A M AGA Z I N E O F F O R SY T H C O U N T Y P U B L I C L I B R A RY
INTERSECTIONS
C O N N E CT I N G P E O P L E & P U R P O S E T H R O U G H L I B R A RY S E R V I C E
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FCPL SUPPORTS CUSTOMERS ON THE PATH TO
DIGITAL EQUITY 8
NEW BOOKMARKS INITIATIVE CHAMPIONS COMMUNITY
10 Q&A WITH WS/FCS SUPERINTENDENT ABOUT NEW LIBRARY PARTNERSHIP
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THE CHEROKEE PRINCESS MYTH
FALL/WINTER 2021
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
SEPTEBER
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Music & Movement (Central – Children’s Room)
beginning Oct. 4
Thursdays at 11 a.m. Forsyth Central Children’s Library is offering a Music and Movement program, which engages participants in light physical activity. Registration is required. There are a limited number of slots for this program. Please call 336-703-3040 to register.
Limited Browsing and Borrowing Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Grandparents Storytime (Malloy/Jordan East Winston Heritage Center)
Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. Happy Grandparent’s Day Storytime. This is a special program to build bonds between grandparents and their grandchildren, who are 3-8 years old. The first 15 families who sign up and invite their grandparents to attend storytime will receive a birdhouse napkin holder kit.
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Soil Health (Shallowford Square Park Pavilion) Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. Healthy soil is the secret to successful gardens and lawns. Cameron Waters and Celine Richard of the NC Cooperative Extension Forsyth County Center will teach participants the benefits of soil testing and the steps to building healthy soil. To sign up contact Sue at deguzmse@forsyth.cc.
Backyard Bulbs (Rural Hall Branch) Monday, Sept. 20 at 4 p.m. Join Leslie Rose from NC Cooperative Extension and learn what bulbs will bring beautiful color to your garden. Learn the best bulbs to plant during the fall, how to plant them, and the best fertilizer to use. Register to Brittney Barbour at 336-703-2970.
OCTOBER
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DIY Coconut Coffee Sugar Scrub Creation (Paddison Memorial Branch) Friday, Oct. 1 at 3 p.m. Join us to celebrate National Coffee Day and make your own DIY coconut coffee sugar scrub. This easyto-make exfoliating body scrub is perfect for those who want cruelty-free, natural skin care products. Space is limited and sign-up is required. Please contact Lara Goldstein at 336-703-2932 or email Goldstlb@forsyth.cc to sign up for this DIY program.
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Locations and Hours
To-Go Service Hours Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Branches Carver School Road Branch 4915 Lansing Dr. Winston-Salem, N.C. 27105 336-703-2910
Disaster Preparedness for Seniors and Senior Caregivers (part of Red Cross Week at Lewisville Branch) Tuesday, Oct. 26 at 11 a.m. What is your plan in an emergency or natural disaster? The Red Cross will show you how to create a preparedness plan that addresses important considerations for seniors and senior caregivers. Learn how you can become “Red Cross Ready.” To register, email Sue at deguzmse@forsyth.cc or call 336-703-2940.
Rural Hall Branch 7125 Broad St. Rural Hall, N.C. 27045 336-703-2970
Walkertown Branch 2969 Main St. Walkertown, N.C. 27051 336-703-2990
Clemmons Branch 6365 James Street Clemmons, N.C. 27012 336-703-2920
Youth Mini-Libraries Ken Carlson Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club 2100 Reynolds Park Rd. Winston-Salem, N.C. 27107 336-788-6563
Paddison Memorial Branch in Kernersville 248 Harmon Lane Kernersville, N.C. 27284 336-703-2930
YWCA Best Choice Center 1031 E. 11th St. Winston-Salem, N.C. 27101 336-722-0597
Lewisville Branch 6490 Shallowford Rd. Lewisville, N.C. 27023 Phone: 336-703-2940
Spooky Stories Virtual Campfire (virtual) Oct. 27 at 4 p.m. Celebrate the spooky season with a virtual campfire and creepy stories. The week before pick up a grab-and-go bag with creepy craft ideas and your own LED candle. Supplies are limited. Call 336-7032970 or email schermmg@forsyth.cc to register.
Visionboarding/Collaging (Reynolda Manor Branch) Second Tuesdays of the month beginning Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m. Create vision boards using the technique of collage, with images and words that spark your motivation and remind you of your values, goals, or dreams. Supplies provided. Register at 336703-2960 or falkowsz@forsyth.cc.
Reynolda Manor Branch 2839 Fairlawn Dr. Winston-Salem, N.C. 27106 336-703-2960
Southside Branch 3185 Buchanan St. Winston-Salem, N.C. 27127 336-703-2980
Central Library 660 W. Fifth St. Winston-Salem, N.C. 27101 336-703-2665
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Malloy/Jordan East Winston Heritage Center 1110 E. Seventh St. Winston-Salem, N.C. 27101 336-703-2950
NOVEMBER
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Holiday DIY Cards & Tags (Rural Hall Branch) Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. Make your own beautiful cards and tags perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holidays. Register to Brittney Barbour at 336-703-2970.
Author Ash Davidson (Virtual) Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. Join us for a virtual author with Ash Davidson as she discusses her debut novel, “Damnation Spring.”
Continues on back cover.
INTER SECTIONS
FALL/WINTER 2021
C O N N E CT I N G P E O P L E & P U R P O S E T H R O U G H L I B R A RY S E R V I C E
CONTENTS
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FEATURES 4
FCPL Supports Customers on the Path to Digital Equity Q&A adapted from the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) blog
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New Books With Purpose Initiative Champions Community Q& A with Jamie Rogers Southern, Bookmarks Executive Director
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Q&A with WS/FCS Superintendent New library partnerships
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The Cherokee Princess Myth Finding your Hispanic and Native American ancestors
DEPARTMENTS 2
From the Director Brian Hart discusses library cards and community
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What’s Current Behind the stacks: hold tight, we’ve got you
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Library Re-Imagined Three staff members talk about what they love about their specialized library work
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From the Bookshelf Kaleidoscope of culture
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People & Purpose From our friends
Intersections is printed three times a year. Please direct comments or suggestions to Mary Giunca, public information officer, at 336-703-3019, or giuncams@forsyth.cc. DESIGN: Amanda King | PHOTOGRAPHY: Library Staff, Amanda King | Writers: Yolanda Bolden, Brian Hart, Lara Luck and Grace May On the cover: The entrance sign at Reynolda Manor.
FROM THE DIRECTOR
On Sept. 2, the Forsyth County Commissioners passed a resolution in support of September being National Library Card Sign-Up Month. (from left): Commissioner Don Martin, Director Brian Hart, Deputy Director Elizabeth Skinner and Assistant Director Yolanda Bolden.
Library Cards and Community
“Library cards have remained essential school supplies and libraries themselves continue to evolve and show up in support of the communities they serve.”
SINCE 1987 National Library Card Sign-Up Month has been celebrated in September to mark the beginning of the school year and denote the significance of every student and/or household having access to the invaluable resource. In the three decades since the first Library Card Sign-Up Month was celebrated, library cards have remained essential school supplies and libraries themselves continue to evolve and show up in support of the communities they serve. I believe this to be particularly true of Forsyth County Public Library and our team. As the theme for Library Card Sign-Up Month this year is empowerment, we are happy to support school readiness and academic achievement with access to print and digital materials. We also offer an array of classes and events such as job and career counseling, fitness and nutritional literacy programs, art exhibits, author visits, informative panel discussions and the list goes on. While we are proud of these classes and events, we also acknowledge that we could not do it alone and are excited that this issue of Intersections allows us to feature and share news about some of the community partnerships that help our team to grow and thrive. Whether it is the relationships we have with staff throughout Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, the ongoing support we receive from our various Friends of the Library groups or the common interest we share with Bookmarks of celebrating our love of literature, we know that partnerships help us extend our reach and capacity to provide better service to residents, enhance the overall quality of life in the County and advance our shared goals across the community. We hope that you enjoy reading about these collaborations and that you find an event, a resource or reading recommendation that empowers you along the way. I | S All the best, BRIAN HART, director
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WHAT’S CURRENT
Behind the Stacks HOLD TIGHT, WE’VE GOT YOU CARDINALS ARE YEAR-ROUND residents of North Carolina and are likely found in your backyard. But the ubiquitous cardinal is not only the state bird of North Carolina, it’s also our state library system’s name. By participating in the NC Cardinal network of libraries, Forsyth County Public Library customers have access to 44 member libraries that share books. Our combined catalog includes 7.4 million items. That $80 book on 1800s fashion that you’ve been eyeing? We can get that. Or maybe you’re into fruitcake cookbooks (we’re not here to judge). We can get that too. When you place an item on hold, either through the library website or a staff member, it triggers a request for that item in our computer system. If it’s an item we have in Forsyth County, a staff member pulls it off the shelf and sends it to your branch. We have dedicated staff members — couriers — whose job it is to get all of those items to and fro. For items that we don’t have in Forsyth County, we do something different. You might be imagining a plucky bookmobile driving from the mountains to the beach, but the reality is less exciting. We send and receive all outof-county items through UPS. Between July 2020 and June 2021, we sent and received almost 183,000 items. That breaks down to about 20 boxes coming in and 30 going out every day. Our staff pack and unpack every box, and frankly
our biceps are looking quite toned these days. That’s not counting the hundreds of items per day that our staff deliver around the county to fill holds. Sometimes customers ask about their place in line for their hold. The answer is ... well, you may receive a deerin-the-headlights look. We never like to say that we don’t know something, but we have what we refer to as an “opportunistic” holds system that’s more complicated than you might think. When you check out the newest John Grisham bestseller from your local branch and return it there, the copy goes to the next person waiting for it at that location. But if you happen to drop it off at the branch across town, it will go to the next person on the list at that location. This can work in your favor too, if you are the one waiting for it at the branch across town. If you happen to return Nicholas Sparks’ newest book to a library where no one is waiting for it, that book will then go to the person who has been waiting the longest, regardless of their location (though items always go to Forsyth County patrons first). If you’ve ever been sitting at home searching the online catalog, and you see that brand new book on knitting with cat hair that you want (yes, that book exists), you get excited and try to place it on hold, only to be thwarted by an error message telling you that the item can’t travel this far.
NC Cardinal by the Numbers 44 library systems participate, from Alexander to Yancey counties
7.4 million items in the Cardinal catalog 183,000 items came to FCPL from
Cardinal libraries between July 2020-June 2021
The reason? When NC Cardinal libraries get new materials, they’re available only to their own patrons for a six month period. This assures that the users of the library who actually purchased that item get a chance to check it out. If you see something in the catalog that you want but can’t get, you can always request that we purchase a copy through our website. If we’re able to get a copy, we’ll put it on hold for you. At the end of the day, we just want to make our customers happy. There’s nothing quite like the look on a kid’s face when they get their hands on the next book in their favorite series, and those are the kind of moments that make us love working at the library. I | S — JAMIE STROBLE, audiovisual librarian
FALL/WINTER 2021 3
Adapted from the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) blog, which was originally published on Aug. 17, 2021.
Walking Alongside Forsyth County Customers on the Path to
Q&A WITH FORSYTH COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY’S DIRECTOR BRIAN D. HART; ELIZABETH J. SKINNER, DEPUTY LIBRARY DIRECTOR AND HARWEDA COE, ORGANIZATIONAL INITIATIVES AND INNOVATION MANAGER ABOUT THE LIBRARY’S DIGITAL INCLUSION AND EQUITY LEADERSHIP.
(below) Keniah Lee, a sophomore at Atkins High School works on a public computer at the Reynolda Manor branch. (right) Library Director Brian Hart helps Sylvia Britt format an important document.
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FALL/WINTER 2021 5
How has the past year-and-a-half changed the library’s understanding of local digital needs and your role in meeting those needs? BRIAN D. HART: Having to navigate the past year of COVID-19 restrictions and social unrest as a library committed to community engagement, inclusion and lifelong learning has been particularly challenging. In an effort to address inequities, our bookmobile staff began visiting impacted neighborhoods and shopping centers to offer wireless connectivity and materials to students and families who might have otherwise gone without. Additionally, in the midst of the pandemic, the library began offering an online library card that made all library materials, and particularly online resources, more accessible to all county residents. Our Computer Training Bridge (CTB) program began hosting online programs and trainings in small groups which enabled customers to received personalized assistance on topics of their choosing.
The library has also become a more active participant and partner in the Forsyth County Digital Equity Steering Committee, which is exploring the lack of internet and computer access in low-income neighborhoods. ELIZABETH J. SKINNER: FCPL has always placed a high priority on digital access for the public. We offered the first public computer access in the state of North Carolina through the Adult Continuing Education program at the Central Library in December of 1981. Digital access grew through a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2001, when a Computer Learning Center was created at the Central Library and public computer access increased at the branch libraries. Computer Training Bridge (CTB) is an award-winning program run in collaboration with WinstonNet to create community knowledge centers in churches and other community spaces that would offer computer access and training to individuals in under-resourced areas. Volunteer trainers have played an important role in the success of computer classes taught at the Central Library, branch libraries and com-
“We offered the first public computer access in the state of North Carolina.”
(below) Alan Katzer searches the internet from one of the Reynolda Manor branch’s public computers. (right) Rhonda Smith, the Computer Training Bridge coordinator/project director, teaches a class on how to use the Zoom platform.
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munity knowledge centers. Before COVID-19, the library produced a monthly print calendar of weekly classes and provided an online CTB portal. During the pandemic, the CTB staff continued to offer training through Zoom. HARWEDA COE: The Computer Training Bridge (CTB) is a free, curriculumbased library outreach program focused on promoting digital literacy in Forsyth County. The library has invested heavily in bridging the digital divide gap, and partnering with WinstonNet has helped reduce the gap. Through the WinstonNet partnership, the CTB program provides training throughout 40 labs in the community, which consist of public libraries, recreation centers, churches and nonprofits.
RELATED PROGRAMS
During May 2021, the Forsyth County Public Library partnered with the State Library of North Carolina to meet the digital needs of community members using the Digital Navigators service model. How does this partnership align with, and extend, the library’s existing efforts and priorities for meeting local digital needs?
Job and Career Resources at the Library Sept. 21, Oct. 20, Nov. 16 at 10:30 a.m. and Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m. Central Library’s Computer Learning Center
Research and prepare for a new job or career using library resources. Learn about tools you can use to explore careers, research companies, write your resume, improve your interview skills and prepare for educational and occupational exams.
Lunch and Learn On Google Drive (Virtual) Sept. 23 and Oct. 28 at 12:30 p.m. On Gmail (Virtual) Sept. 23 and Oct. 28 at 12:30 p.m.
BRIAN D. HART: The partnership with the State Library’s Digital Navigators program aligns perfectly with FCPL’s approach to digital inclusion as we regularly host technology trainings in settings and on a variety of topics that respond directly to the needs, interests and varied learning styles of our users. ELIZABETH J. SKINNER: One key role that FCPL has reclaimed in opening the doors of our 10 library locations is that of teaching in the use of technology. Nearly every front-line staff — from librarians to library assistants to library tech pages — assist customers with integrating library technology with their devices, including laptops, iPads/tablets and smartphones. From accessing the library’s downloadable collection through the Libby app, to searching library databases or attending a virtual program, library staff members are always on the front lines to help. Additionally, every library location offers public computer access where individuals can search for employment, apply for jobs and develop resumes. I | S
Introduction to Udemy (Virtual) Sept. 7 and Oct. 5 at 11:30 a.m., Sept. 15 at 3 p.m. and Oct. 12 at 3:30 p.m. Get access to over 4,000 online courses in marketing, IT operations, project management, HR and more.
Lounging with the Library: Reinventing Yourself in the Pandemic Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.
This program is a part of the Library’s Read to Right Wrongs series and will feature a panel discussion on how people are reinventing themselves and acquiring new technology-related skills during the pandemic and the challenges that they face.
Join us for these short afternoon sessions to learn tips and tricks to help you become more tech savvy. FALL/WINTER 2021 7
FCPL STAFF Q&A WITH JAMIE ROGERS SOUTHERN,
Bookmarks Executive Director, About the Organization’s New BOOKS WITH PURPOSE Initiative
Films with Purpose features a conversation before the film, “BOSS, the Black Experience in Business.” This program was held at Bookmarks in partnership with RiverRun International Film Festival. 8 INTERSECTIONS MAGAZINE
(left) Yusef Salaam, author of “Better, Not Bitter.” (right) Books with Purpose Junteenth Storytime at Bookmarks.
What are the initiative’s primary goals?
To have a community dialogue about race, using the works of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, Jason Reynolds, and Sonja Cherry-Paul on antiracism as a starting point.
Q
How many organizations assisted or were involved with Books with Purpose Initiative?
37 organizations.
Q
Overall, what have you been most pleased with about the initiative?
Mostly, I have been pleased with the enthusiasm we’ve received from the community. Several organizations reached out wanting to know how to get involved and how to support the program. We knew we could never reach all the groups in the community who could participate, but did our best to engage as many different groups as possible. It was great to have so many of those groups say yes, they want to be involved, even if they weren’t sure in what capacity. It has been great to see so many different types of events happening all over the community, throughout the summer, and I think everyone who has participated in some way has learned something.
Q
Are there particular programs that stand out?
There are so many programs that have happened over the past couple of months, I would not want to single any one specific event out. I love how some groups did multiple events or an ongoing series. Others worked together to produce events and I think that was especially rewarding to see.
Q
Have you received any specific feedback or comments from the community that supported the need for the initiative? I think it is important to note that Bookmarks is not the leader in this arena and that there are so many groups in town who’ve been working much longer to eliminate racism and educate the community. Our focus was on how to bring all of those groups together for one initiative. I thought that working together we could make a greater impact over the course of the summer. Putting everything under the “Books with Purpose” banner allowed for a greater awareness of all the wonderful opportunities available that our community offers on a regular basis.
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If there are other thoughts/ideas you have that you’d like for us to include, please don’t hesitate to share them. We’re excited to feature several events at the Bookmarks festival for kids and adults that will tie in to Books With Purpose. Especially the keynote closing event with Dr. Yusef Salaam that will be moderated by Brian Hart. I | S
FEATURED EVENT
Q
“Better, Not Bitter: Living on Purpose in the Pursuit of Racial Justice” Sept. 26 at 4 p.m.
Yusef Salaam, one of the Exonerated Five speaks with Director Brian Hart about his memoir, “Better, Not Bitter: Living on Purpose in the Pursuit of Racial Justice.”
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CLASS Access program debuts on Monday, Oct. 11. Connecting Libraries And Students for Success (CLASS) allows students in the WS/FCS school system to access the Forsyth County Public Library system’s resources through their student ID numbers.
Q&A with Brian Hart and Tricia McManus DIRECTOR BRIAN HART AND WINSTON-SALEM/FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT TRICIA MCMANUS DISCUSS THE NEW LIBRARY AND SCHOOL SYSTEM PARTNERSHIP, AND NEW CLASS ACCESS PROGRAM
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Superintendent Tricia McManus serves as a substitute teacher at Ibraham Elementary School.
“This partnership is a fantastic way to connect our students with our libraries, without boundaries.”
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hat made you decide to go into education? Was there a specific moment or special teacher that inspired you?
I grew up in a family of educators. Both of my parents had degrees in education. My father was a lifelong teacher and coach and with a family of eight, my mother really used her degree to raise all eight of us children. I spent a lot of time, especially in the summer, with my dad. He was always teaching. He held summer programs, team practices, and other events. Teaching is simply in my blood, and I felt called to be an educator. In high school, we had a teacher that all the students loved. Even if you didn’t have Ms. Olga Barnes as your teacher, she knew you. She sang to people on birthdays and special occasions. She did spontaneous cheers to lead and support our athletes. She made school, and particularly her classroom, fun. I knew I wanted to be like her. She was inspirational, motivational, and relevant. That’s the kind of teacher and role model I have always aspired to be. As for what inspires me today, it’s the students. The relationships with them and seeing them succeed reinforces why I do what I do.
Entering what will be your first full academic year as Superintendent for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, what are some of your primary goals? Literacy, literacy, literacy! One of my main goals is for every school to have 90 percent or more of third graders reading proficiently by the year 2025. We are calling it 90 by 25 (90x25). Students learning how to read and loving to read is really my main priority. That, coupled with the fact that every day I think about keeping kids safe. We can’t forget about COVID, but I am so excited to start what promises to be an entire year with in-person learning. Another primary goal is to continue to focus on building relationships and creating school environments that are positive, reinforcing places. We want to close achievement gaps and build schools that are student-centered in all ways.
Schools and libraries have always worked collaboratively for the benefit of students and communities. What hopes do you have for the partnership between WS/FCS and FCPL, now that we have formalized our relationship with a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU)? I am so excited for our students because I know that this partnership will allow every one of our students to access the many resources available to them through the public library. It will strengthen their learning and hopefully build a love for lifelong reading. This partnership is a fantastic way to connect our students with our libraries, without boundaries. It means opening doors to many more books and endless resources. I hope that as we work to build those lifelong learners and readers, we build a relationship with our community libraries that many of our students have Tricia McManus never had.
Our signed MOU sets the foundation for the Connecting Libraries And Students for Success (CLASS) access program, which will allow WS/FCS students to access public library resources through their student ID numbers. Are there other new programs or initiatives that WS/FCS is launching this year? This partnership enables all students to easily connect through their student ID, and I believe that will level the playing field for all students. That access ties in beautifully to our 90x25 reading initiative mentioned earlier. That new initiative will only be successful with community
McManus leads a music class at Ibraham Elementary School.
partners like the public library. This is truly a community effort that will rally everyone behind our readers of all ages.
What are you reading these days for fun? For me, I look at ways to strengthen my professional practices as fun. Maybe a little odd or dull, I know, but the topic of learning and leadership is fun for me. My most current read is “The Motive” by Patrick Lencioni. It’s a fable about redefining leadership.
Being a superintendent for a school district this size is a huge job. How do you make it manageable? I walk and I eat! I live very close to downtown, and I enjoy walking on the weekends and taking in the vibrancy downtown Winston-Salem has to offer. My family is also a major source of fun. We are all very close. Aside from that, I am somewhat of a foodie! I love a good restaurant and have enjoyed getting to try out and learn all the incredible restaurants this community has to offer. I also have found it exciting to meet so many new people along the way — people that represent a diverse community truly invested in the success of our children. I | S
RELATED EDUCATION EVENTS Getting Ready for the SAT/ACT (Virtual) Monday, Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. Learn what you need to know about taking the ACT/SAT. Free and open to the public. To register, email Mia Jordan at jordanmc@forsyth.cc.
Paying for College – FAFSA/Scholarships (Virtual) Monday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. Learn how to apply for financial aid and scholarships to pay for college. Free and open to the public. To register, email Mia Jordan at jordanmc@forsyth.cc.
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The Cherokee Princess Myth FINDING YOUR HISPANIC AND NATIVE AMERICAN ANCESTORS THIS FALL, we celebrate the heritage of our Hispanic and Native American communities — their contributions, histories, and cultures. Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 marks Hispanic Heritage month, while celebrations for Native Americans fall in November. At the library, we are highlighting these heritage months by offering two new programs, Hispanic Genealogy and Native American Genealogy. research conducted by the author, who describes the Latino migration to North Carolina during more recent history but also includes more historic migrations and the Spanish and English travels in North Carolina. Many genealogy questions are answered by finding records like death certificates or passenger lists, but we can’t forget to think outside the box. You can also research the history of the location or time period your ancestor lived. It could explain why an ancestor moved or opened a business. Using books like “The Latino Migration Experience in North Carolina” can help to paint a more colorful picture of what life was like for your ancestor or give you questions to ask your living relatives. I | S
Many genealogy questions are answered by finding records like death certificates or passenger lists, but we can’t forget to think outside the box.
— GRACE MAY, NC collection special collections librarian UPCOMING PROGRAMS
Hispanic Genealogy will cover how to do research using Spanish genealogy terms, Latin American or Spanish records, and looking at countries that have high immigration rates to the United States, in particular North Carolina. Native American Genealogy will cover how to use different types of records specific to Native Americans, special terminology, and different North Carolina tribes and their locations. The search for native heritage can be hard and timeconsuming, especially depending on the tribe. Native American ancestry is rich in this state, which boasts the tribes of the Eastern Cherokee, Lumbee, Catawba, and more. Tribal nations not only make up the heritage for Native Americans but for Hispanic people as well. While often thought of as completely separate identities, Hispanic people usually have some native roots mixed with European. The tribes their ancestors belonged to might differ and so will the records. DNA testing companies, like Ancestry or 23andMe, will give rough estimates of Native American heritage, but the responsibility for finding an actual indigenous ancestor rests with the genealogist. Often, especially in North Carolina, it seems like every family has a story of Native American ancestry. This phenomenon is called the “Cherokee princess myth” where families pass down stories of Native American ancestry (typically a Cherokee princess), but no other proof. I had this story in my family. It was said that my great, great, great, great — oh wait — I lost count, grandma was the daughter of a Native American chief or at least a member of the tribe. It was never said what tribe and no one ever explained beyond that. When looking into this years later, it became clear to me how unlikely it was that this ancestor was Native American. She was more likely of English descent. It was just an old story passed down through the family due to my ancestor’s unusual maiden name of Truelove. I was able to find this out from research into the census records, as well as deeds and wills, but those with actual Native American ancestry could find ancestors on special censuses, annuity rolls, allotment records, and more. One resource I would recommend for anyone interested in Hispanic genealogy is “The Latino Migration Experience in North Carolina: New Roots in the Old North State” by Hannah Gill. It is based on 21st-century
Hispanic Heritage Month: All About Alebrijes Sept. 21 at 5:30 p.m.
Learn all about alebrijes and how to create your own with Tina H. Smith from WFU’s Museum Of Anthropology in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. A limited number of craft supply packets are available for pickup at the Lewisville Branch Library ahead of the program. To register, email Mia Jordan at jordanmc@forsyth.cc.
Hispanic/Native American Heritage Month-Related Program Hispanic Genealogy (Virtual) Oct. 5 at 6 p.m.
Have you ever wondered about your Hispanic heritage? Learn about different types of records, specific Spanish terminology, and different countries that relate to Hispanic genealogy. FALL/WINTER 2021 13
LIBRARY RE-IMAGINED
Leave your Mark Program — TELL US YOUR STORY IN THE LAST YEAR, we’ve all have amassed experiences and gained memories that have changed our perspectives. The Forsyth County Public Library would like you to share your story with us. We want to collect, archive and provide access to stories, perspectives and experiences in our “Leave Your Mark: Tell Us Your Story” collection. This fall, each library location will have blank books for checkout. In the book, we ask that you share memories and perspectives, poems or artwork of what 2020 meant to you. Submissions are limited to one full page. The project’s goal is to reflect our wonderfully diverse community and preserve real life memories for future generations.
FCPL debuted Leave Your Mark at the 2013 community read program, On The Same Page. Library customers were asked to share their thoughts about that year’s selection with personal writings and drawings. That program was popular with the community, and library management wanted to bring back the program after what has been a historic year. Leave Your Mark is an effort to connect us by providing an opportunity to showcase the power of our community as well as to discover more about each other. Please visit our website, forsythlibrary.org for more information. I | S — YOLANDA BOLDEN, assistant director
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For questions and more information, ask a librarian for assistance or contact us at 336-703-3079. You may also visit our website forsythlibrary.org.
LIBRARY RE-IMAGINED
You Can Do That at the Library? LIBRARY STAFF HAVE LONG BEEN KNOWN for their ability to provide technology assistance, recom-
mend books and authors you’ll love and assist with job hunting. They can also help you do a lot of things you probably never thought of – like bring books to your mother’s nursing home, teach you to operate a mini robot and celebrate Dia de los Muertos. Forsyth County Public Library staff members talk about what they love about their specialized library work.
SHANNON PAGE
RODNEY CLINE
ESMIRNA ESPARZA
outreach diversity and inclusion manager
youth services librarian
library supervisor, hispanic services
WHAT I HELP PEOPLE DO I help connect customers, wherever they are in the county, gain access to library information and services. Outreach provides numerous program opportunities and traditional library services to customers with limited access to library locations. By creating these meaningful experiences, we establish bonds that ultimately help strengthen community ties.
WHAT I HELP PEOPLE DO I help people learn about STEAM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. One of my roles is to provide programming to the community. When I put together a program, I always try to include one aspect of STEAM. I believe that these values are essential for the development of youth.
WHAT I HELP PEOPLE DO Most people who come from other countries do not know about U.S. public library systems that serve everyone. I engage people to use our public library through bookmobile services, field trips to our libraries, computer classes and my bilingual storytimes.
UNIQUE PROGRAMS
WHY PEOPLE LIKE THE SERVICES I OFFER People like feeling included and having a valid say in the way their communities are reflected. We stimulate these reactions because of our ability to meet customers where they are. Library Outreach allows for customers to advocate for themselves and the services they need, thus furthering the library’s reach and directly impacting the lives of those we serve.
WHY PEOPLE LIKE THE SERVICES I OFFER Youth like my programming because it allows them to think, create, and imagine. It helps them learn about the world around them and how everything interacts with everything, making learning a fun adventure, which can open up a new path in life.
WHY PEOPLE LIKE THE SERVICES I OFFER People like the bookmobile visits and the culturally relevant programs like Posada Navideña, Dia de los Muertos, and Dia de los Niños — Dia de los Libros. Homework and reading help, in pre-COVID times, were very much appreciated by parents who could not help their children due to limited English skills. I believe they appreciate that they can communicate with library staff in Spanish. I | S
Teen Talk Thursdays (Virtual)
Chess Club (Virtual)
Sept. 9, 23; Oct. 14, 21, 28; Nov. 18; Dec. 9 at 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 20, Oct. 18; Nov. 22; Dec. 13 at 4 p.m.
Join us for our teen program series featuring topics such as Adulting 101, Hobbit Day, and more. A limited number of supply kits for each program will be available for pickup at the Clemmons Branch Library. Registration required. Email Victoria Kromer at kromervl@forsyth.cc or visit our website at forsyth.cc/library/Clemmons to register.
Join us once a month for a virtual chess strategy session and tournament. Open to ages 7 and up. Email Victoria Kromer at kromervl@forsyth.cc for more information on how to join.
FALL/WINTER 2021 15
FROM THE BOOKSHELF
Kaleidoscope of Culture
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FICTION
1. “Of Women and Salt” by Gabriela Garcia
(2021) A sweeping debut about a daughter’s fateful choice, a mother motivated by her own past, and a family legacy that begins in Cuba before either of them were born. From 19th-century cigar factories to present-day detention centers, from Cuba to Mexico, “Of Women and Salt” is a portrait of these extraordinary women. 2. “The Night Watchman” by Louise
Erdrich (2020) Based on the extraordinary life of author Louise Erdrich’s grandfather who worked as a night watchman and carried the fight against Native American dispossession from rural North Dakota all the way to Washington D.C., this powerful novel explores themes of love and death with lightness and gravity.
watches carefully the behavior of those who come in to browse, hopeful a customer will soon choose her. Nobel Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro looks at our rapidly changing modern world through the eyes of an unforgettable narrator. 5. “The Only Good Indians” by Stephen Graham Jones (2020) Four American Indian men from the Blackfeet Nation, who were childhood friends, find themselves in a desperate struggle for their lives, against an entity that wants to exact revenge upon them for what they did during an elk hunt ten years earlier.
NONFICTION 8. “The Soul of a Woman” by Isabel Allende (2021) Isabel Allende describes her lifelong commitment to feminism in a meditation on what it means to be a woman, discussing progress within the movement in her lifetime, what remains to be done, and how to move forward in the future. 9. “Spirit Run” by Noe Alvarez (2020) While running through mountains, deserts, and cities, and the Mexican territory his parents left behind, Noé Álvarez forges a new relationship with the land. With the act of running, he carries with him the knowledge of his parents’ migration, and the dream of a liberated future.
6. “The Five Wounds” by Kirstin Valdez Quade (2021) It’s Holy Week in Las Penas, N.M., and 33-yearold unemployed Amadeo Padilla has been given the part of Jesus in the Good Friday 10. “Empire of the Summer Moon” by S. C. 3. “Libertie” by Kaitlyn Greenidge (2021) procession. He is preparing for this role when Gwynne (2010) his 15-year-old daughter Angel shows up “Empire of the Summer Moon” is a stunningWhen a young man from Haiti proposes pregnant.“The Five Wounds”spans the baby’s to Libertie and promises she will be his ly vivid historical account of the 40-year equal, she accepts, only to discover that first year as five generations of the Padilla battle between Comanche Indians and she is still subordinate to him and all men. family converge. white settlers for control of the American Inspired by the life of one of the first Black West, centering on Quanah, the greatest 7. “Gold Diggers” by Sanjena Sathian female doctors in the United States. Comanche chief of them all. I | S (2021) 4. “Klara and the Sun” by Kazuo Ishiguro A magical realist coming-of-age story, — LARA LUCK, collection development (2021) supervisor “Gold Diggers” skewers the model minority myth to tell a hilarious and moving story From her place in the store that sells artificial friends, Klara —an artificial friend about immigrant identity, community, with outstanding observational qualities— and the underside of ambition. 16 INTERSECTIONS MAGAZINE
PEOPLE & PURPOSE
From Our Friends CLAUDIA VON GRUNEBAUM
MONTICELLO MITCHELL
Friends of Central Library
Friends of Malloy/Jordan East Winston Heritage Center
WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO JOIN THE FRIENDS FOR YOUR LOCAL FCPL LOCATION? Fickle library patron though I used to be, circulating among Central, Southside, Reynolda Manor and Thruway, Central was always my main library. When Elizabeth Skinner revived the dormant Friends of the Central Library and invited people noted for their interest and frequent presence in Central to form the board, I was pleased to accept. Years later, still interested in and fond of Central, here I remain. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU ENJOY/LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR LOCAL FCPL LOCATION? Public libraries have always been an essential part of my life, so when we moved to Winston-Salem, I systematically explored the ones here. I liked that Central was a neighborhood, a regional and a research library; I liked the patrons and the librarians and the heterogeneity of both. Some things don’t change: I still find it congenial. The familiar adage linking familiarity with contempt seems not to apply.
WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO JOIN THE FRIENDS FOR YOUR LOCAL FCPL LOCATION? MJEWHC did not have a Friends group for a very long time. So a group of community residents decided to start a new Friends group. I was new to the community so when I heard that a friends group was forming I was very excited about joining. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU ENJOY/LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR LOCAL FCPL LOCATION? We’ve had some great accomplishments since restarting in 2014. We held 60th and 65th library anniversaries, purchased laptops for children’s programs, obtained our 501(c)(3) status and won a bid to have an historic marker that’s in place on the library grounds. We participated in several Kwanzaa celebrations, book readings by celebrated authors and had a multitude of book sales, both on and off site, and ongoing online book sales, just to mention some of the activities we’ve done in the past. I | S
Thank You for Being Our Friends (Malloy/ Jordan East Winston Heritage Center) Oct. 21 at 10 a.m.
The Friends of Malloy/Jordan East Winston Heritage Center do a lot to help support our local library. Help us honor our Friends of the Library with a special Friendship Storytime.
Central Library 660 West Fifth Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Forsyth County Public Library Customer Survey We appreciate your enthusiastic support during these challenging times. Please scan the QR code to take the survey to help us improve our services.
IN THE NEXT ISSUE Black History Month Earth Day
NOVEMBER, CONT.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS, CONT.
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Indigenous Art (Virtual) Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. Join us online to create your own design of indigenousinspired art and bracelets. Tag us on the Forsyth County Public Library Facebook page to share your work. Participants can pick up indigenous art kits at the Malloy/Jordan East Winston Heritage Center.
DECEMBER
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Genealogical Testing – Heritage or DNA? A discussion of cultural identity (Lewisville Branch) Wednesday, Dec. 8 at noon Dr. Andrew Gurstelle, academic director of the Lam Museum of Anthropology, will present “Genealogical Testing — Heritage or DNA? A Discussion of Cultural Identity.” This program covers basics of genealogical DNA testing, how DNA can be tied to cultural identity, and how Gurstelle’s own DNA results relate to his cultural identity. To register, email Sue at deguzmse@forsyth.cc or call 336-703-2940.
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Meteoroids, Comets and Asteroids (Lewisville Branch) Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. In honor of the Geminids meteor shower (Dec. 7-17), learn about meteoroids, comets, and asteroids from Annette Horsley, NASA Solar System Ambassador. Email Mia Jordan at jordanmc@forsyth.cc to sign up.
Teen Goals and Dreams (Reynolda Manor Branch) Dec. 15 at 4:30 p.m. Using your creative genius, and a few other supplies as well, you’ll be able to create a vision board for your future. This program is geared for teens, ages 12-18. Registration is required. Email spencepr@forsyth.cc or call (336) 703-2960 to register.
