Saturdays, June 21 & 28: Community Journalism: Share Your Stories

We all have a story to share. It could be about a personal experience, a problem in your neighborhood or an issue that's important to your community. In today's media world, you can help people by writing and publishing these stories. The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., will once again host free community journalism classes facilitated by local journalist Dustin Block designed to empower community members to use local media and to spread important stories to the public.

On June 21 and June 28 from 2-4 p.m. the library will feature Be A Journalist!, a two-day class for people interested in the nuts and bolts of reporting news. You'll learn how to ask questions, take notes, investigate ideas and put everything together into a compelling news story. Participants should come ready to work! The first week we'll cover the basics, and everyone will leave with a story assignment to bring back to the class a week later. The second week we'll edit stories, fill in gaps and publish them online.

Although drop-in participants are welcome, registration is recommended for these free classes; call the Racine Public Library at 262.636.9217 to reserve a spot.

The classes are a great opportunity for non-profit organizations, local businesses, writers, community activists and anyone interested in the media to learn how they can offer and create alternatives to mainstream media sources. It's easier than you think! No experience is required. All you need to bring is an interest in your surroundings and a willingness to tell others what you see.

Block, former city editor of The Journal Times, is a veteran local journalist with 13 years of experience writing and editing news stories for various publications. He is now editor of the Insider News, founder of RacinePost.com and a freelance writer for publications including Milwaukee Magazine, Wisconsin Builder Magazine and ConsumerSearch.com.

For questions about the content of the classes, contact Dustin at: dustin.block@gmail.com or (262) 488-3419.

Tuesday, June 17: Bird Watching for Beginners

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is hosting a two-hour introductory bird watching class on Tuesday, June 17 from 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. The free program presented by Hoy Audubon Society will feature information about bird identification, selection and use of binoculars, birding hot spots in Racine and Kenosha Counties, and the best ID guides and books. The program is appropriate for school age children and adults. Although drop-ins are welcome for this program, space is limited. Registration is recommended and may be made by contacting the library at 262.636.9217.

The Hoy Audubon Society originally started in 1964 as a group of Racine nature enthusiasts who held an informal gathering with the hope of creating a club through which the members could share their strong interests in nature. The group also hoped to stimulate public interest in the need to protect and preserve our natural heritage.

The group became the Hoy Bird Club, named in honor of Racine pioneer Dr. Philo Hoy, a local physician. Hoy's constant interest in nature led to many area achievements, including several articles about Indian mounds. His work in the planning of Mound cemetery resulted in the preservation of the original mounds. He was president of the Wisconsin Academy of Arts and Science. He made a thorough collection of bird specimens, including some now extinct. He also wrote extensively about migration patterns of birds, especially those passing through Racine County. In 1970 the name was changed to The Hoy Nature Club, Inc. as a means of recognizing the broader interests of its members and in keeping with the varied range of Dr. Hoy's interests. In 1999, the club became affiliated with National Audubon Society, becoming the Hoy Audubon Society, Inc. For more information contact Helen Pugh at 262.637.4359, email hoymembership@hoyaudubon.org, or visit the website at www.hoyaudubon.org.

Saturday, June 14: Emmy Award Winning Storyteller Performs at the Library

Families are invited to join the Racine Public Library and the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast as they commemorate Juneteenth Day, a national African American freedom holiday, with a special guest performance by Emmy Award winning storyteller Bobby Norfolk. This unique event will take place on Saturday, June 14 at 2 p.m. at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St. The event is free and open to the public; no registration is necessary.

Dating back to 1865, Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Celebrations throughout the city of Racine, including an all day event at the Dr. John Bryant Community Center, focus on education and recognizing achievement.

This Juneteenth Day program will feature an exciting performance of The Story of Henry 'Box' Brown and other Extraordinary Tales by internationally known story performer Bobby Norfolk. This three-time Emmy Award winner and Parents' Choice honoree is one of the most popular and dynamic story-educators in the country today. A St. Louis native, Bobby Norfolk began his career as a stand up comedian in area comedy clubs. With a background in comedy and theatre, he naturally turned to storytelling and became a full-time teller in 1987. He is well known for his high-energy performances and lively animation. His stories promote character education, cultural diversity and self-esteem, and are geared for audiences of all ages. Bobby is truly a gift for the imagination!

This rare Racine performance will feature the story of Henry "Box" Brown, a slave born in Virginia in 1816, who sealed himself in a small wooden box and had it shipped to friends and freedom. His narrative was published in 1849 to raise funds so that Brown could purchase freedom for his wife and children. He traveled the northern states speaking against slavery before the Fugitive Slave Law forced him to flee the country. In this theatrical reenactment, Bobby breathes life into this amazing story of a slave turned hero, along with other tales of ordinary people taking extraordinary risks in the name of freedom. Questions about the performance may be directed to the Racine Public Library, 262.636.9245.

Community Journalism: Share Your Stories

We all have a story to share. It could be about a personal experience, a problem in your neighborhood or an issue that's important to your community. In today's media world, you can help people by writing and publishing these stories. The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., will once again host a series of free community journalism classes facilitated by local journalist Dustin Block designed to empower community members to use local media and to spread important stories to the public.

• How To Start A Blog: June 14, 2-4 p.m. Participants in this hands-on class will create their own blog on the Internet and leave being able to post stories, photos and video. We'll use the "Blogger" system to create a personal website that is easy to update and entirely free. Handouts will be provided. Just bring your questions and ideas!

• Be A Journalist! June 21 and June 28, 2-4 p.m. This two-day class is for people interested in the nuts and bolts of reporting news. You'll learn how to ask questions, take notes, investigate ideas and put everything together into a compelling news story. Participants should come ready to work! The first week we'll cover the basics, and everyone will leave with a story assignment to bring back to the class a week later. The second week we'll edit stories, fill in gaps and publish them online.

Registration is recommended for these free classes; call the Racine Public Library at 262.636.9217 to reserve a spot.

The classes are a great opportunity for non-profit organizations, local businesses, writers, community activists and anyone interested in the media to learn how they can offer and create alternatives to mainstream media sources. It's easier than you think! No experience is required. All you need to bring is an interest in your surroundings and a willingness to tell others what you see.

Block, former city editor of The Journal Times, is a veteran local journalist with 13 years of experience writing and editing news stories for various publications. He is now editor of the Insider News, founder of RacinePost.com and a freelance writer for publications including Milwaukee Magazine, Wisconsin Builder Magazine and ConsumerSearch.com.

For questions about the content of the classes, contact Dustin at: dustin.block@gmail.com or (262) 488-3419.

Wednesday, June 4: Library Hosts Racism Movie & Discussion

The community is invited to attend another program in the "Coming Together Racine" series of movie screenings and discussions about racism and race relations at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.

In this gripping story, based on the book by Erin Gruwell, Hilary Swank stars as an inner-city teacher who gives kids raised on drive-by shootings and hard-core attitude the one thing they need most: a voice of their own. Dropped into the free-fire zone of a school torn by violence and racial tension, teacher Erin Gruwell battles an uncaring system in a fight to make the classroom matter in her students' lives.

Through telling of their own stories and hearing the stories of others, a group of supposedly "unteachable" teens are empowered to discover the power of tolerance, reclaim their shattered lives, and change their world.

The Freedom Writers Foundation says this about their mission: "It's time to publicly and systematically promote an educational philosophy that honors diversity in the classroom. It's time to give students the opportunity to reach their full potential and aspire to higher education. It's time to remind them that they can deeply impact their communities and the world. The Freedom Writers Foundation believes the time has come. And by empowering students and teachers alike through outreach curriculum, and scholarships, the time is now."

A member of Coming Together Racine will facilitate a discussion of the movie after the screening. Participants are encouraged to bring a brown bag supper. The series is cosponsored by Coming Together Racine and the Racine Public Library and is funded by the library's Alma Boernke Endowment Fund.

Coming Together Racine is a 501(c)3 organization developed in response to community needs identified at a Town Hall Meeting on February 25, 2005. At the event it was determined that a greater effort is needed in the Racine community to eliminate the barriers preventing equal voice and access to community resources. In response to the results from the Town Hall Meeting a community-wide committee, The Committee to Eliminate Racism, was formed. In September 2005, after assessing the Racine community's needs, the Committee to Eliminate Racism submitted an application to become an affiliate of the Coming Together Project, and in February 2006 was approved as Coming Together Racine.

Coming Together Racine will work to:

• Promote racial harmony in the community;
• Educate community members on racism and its effects on people and the community; and
• Bring people together to foster awareness and appreciation of people of all cultures.
  

To achieve these goals the Committee will provide opportunities for members of the Racine community to dialogue, explore, learn, and strategize around racism. This movie is one of a series of events designed to engage Racine in discussion.

Wednesday, June 4: Wii Gaming for the "Over 55" Crowd

You've probably heard about the recent surge in popularity of Wii video-gaming among players of all ages. As an adult, you may have wished you could try it out without actually having to make a major purchase. Now you'll have a chance to do so in a non-threatening and stress-free atmosphere.

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is hosting Wii Game Days for adults over the age of 55 throughout the spring and summer. The next game day will be held on Wednesday, June 4 from 10:00 a.m.-12 p.m. in the library's Lee Room. This free event is designed with the beginner in mind. Staff will be on hand to help participants become acquainted with the console, controllers, and games. Participants will have the chance to try their hand at Wii Sport games like bowling, tennis, golf and more. Wii Play and Guitar Hero games will also be available for those interested.

Although drop-in participants are always welcome, space is limited and registration is recommended. Call the library at 262.636.9245 to reserve a spot.

Racine Public Library Storytimes & More @ JavaVino

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., offers several collaborative programs in partnership with JavaVino, 424 Main St. in Downtown Racine.

• Families of children ages 8 and younger are invited to spend one Saturday morning in June, July and August with storytellers from the Racine Public Library at JavaVino. The next Saturday Stories will be held June 7, July 12 and August 2 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and will feature storytelling with a simple craft. Enjoy a relaxing morning of breakfast fun with your children. This is a free event and no registration is necessary.
  
  
• Foreign Film Series – The Racine Public Library offers a vast selection of the very best in foreign films. Join fellow film enthusiasts to preview some of this collection as JavaVino hosts free screenings on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 5-7 p.m. JavaVino offers appetizers, wine and coffee for purchase during the film. Participants are encouraged to then visit Downtown Racine's finest restaurants for dinner. The following films will be shown for summer:
• June 14 – Carol's Journey – Spain- Directed by Imanol Uribe
• July 12 – A Peck on the Cheek (Kannathil Muthamittal) – India – Directed by Mani Ratnam
• August 9 – Her Name is Sabine – France – Directed by Sandrine Bonnaire
  

Because these films are not rated, the Racine Public Library is unable to recommend them for children under age 17.

• Teen and adult poetry enthusiasts unite monthly on the 3rd Thursday from 7-9 p.m. for Poetry Roundtable. These free events focus on contemporary American poetry, highlighting a different poet at each meeting. As a group, participants will read poetry excerpts, analyze the and discuss their significance in today's society. Individuals with varying levels of poetry experience are welcome. The next Poetry Roundtable discussion will be held on June 19. Visit the library's Poetry Roundtable webpage at racinelibrary.info for information about each month's selected poet, interviews, criticisms, poetry and more. While Poetry Roundtable events are free and drop-ins are welcome, space is limited and it is recommended that interested participants call the Racine Public Library at 262.636.9217 to register in advance. Poetry Roundtable is facilitated by Nick Demske, a local poet and employee of the Racine Public Library.
  

For more information about the Racine Public Library's upcoming programs at JavaVino please contact the reference desks at 262.636.9217 or 262.636.9245. Information may also be found on the library's website at racinelibrary.info.

Catch the Reading Bug this Summer!

Summer is fast approaching and, as always, that means the start of the summer reading program at the Racine Public Library. Summer reading will run from June 16 - August 2. We'll post even more information as it becomes available.

June 9-14: Library Hosts Community Write-a-Thon

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., invites community members of all ages to participate in their first ever Write-a-thon, June 9th-14th, in which participants will raise money not only for the Library, but for furthering their own interests in the arts.

Participants will ask friends, family or local businesses to sponsor them to write a certain quantity. Since many forms of writing can only be judged subjectively, sponsorship will be based off of number of pages written, word count, time spent writing or another kind of quantitative measurement. Half of the money raised will go to the Library to include more titles in their poetry section and the other half will go to the writer to further their endeavors in the arts. All members of the local community are encouraged to join the Library for this program, regardless of age or writing experience. For the week of the write-a-thon, during the Library's regular business hours, the Library will provide a space for participants to write together in an effort to not only meet the writing goals their sponsors set for them, but to congregate with each other and make further connections within their artistic community.

There will be an informational meeting open to anyone interested, which will take place on Saturday, May 17 at 1:30pm, to be held in the Lee Room of the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St. Sponsorship materials will be distributed and all questions regarding the program are welcome. Whether community members are interested in sponsoring a writer, participating personally or would just like to know more about the program, all are encouraged to attend the meeting.

For more information, contact the Becky or Nick at 262.619.2571