William Allen White Library celebrates community literary heritage with Many Voices, One Nation, One Night@Your Library

On Monday, April 11, during National Library Week, the William Allen White Library is sponsoring a read-aloud event entitled Many Voices, One Nation, One Night @ your library . The program will celebrate Emporia 's diversity and geography by offering residents the opportunity to read from a book of their choosing that most represents the area's history and literary heritage. 

The event is part of a national Many Voices, One Nation @ your library initiative taking place in libraries across the country this week. It is sponsored by the American Library Association

"William Allen White Library is pleased to be participating in this national literary celebration," said Cynthia Akers, associate professor and head of Information and Instructional Services, University Libraries and Archives. "This program provides a unique opportunity to share our diverse literary heritage with members of the community in a very personal and engaging way."

Students from Sigma Tau Delta, the ESU English honor society, will begin the program, reading aloud from works that recognize diversity in our geographic region. Dr. Jim Hoy, professor in the ESU English Department, will present a short reading from his works at 7 p.m. In addition, students, faculty and staff are welcome to bring passages from fictional or non-fictional works to read and share with the audience.

"We encourage people to read works about the Great Plains or whatever has inspired you," Akers said. "We want everyone to celebrate reading and share their love for reading."

In addition, faculty, staff, students and community members are encouraged to bring short passages from fictional or non-fictional works to read and share with the audience. The program will be conducted in an "open mike" fashion. Passages should be no longer than ten minutes. Participants are also asked to share the title and author of the work.

The Many Voices, One Nation, One Night @ your library event will take place at 6 p.m. at the William Allen White library. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information and if you are interested in participating, please contact Cynthia Akers at 620-341-5480 or via email at akerscyn@emporia.edu.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>