder (e.g. parents). By texting YES, the user agrees to the terms and conditions.
Friends of the Durham Library Newsletter 7
Nonprofit org. U.S. Postage PAID Durham, NC Permit No. 312
P.O. Box 3809 Durham, NC 27702
durhamcountylibrary.org
Friends of the Durham Library Membership:
Become a member of the Friends of the Durham Library or renew your membership:
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Type of Membership: Memberships expire in one year (except Life memberships) q Family $25 q Senior (over 65) $10 q Sustaining $50 q Life $300 q Adult $15 q Youth (18 and younger) $5 q Patron $100 q Additional gift of
Please make your check payable and mail to Friends of the Durham Library, PO Box 3809, Durham, NC 27702. Questions: Dionne Greenlee (919-560-0190 or dgreenlee@dconc.gov). Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Donations of $25 or more to the Foundation include membership in the Friends of the Durham Library.
To Make a Donation to Durham Library Foundation:
Yes, a stronger library makes a stronger Durham. Here’s my contribution! q $30 q $50 q $75 q $150 q $250 q Other
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Please make your check payable and mail to Durham Library Foundation, PO Box 3809, Durham, NC 27702. Questions, bequests & other planned giving needs: Alice Sharpe (919-560-0193 or asharpe@dconc.gov).
Donate online any time at durhamlibraryfoundation.org
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