Goal 4: The library embraces and promotes Durham'c cultural heritage, thereby contributing to a vibrant community.

4.3:  By 6/30/09, participation in DCL-sponsored (or co-sponsored) programs highlighting local arts, literature, and culture will increase by 15%--based on data to be collected in 2008.

What are some strategies we have for this?

1. Possible strategies based on needs assessment performed by Adult Programming Quality Council/Process Action Team
2. Strategic partnerships with local arts organizations (e.g. discount admission to museum with library card)
3. Library offers programs, displays, etc. related to current museum exhibitions
4. Art displays
5. Poetry, literature programs for adults and teens - especially featuring local writers

What are we working on?

In large part due to the efforts of the Humanities Coordinator, Marian Fragola, the library has hosted and will be hosting a number of programs highlighting local arts, culture and literature in 2008. The Humanities Coordinator position was made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

1. In March, the library hosted a showing of Iron Jawed Angels, a  movie about the struggle for women's voting rights. This program was in collaboration with the League of Women Voters Orange, Durham and Chatham Counties. It was followed by a discussion led by former Mayor of Durham, Sylvia Kerckhoff.
2. In April, in celebration of National Poetry Month, the library is hosting Poetry for Everyone, featuring local leaders, artists and celebrities reading their favorite poems at various library branches and regionals.
3. Also in April, the library will host a discussion on artist Barkley L. Hendricks at an event called Art with the Experts, in collaboration with the Nasher Museum.

Teen librarian Angela Pridgen has also initiated a three-part program for teens called "Star in Your Story." The program is led by journalist and radio host Patricia Murray. "Star in Your Story" encourages teens to explore writing as a path to self-discovery. The program will take place once per month in March, April and May, at North Regional Library.

Donnie Johnson and Marcie Martin at the Stanford L. Warren branch are hosting a Poetry Slam in May. Young people from nearby middle and high schools will showcase their poetry through performance, with a musical backdrop. 

What has been working great for us?

• We have been having some wonderful programs highlighting the resources available in North Carolina.  If' you've not attended some of the "Art with the Experts" programs coordinated by Marian Fragola, they are fabulous.  Together with the Nasher Musuem, Durham County Library has been offering discussion of local art exhibits, including the current Nasher exhibition "El Greco to Velazquez."  Working with the local Heart of Carolina Romance Writers, Durham County Library hosted the second annual Romance Tea where readers got to talk with their favorite local romance authors about their writing and their reading.
• The Humanities Coordinator, Marian Fragola, has also be instrumental in putting together "Diving America."  The first program in this series about the history of religion in American focused on Durham and was very popular.

Questions?  Comments?  Please contact one of the Goal Champions for Goal 4: Susan Wright and Sandra Lovely.