Durham Library Foundation Humanities Society
In 2005, the Durham Library Foundation received a $500,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. This challenge grant, along with $1.5 million raised through local fund-raising efforts, was used to begin a humanities endowment under the aegis of the Durham Library Foundation. In 2007, a humanities coordinator was hired and Durham County Library began planning and presenting numerous humanities programs.
Response to the new programming was impressive -- attendance for humanities programs saw a 114% increase in from 2008 to 2009. At each program were familiar faces and we began to notice that many people attended multiple programs throughout the year. In order to thank and recognize these “frequent attenders,” we launched the Durham Library Foundation Humanities Society in January of this year. The Society, which is free to join, works like this: library customers fill out a form with their contact information and check off which humanities subjects interest them the most. They then receive a membership card and member number. At every humanities society event, a volunteer or staff member punches their card and records their attendance. Society members who attend six programs in a calendar year are entitled to special events, invitation-only receptions and other benefits.
The Humanities Society has been a tremendous success with program attendees and, after just six months, we already have 260+ members who proudly present their cards when they enter events. The Society celebrated its first event in May with a fabulous function at a local downtown restaurant and we have many other exciting things planned.
So, the next time you attend a humanities event, please consider signing up for the Durham Library Foundation Humanities Society. You’ll have ample opportunities, including these upcoming events:
Commemorating Courage
This three-event series in August highlights individuals and groups who have challenged the status quo, worked against injustice, and have shown bravery in the face of adversity.
A Community Dialogue about School Desegregation
Sunday, August 22 at 3:00 PM
Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro St.
In 1959, the first African-American students integrated Durham city schools. In collaboration with the Pauli Murray Project, we invite you to participate in a community dialogue about these events. Bring your memories and your questions for a facilitator-led discussion.
Held on the Homefront Exhibit
Saturday, August 28 from 10:00 am -4:00pm
Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro St. (parking lot)
This exhibit, about the German POWs in the United States during World War II, will be on view in the BUS-eum, a renovated school bus that serves as a traveling mobile museum for the TRACES Center for History and Culture in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Visitors are invited to bring stories, photographs, or other “traces” of encounters with German POWs with them.
Nazi POWs in the Tar Heel State
Sunday, August 29 at 3:00 p.m.
Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro Street
More than 10,000 German prisoners of war were interned in 18 camps in North Carolina during World War II. Yet most people were — and remain — unaware of their presence. Robert D. Billinger, professor at Wingate University and author of Nazi POWs in the Tar Heel State will discuss this fascinating period in our state’s history.
In the Wings: PlayMakers on As You Like It
Monday, September 13 at 7:00 pm
Southwest Regional Library, 3605 Shannon Road
Artists from PlayMakers Repertory Company will discuss their production of As You Like It, William Shakespeare's romantic comedy featuring love at first sight and mistaken identities.
Banned Books Onstage
Friday, September 24 at 7:30 pm
Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro St.
Back by popular demand! Join us for a selection of scenes from books that have been banned or challenged, performed by talented local actors under the direction of Jay O’Berski and Dana Marks. Featuring a scene from the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer, new to the list of most challenged books of 2009! Co-presented with The Regulator Bookshop.
Art on Film Series
Beginning in September, join us for a series of documentary films about artists, collectors and the art world.
Rocaterrania
Sunday, September 12 at 3:00 pm
Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro St.
Rocaterrania explores the secret world of scientific illustrator, visionary artist and Raleigh resident Renaldo Kuhler. 74 minutes. Following the screening, filmmaker Brett Ingram will discuss the film and answer audience questions.
Herb and Dorothy
Sunday, September 19 at 3:00 pm
Southwest Regional Library, 3605 Shannon Road
Herb and Dorothy tells the incredible true story of a postal worker and a librarian who built a world-class art collection. 87 minutes.
The Art of the Steal
Wednesday, September 29, 7 p.m.
Tosca Ristorante, 604 W. Morgan St.
A celebrated selection of recent film festivals, this gripping film chronicles the long and dramatic struggle for control of the Barnes Foundation, a private collection of art valued at more than $25 billion.101 minutes.
The Collector
Sunday, September 26 at 3:00 pm
Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro St.
The Collector explores the 46-year career of Allan Stone, the famed New York City gallery owner and art collector. 62 minutes. Following the film, producer and director Olympia Stone, Allan’s daughter, will discuss the film and answer audience questions. Stone is a producer for WUNC’s program The State of Things.
Against All Odds: The Artists of the Harlem Renaissance
Sunday, October 3 at 3:00 pm
Hayti Heritage Center, 804 Old Fayetteville Street
This PBS-produced documentary features more than 130 rarely-seen paintings, prints, photographs, and sculptures by black artists, and even more rarely seen archival footage of those artists at work. 60 minutes. Following the screening, special guest Maya Freelon Asante, great-granddaughter of impressionist painter Allan R. Freelon, Sr. will answer audience questions.
Photo credit: “Woman Holding a Jug” by James A. Porter
