Grace Jackson-Brown, MLS, Ph.D.
(GJackson-Brown@MissouriState.edu)
October 6, 2011
The African American Read-In (AARI) is an exemplary
cultural program and reading initiative
What is cultural programming?
“…programs and series of programs presented by libraries
that seek to entertain, enlighten, educate, and involve adult
and family audiences, primarily in the disciplines of the
arts, humanities, sciences, and public policy or community
issues. This type of programming is designed to elicit
dialogue, discussion , and consideration of ideas and
issues, as well as to further independent study.”
(Deborah A. Robertson IN Cultural Programming for
Libraries, Chicago: ALA, 2005, p. 3)
Cultural Programming….
Helps “to illuminate the experiences, beliefs, and values
that unite us as human beings. They stimulate us to
make connections where we noticed none before—
between our ancestors and ourselves, between one
culture and another, between the community and the
individual.” (quote from Susan Brandehoff, editor of
the Whole Person Catalog, and found in Cultural
Programming for Libraries, p. 2)
Benefits of Cultural Programming in Libraries
 Provides opportunities for community
engagement
 Draws new and experienced users into the library
 Introduces users to diverse materials and services
in the library
 Promotes reading and literacy
What is the African American Read-In?
The African American Read-In(AARI)is a national
event to promote reading and to celebrate black
authors that is sponsored by the National Council of
Teachers of English (NCTE). Originated by the black
caucus of the NCTE, the program has also been
endorsed by the International Reading Association.
Since 1989, over a million readers have joined in the
reading celebration.
www.ncte.org/action/aari
How to become involved in the AARI?
www.ncte.org/action/aari/packetinfo
Involvement in the AARI in Missouri Libraries
Involvement in the AARI in Missouri Libraries
Involvement in the AARI in Missouri Libraries
Interviews with 2 Missouri academic librarians about
their AARI Participation:
UMKC –
Miller Nichols Library
Lincoln University –
Inman E. Page Library
Ms. Gloria Tibbs,
Teaching & Learning Librarian
Ms. Lois Marshall,
Public Services Coordinator
Missouri Libraries – UMKC Miller Nichols Library & AARI
Missouri Libraries AARI Involvement (continued)
Lincoln University, Inman E. Page Library
The five institutional partners of the
Springfield African American Read-In
 Missouri State University Libraries & other MSU
 Drury University
 Springfield-Green County Library District
 Springfield Public Schools
 NAACP Springfield Chapter
Events of the Springfield African-American Read-IN
2009 - 2012





Young Writers’ Workshop led by Patricia McKissack
Storytelling by Gladys Gaines Coggswell
Storytime for children & families at Missouri Hotel
Booktalks & other activities at branch public libraries
February 2010 African American Poetry Reading
Performance
 February 2011 African American Poetry Reading
Encore Performance
 November 2011 Tales of Wonder Storytelling Workshop
 February 2012 February Storytelling Main Event
Springfield AARIC Pre-Event October 2009
Young Writers’ Workshop featuring award-winning author
Patricia McKissack
Springfield
AARIC Pre-Event
Nov. 2009
Master
Storyteller
Gladys Gaines
Coggswell
Springfield AARIC
Finale Event,
February 22, 2010
2011 Springfield AARI Encore Poetry Reading
Future Keys for Success of the African American
Read-In Programming in MO Libraries
 Collaborate with programming partners
 Have a Project Leader who is in charge of coordination
and communication
 Begin by setting project goals and objectives
 Have a Steering Committee whose members can each
be responsible for key tasks & recruit volunteer helpers
 Decide early how resources (people, time, money) will
be pooled
QUESTIONS?