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FROM THE DESK OF THE STATE LIBRARIAN...
THE NEW HAMPSHIRE CENTER FOR THE BOOK AT THE NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE LIBRARY
In December 2002 the N.H. State Library made application to become the state affiliate for the Center for the Book at the Library of Congress. The Center for the Book was established at the Library of Congress in 1977 to use the resources and prestige of the Library of Congress (LC) to promote books, reading, libraries, and literacy. John Cole, Director of the Center at LC has served in that position since it was established in 1997. The State Library was granted Center for the Book status in December 2002. The Advisory Committee, which represents a number of New Hampshire organizations that are interested in the goals of the Center such as N.H. Library Association, N.H. Library Trustees Association, the N.H. Department of Education, and many others met to discuss a kick off event for the Center to be held on May 5th, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the N.H. State Library. John Cole will attend the opening and will meet with the Advisory Committee the following day to talk about the future for the N.H. Center for the Book.
The New Hampshire Center will serve as a resource for libraries and librarians interested in activities such as literacy, literature, and the celebration of reading. The Advisory Committee is working on a number of programs that will help celebrate the importance of the book.
In the digital age, it is easy to forget about the importance of the book and the impact it has had on civilization. Before Gutenberg, the use of movable type books were for the wealthy, or limited to scholars and the clergy. The N.H. Center for the Book will help us recognize the importance of the book in civilization and in the history of New Hampshire. Please join us May 5th as we open the New Hampshire Center for the Book.
-Michael York, State Librarian |
