Did You Know Black History Month Started in Chicago?
February 1st, 2012 by Shorty
Carter G. Woodson - The Father of Black History
Black History Month actually started as Negro History Week in 1926, but it has roots in Chicago beginning in 1915.
One of my historical heroes, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, started Negro History Week to celebrate the post-slavery accomplishments of the race. He was the first person to acknowledge and record black people’s progress in politics, education, economics and other aspects of society since 1865. He conducted studies and recorded them in the Negro History Journal. People started to acknowledge his findings, and the study of Negro history grew. In fact, it was actually taught in schools around the country. In 1976, exactly 50 years after the initial celebration of Negro History, Black History Month was created. Of course, this is a condensed version of the story. But I wanted to recognize Chicago’s role in this historical event.
People always ask why Black History Month is celebrated during the shortest month of the year. Because Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln- two people Dr. Woodson admired – were born and celebrated during this month.
I also want to encourage people to join in the celebrations around the city during the month, but also keep it alive throughout the year. I know that DuSable Museum of African American History, Museum of Science and Industry and the Chicago Public Library have events lined up. Where are other events taking place?
Lastly, I am reading The Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson this month. Feel free to join me.
How are you going to observe Black History Month? What are you going to do to make sure young people know about the contributions of African Americans past and present?
Have Questions about Blogging? Get them Answered on January 31,2012
January 24th, 2012 by Shorty
Are you a small business, community organization, cultural center, church, community newspaper or educational institution wanting to expand your reach? Have you considered a blog but don’t quite understand how it works?
Well, you’re in luck.
Marcie Hill ~aka~ Shorty: Your Chicago South Side Resource will be holding a Blogging Q & A session on Tuesday, January 31, 2012. The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Woodson Library at the corner of 95th & Halsted.
See you there!!
Image: soulati
Neighborhood Libraries Will Be Closed on Mondays
January 7th, 2012 by Shorty
Yep, you read correctly. Neighborhood libraries will be closed on Monday. However, Harold Washington Library Center, the Sulzer Regional Library and the Woodson Regional Library will keep their regular schedules. These closings, along with 181 layoffs, were solutions to the $6.7 million library budget cut.
A few questions came to mind.
- How do these changes affect the remaining employees’ salaries?
- What does this mean for the people whose only access to computers is at the neighborhood library?
- Have the people whose abuse of funds and other unethical actions that helped result in this economic calamity been affected by the city’s budget cuts at all? Or, do they still have their jobs so they can wreak more havoc, which will result in yet more layoffs?
- When the city’s financial house get back in order, will they reverse these actions?
I digressed. But, it would be great to have these questions answered. What are your feelings on the neighborhood library closings?
Learn How to Download eBooks for Your Kindle at Harold Washington Library – 11/29/11
November 28th, 2011 by Shorty
Did you know you the Chicago Public Library carries eBooks for Kindles? Would you like to learn how to download them? You’re in luck! Harold Washington Library is offering a short introduction to Chicago Public Library’s Kindle collection as well as the opportunity to check out and download a title in class. You’ll need to bring both your Kindle and a library card in good standing.
To register, please email overdrivesupport@chipublib.org and include Kindle class in the subject line.
Location:
Harold Washington Library Center
Authors Room
400 S. State Street
60605
Phone: 312-747-1192
Images from Chicago Public Library’s Read-in on October 31, 2011
November 7th, 2011 by ShortyAs you should know by now, I love the library and I had to go the read-in on last week at City Hall to find out what was really going on. Mayor Rahm Emanuel wants to cut the budget of the Chicago Public Library even though it is only 3% of the entire city’s budget, which would result in shorter library hours and cuts in services. The library’s employee union, library staff, parents, teachers, community supporters and Alderman all came out to oppose the mayor’s decision. There were at least 200 people in attendance on that nice Halloween day.
How do you feel about the mayor’s decision to reduce library hours and services?
Brainerd Library Staff Rocks!
November 3rd, 2011 by Shorty
My little sister asked one of the staff members at Brainerd Library to save a magazine that had her favorite group, Mindless Behavior, in it. The young lady told her that she could have the magazine in December. Do you know the staff member gave her a magazine – still in the package – today??
So, to the staff of Brainerd Library…You Rock!
Image: graphics18
Check Out the 18th Annual Bookamania on November 19, 2011
October 28th, 2011 by Shorty
Children ages 3-10 and their families can enjoy fun, free activities at Chicago Public Library’s 18th annual Bookamania on Saturday, November 19, 2011, at the Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St. This free event takes place from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Youngsters will have the opportunity to meet famous children’s book authors, illustrators and costumed storybook characters; enjoy puppetry, theater, dance, magic and music performances; and participate in dozens of book-related crafts.
Be sure to continue to share the joy of reading with your children.
Introduction to Genealogy at Harold Washington Library on 8/31/11
August 30th, 2011 by Shorty
Harold Washington Library will be conducting an Introduction to Genealogy workshop from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm on Wednesday August 31, 2011.
Attendees will learn how to find family records and other resources using two of their most popular genealogy databases: Ancestry Library Edition and Heritage Quest Online. Space is limited, so sign up at the 6th floor reference desk or call (312) 747-4600.
Image: kidsturncentral
Vivian Harsh at Woodson Library Needs New Microfilm Machines
August 29th, 2011 by Shorty-
I was conducting research at Vivian Harsh at Woodson Library on yesterday, and was sorely disappointed by the lack of resources at this widely acclaimed research institution and regional library. There were four microfilm machines. Only three were working. Of those three, only one could make copies. I was there with another person who got there before me, so I was pretty much S.O.L.
The reel on the machine I was on advanced quickly, but I couldn’t print. The reel on the machine that make copies did not advance automatically, so the other person had to turn the knob. Either way, it was a lose-lose situation.
Because of the regard I hold for Vivian Harsh, the first African American librarian in Chicago, and the esteem held for Woodson library, I think new microfilm machines are needed. Repair of the current machines would do no justice for this institution. And it’s a research library! How do you not have tools for people to successfully complete their projects?
I would not take photos. It was already bad enough to have to write this story, but to add images of the machines would add insult to injury.
What needs to be done to get new microfilm machines??
