[OPLINLIST] September Project

[Jane Byrnes]

How will libraries  mark September 11, 2004?

If you feel that this day of reflection creates an opportunity for libraries
to encourage community conversation, I hope you'll consider participating in
an exciting new national initiative from the September Project.  The idea is
to mark the day with public programs about democracy, citizenship and
patriotism.  And what better place to bring together communities, ideas and
civic leaders than in our most trusted public institution, the public
library?

Libraries planning events for this September have begun to partner with a
wide array of local institutions and organizations such as the League of
Women Voters, community colleges, immigrant and refugee organizations,
cultural institutions, and civic and religious groups.  Imaginative
programming ideas include a shared reading of the Bill of Rights, or a guest
speaker and a Q&A around such questions as "What is the state of democracy
in our country?" or even a program for children to draft a "Kids' Bill of
Rights" or to draw pictures of a world at peace.  

 You can also learn more by visiting  www.americansforlibraries.org or the
September Project at www.theseptemberproject.org.