Wanted – The Need to Feel Uncomfortable

Posted on October 11, 2026 by Harry Brake

In July, as a member of the Delaware Humanities, I was asked to help vet several films for the Wilmington Film Fesrtval – Loving Karma, Crime & Parody. as well as Take Me Home. Regarding films, I am a bit of an addict but, documentaries as well- that is another story. I was lucky enough to witness and be a part of one of the best International Documentary film festivals in Mexico and ever since, was hooked. These films every year had the ability to reach down and touch you within, in many ways. October 24, 2015- I sat in Parque Mexico, in Condesa and watched the film Amy and was enamored with the amazing depth documentaries can provide.

In today’s world. I try to convince youth they need to live by this mantra –

-they need to make politicians, adults, and change makers to feel more uncomfortable than they feel every day.

This is an inner conviction I have based on how I have seen a majority of adults treat youth, pushing them to the side and considering them not yet ready for the decisions adults make, and watching the decisions being made by these adults to be disastrous, isolating, and detrimental. I want to see youth being apprentices to their and the world’s future- and that does not mean saying or treating youth flippantly and as not ready. Feeling uncomfortable sets a chain of reactions in motion to move towards change. Sometimes negative but always striving for positive changes not realized.

Youth need to be more ready than today, than ever, to reverse mentalities towards the world that do not consider them.

As I sat in the movie theatre – Theatre N in Wilmington, having just come from a morning of supporitng Apple Scrapple, I thought, was driving from Bridgeville to Wilmington necessary supporting this Delaware Humanities vetting of Crime and Parody? Then I thought, what makes us human, what makes the word Humanities come alive is the very thing os many do not do. Play it safe, do as a little is necessary, yourself first and everyone else behind you, I get these concepts. Yet, as I live in this world, I see so many people compromised and disadvantaged due to so many others lack of conviction to want to make a change. Unfortunately, I am the type of person that can’t sit by idly and see suffering because of my lack of wanting to make a change. I try, I really, really try and well, I just can’t. While many consider that a curse or a compromising quality, I have been lucky to be surrounded by some amazing individuals, young and old, that have helped make better change.

In Crime and Parody, one of the biggest takje aways, for me, has been encouraging youth to find their voice and question EVERYTHING. Utilize their voice in a world now dominated by would be dictators, at so many levels, trying to bend politics to their personal benefit, rather than the world itself. The lack of conviction and lack of confidence in the time when it is most needed, if you can believe it, will result in even worse repercussions financially, spiritually, culturally, and in so many other areas that define us as humans. Youth need to feel more empowered to hold government officials

Parody, qualified immunity, free speech, the First Amendment, just scrape the surface of what Crime and Parody struck me in seeing this again, but now in a movie theatre. On the way out of the screening, I, believe it or not, ran into Scott Michels, while on that brief moment in Wilmington!

(The Cause= Collective Action Urging Social Action) I do believe there is nothing that happens mostly by chance, and behind events, there usually is an underlying reason – and the point of involving youth in events, that allow public officials, as well as community leaders, off the hook when they need to be held accountable- this masks what communities need when they are impacted behind a veil of protection that often can be unjust.

In the 2026 Party Six, The Do Good a Thon, involved Youth for School Libraries had a chance to represent so many different possiblities of ways to impact change- check out this link https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1477033610811236 at the point of 2:04 to see a glimpse of how we had a station represented by students from many different schools!

Having a chance to see local DE experts on how this all ties in together was GREAT.

Mike Brickner, from the Delaware ACLU was very informative but also a GREAT source of information and I had many questions and connections in my head swarming of how youth could benefit from questions and answers he has, on many issues as well as the two families represented in this film. His information about some cases in DE regarding qualified immunity were fascinating and informative- as well as his realization and first hand information on various incidents that occurred when he was in Ohio. Tamir Rice, Timothy Russel and Malissa Williams, as well as 11 shootings, in one year, by police departments of black individuals- this is definitely overdue for qualified immunity to come under scrutiny. I liked the point made that is is not laws and regulations that change injustices, but the agitation of these issues that make the changes.

Fellow Delaware Humanities Board member Kimeu W. Boynton, JD, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice was a clear example of the diversity in professionalism fields that the Delaware Humanities contains. With the criminal Justice slant and expertise, the questions on qualified immunity as well as the juxtaposition of these two families represented, was discussed with several different points made. Being able to reference and connect the film to local impacts and implications was key, and knowing Mr. Boynton sits in a position in a local Delaware University additionally highlights potential topics of conversation that cameup, and will come up, regarding jutice in cases of these represented.

Alan Garfield, from the Delaware Law School at Widener University, was an excellent choice to be on this panel. His expert look into what and how qualified immunity operates was right in step with the inquiries regarding how this has been used in the past. I feel it is notable that, he founded “The First State Celebrates Constitution Day,”, in lieu of the importance of all Delawareans taking a more focused look at law and how it can protect, as well as how it can adversely affect them. When asked why lawyers are important, his response is even more important in this day and age.

“Why do lawyers matter? Lawyers are the guardians of justice. Their job is to ensure that our society treats people fairly, whether it is someone who was accused of a crime, injured in an accident, or taken advantage of by an unscrupulous merchant. Ensuring that people are treated fairly is a tremendous responsibility. But it is a great honor and can be immensely gratifying.”

Lindsay Hoffman, Professor of Communication, also was a great asset to this panel. I noticed she often remained humble in saying she was not a lawyer or a member of a Law Degree certified membership of study, BUT, in fact I love the fact she was indeed from Ohio connected to events that Mr. Brickner mentioned. I studied as well Communications at then Edinboro University, (Now PennWest – hate the new name) and LOVED what I saw could be a wider application of. Communications around us. I do believe in studying English and Communications, I found unique niches where many at first did not see how Communications could be applicable to the world around us. In hearing Professor Hoffman talk, I sensed a universal application of the Humanities to the world around is, be it law, social issues, or being involved with one’s voice. Here title working as the Director of Public Engagement, the Center for Political Communication is PERFECT. because merely having a study of law is great but not impactful unless you dins ways to direct that experience to something that impacts others, reaches others, motivates others. It seemed all of the panel members were in that membership and even more gratifying was knowing they were representing Delaware.

Moderating, in the few moments I have been lucky enough to do so, is an art. Seeing Dr. James Peterson, Professor of English PhD (YES!) and also host of WURD is exactly what I was talking about above. Finding the creative, most community-involved ways to apply my studies of English from Slippery Rock University, I always wanted to go beyond the classroom where everyone thought English major? Ah, classroom, teacher, or writer. Yet I see Dr. Peterson also seeing that the spoken word is powerful, but notso much without your voice and a mission to change what needs changed. This movie as well embraces the movement to be that change. I am anxious and excited to hear more of this from some of his episodes. I think from his focus from Black History, diversity, equity, reading and comprehension influences, and love the element of podcasting, wow. This is so worth checking more into and if this film rewview and chat is a step to launch from, so much the better. I always felt literacy issues are so vital and this episode is one of many that seem so powerful:

Ethnic Studies, Reading and Comprehension – https://soundcloud.com/onwurd/ernest-crim-iii-ethnic-studiesutm_source=clipboard&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252Fonwurd%252Fernest-crim-iii-ethnic-studies

As students come together and strategize for the Sussex County Youth Mental Health coalition, to offer events, opportunities, and more to Sussex County and the state, youth and school libraries represent the center of possibilities where students strategize, plan, create and implement.

What many might see as an issue above their knowledge base, or a topic just for adults, not pushing back on individual rights is more important than ever, as well as the right to access information, where ever people choose. It is up to the people to realize what is legitimate, have a choice, but also having a space where youth can belong in this need for change. The need for feeling uncomfortable with many topics that impact other areas of our community, is now more essential than ever.

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What are YOU giving and receiving?

Posted on August 23, 2026 by Harry Brake

“I don’t have time to sit down for five minutes to read…”, “I’m too tired of schoolwork by the time I would be able to read something for fun…”, “When would I find the time before falling asleep before reading?” AND YET- there is plenty of time to scroll, post, view etc. in social media today. The previous statements MIGHT have been flashing sentences that rolled through my day – BUT- for me and for everyone else I remind them (especially to students)-

“If we are willing to give so much of our time and ourselves, every day- to others – shouldn’t you set MINIMUM 15 minutes a night aside for you to read what you want- and to allow that time to be a detox from all you did today and simply freedom for you to travel or discover lands, worlds, concepts that draw you in. Reading should be everyone’s reward for sacrificing so much of themselves for others during the day.

The more I think about this sacred time that everyone has to themselves, almost as a period of meditation that we each have the amazing freedom that many do not have in other countries (like voting!) One of the most amazing thing is what people do NOT know about libraries, (and hence reading) that besides just being about books- one of the most personal time we have is a moment where anyone can open a book, ANYONE, ANY book, and find themselves within the pages where they never find themselves.

But there is the commitment required to make those steps and often, many have to be enlightened on what that period can mean, that people can carve out for themselves, and reading will mean to them down the road. This is the difficult part but with ease, and with talent, librarians can show all individuals how personal reading is to farmers, future lawyers, electricians, mechanics, and even more. Even further there is the impact that students can have that in their community that can go on to impact their community and weave the barriers that exist between school and community until none exist. All this can definitely appear, if you just allow a portion of time, everyone deserves, to read.

It might all sound dramatic, but reading is such a personal experience, for individual people of all walks of life, and doing so it a very personal experience. Unsure this is the case? TAKE a LOOK at this:

It has always been my interest, once I realized the personal level a library and librarian can have in the world for everyone, and well, I was hooked. Some of you have seen this, when you go to a conference that aligns with someone’s interest, you FEEL as you found your home. Be it a conference for engineers, architects, English teachers, scientists, doctors, and of course librarians. There is a common language, a common camaraderie, a feeling of home and the one thing you take for pride, that you take home with you, that you utilize to impact the world around you. It is vital everyone is willing, to carve a little piece of your crazy, busy day, to save that time for yourself, to take back and read. As I write this, I for some reason think about something I see and reflect on every day.

I think of the people to go to grocery stores and see carts in the return areas – and when going in, either grab one and take it in or simply do not take one but go into the grocery store, trying to act like they do not see the carts, and never would think to grab one, or two, or maybe three to help the person out who is trying to keep up with the cart load in the parking lot. I think often of the jobs I had, sometimes being a clerk at Friedman’s/Bilo, Food Arena, Shop ‘N Save, and in the middle of the heat, the cold, carts always had to be present. Never did I think that others could help me, But MANY years later, I see the way I can help the store overall, those clerks overall, just by bringing one cart inside. But many choose not to and for some reason that stands out to me, In the spaces and places we find of solace, where people do not notice, people can choose to read or not read. The act of reading also impacts so much more than we realize.

The more I think about this, the more I see books / reading in general being the one act, for yourself, you are willing to deny from the sacrifice of what the day has done to you by the end of it. Not exactly see how I see these two situations alike, but I do know- when you advocate for yourself to read a minimum of 15 minutes a night, FOR YOU AND NO ONE ELSE, things beging to change. For the better, even on your worst days.

I also tell students that reading, is time allotted that YOU yourself allot for the well-earned solace at night, at day, ANYTIME, and is priceless and helps you think out larger big-pictures of these concepts. Books might not have anything to do with the concepts, exercises or experiences of the day you find yourself in, but they are cross-training your brain to be prepared to for those possibilities.

Don’t hesitate, don’t doubt, and do not think twice about it, Just read, for yourself and what will go on to be an amazing transformation of how you see the world and finding your place in it. Sssshhhhhhh, (I am not shushing you as a librarian), I am shushing the noise around you that distracts from you finding who you are in pages that you do not exist yet. That is part of what librarians do for you- and I hope you are lucky enough to discover this yourself. Every single day.

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Bringing the Outside IN

Posted on August 12, 2026 by Harry Brake

“Is it over already?” – When students were in a state of panic as the lights came up at the intermission, at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre– during the production of The Outsiders, I instantly realized several pertinent points:

1) Students were going to be VERY upset if the rest of The Outsiders was not shown, as they knew it, AND they KNEW there was more- and wanted to see how the end played out in from of them. SCORE!

2) A large number of students had never seen a musical or a production and were unaware that this indeed was an intermission, bringing home vern more why we ad adults need to find every way possible to put students in front of productions of stories they have come to know, the book is not enough – and students learning the ins and outs, the protocols of a production is priceless and valuable in the learning process on COUNTLESS levels.

3) The realization that was just the intermission sparked a back and forth among all the students about characters from The Outsiders we had only interacted with through a book for six weeks and here the students were, asking each other about EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER that I thought they really did not “get” when we were reading – turns out they carried on a conversation among various others in the group, all about these characters now that they were seeing them on the stage and had a comparison to the knowledge they didn’t realize they held. Yet the knowledge about the characters, that they did not even realize they held, came out in a gush when they had a comparison in real life, in front of them. It was MAGICAL.

AN AMAZING companion to what we saw today!

https://outsidersmusical.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/INSIDE-THE-OUTSIDERS-An-Educational-Study-Guide.pdf

Let’s back up a day – the day before today, I received a text and found out there was one extra ticket to The Outsiders production, and I did not even need to think about it. Having the chance, after 6 weeks of The Outsiders experiences through connections to personality tests comparing characters from the novel to the students reading this, to researching famous icons of the era and television shows that were before the student’s time and them making those connections (Remember Laverne and Shirley, Happy Days, and even West Side Story? How about Paul Newman, Cool Hand Luke, James Dean, Judy Garland?). We fleshed them all out, and then we went to the standard chapter by chapter study guides to flesh out important points along the way, using Cornell Notes to flesh out questions we planned to send to the author, and of course, the vocabulary of the period like “You Dig?” – “Heater”, and how Soc’s and Greasers came to be a common term in their vocabulary for 6 weeks?

I set out at 6:30 AM from Seaford, DE, hoped for the best and found myself in Times Square at 11:30 to surprise the students and they turned around and “How did you get here?!” – “Where did you come from!” – it was SO FUN! But this is the best part-

What we shared during that 6 weeks began to slightly touch the topic of feeling like an outsider, how students feel when they want to rise up and yet feel stifled, have little confidence in their ability to be successful when they do not have a large cheerleading fan base.

AND YET- that 2 hour exposure to The Outsiders on stage- changed so much in their minds and eyes. You could feel it when you saw their reactions, could hear their conversations- and you could see what seeing some amazing realizations through what they had taken in for 6 weeks, and now took in for 2 hours, REALLY affected them:

1) “We come from different places” – this spoke to ME and I know spoke to the students as we had so many cultural and geographical elements represented in the 27 students we had around us- and with the brilliant casting representing so many realities of diversity in The Outsiders production than was represented and that existed in the book and when the book was written- this hit home. In a time where so many of our students are hearing things to make them feel bad or feel as if they do not deserve the success they are capable of unless they fit an anticipated expectation of what success looks like in public, this was one of the most important things they could have heard.

It was easy for them (students) to hear this and tie this into what we had read in an isolated scenario from the book, but now they could apply it to an outside(no pun intended) setting, a real world setting that took on even more meaning.

2) The students were able to see first hand how the characters brought so much meaning with so little on the set and seeing the amazing, creative ways several items served MULTIPLE purposes- it took them awhile to realize how NOT alot on the set could be more than they thought.

3) When the students saw the characters working through the loss of their parents, then the loss of dear friends due to the elements of divisiveness, you could not hear a PIN drop. It hit them heavy and I felt it from the rows around me when I was sitting with them.

4) The students seeing how extra dialogue that they did not come across in the book, but they heard and witness on stage, struck so many emotional chords with them, all specific to what their personal experiences were, but it really struck home. They noticed what was not what they stumbled across in the book yet was presented tp them on stage. They picked up on it immediately, and from the impact of Robert Frost’s “Nothing Gold Can Stay” hitting them in the heart, to understanding how Pip from Great Expectations shared something with each of them through the character’s various soliloquies, you could see the students trying to ride these emotional waves and work through them. it was astonishing.

5) Coming into a stage production and thinking it was all about the music, tbut then realizing how the music enhances the emotions they are feeling, reacting to, etc. – it was an education in itself for so many students who had never seen a production of any sort be simply flabbergasted and shocked. All in a good way and it was rewarding to see how this affected them so much.

If you do not understand the Upward Bound Program– understand this- students who do not have the self esteem to think they can go on to do great things, students who never know there were open doors that could launch them into reaching deep down and pulling out the talents they never were given a chance to exhibit, students who have never been exposed to the events that make them truly feel and connect knowledge to the world around them, as well as to themselves- this is what the Upward Bound experience has done for GENERATIONS of students in this tri- leveled program.

When the government questions if this funding and if this program is needed- worth being funded, I can tell you, after 9, NINE years of students seeing transformed with the same type of experience that students witnessed just this ONE night from ONE production, it was no wonder so much from The Outsiders and especially the stage production, grabbed them and opened their eyes up to the connections they might not have realized before. It is vital work to empower future generations and motivate, encourage, stimulate, excite, and instill a sense of possibility when many never realized what they are capable of.

The influential and powerful feel the production of The Outsiders had on these youth, and can have on adults and other youth together – has the chance to bridge the divide between educators, parents, teachers and youth in ways that even I was not realizing after seeing this powerful powerful production.

Never underestimate recognizing the difference that makes us unique, and yet, has the power to light a fire that will change a world. You certainly will see this in this production and I urge you to RUN to see this and walk away with so much direction that needs to be instilled ion so many of our students today.

I certainly cannot find the words to see how these Upward Bound students absorbed this and realized so many aspects of the world around them through the comparison they had of this book and this powerful production, Yet, it affected every single one of them- and we need to continue to find ways to reinforce the possibility, potential, and purpose these youth have. Often, it is a situation of showing students what they are capable of, and what they can do -whether they realize they possesses the power to do great things at first, or no, but to find that path for them to follow, to make this realization.

Very few times I would have said a 3 1/2 hour drive to New York, for the day, to see a show would be worth it. In this case, I have to admit that 3 1/2 hours wasn’t ENOUGH time on the way back for me to absorb how many of these students took what they saw and acted in conversation on it. They had no qualms about hashing out conversations about understanding the plot that did not match the printed book, comments on seeing how each other liked it, and so many other side conversations. The production, countered with the author’s background knowledge, and the elements they did not recognize in the book yet could very well recognize from knowing the ploy, this all just launched what students had learned in 6 weeks, to outside of that classroom, to the world.

Great Expectations. These students and every student deserves a creative way to realize theirs and – whoa! – what they can do when they realize this!

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There is not just an “I” in Libraries or Literacy.

Posted on July 9, 2026 by Harry Brake

Very few times in these days do you see so many potential possiblities seated at one table, void of politics, void of prejudices, void of grudges – BUT, when it happens, – magic.

Yesterday, as over 60 + individuals tied to libraries in some way:

Administrative Libraries and Librarians

Public Libraries

School Libraries

Legislative Advocacy Libarians

Friends of the Library Librarians

Community members that benefit from Delaware Libraries

EveryLibrary.org

and for over three hours, literacy, stories about pets, family, community, technology, innovation, accomplishments, creative ways to move beyond challenges to funding, talking pets, friends, family, students, curriculum, and Delaware as a state and how we can reimagine our state- lots of laughter, lots of overdue relaztion, lots of expertise and reacquanting with each other outside of screens- so much happened when library advocates were able to get together and celebrate literacy in so many ways.

Now, as we celebrate libraries, on this day celebrating Dr. Annie Norman’s retirement at Big Oyster Brewery in Milford, (The longest table of adovciates of literacy I saw in ages!) – even more reasons need to be made to get togetehr with you, community members, to reinforce in the face of massive cuts to funding for librarians and libraries, how nothing keeps litereacy down and out if you decide it is important. You also need to make that decision that litereacy in all its forms is vital and worth showing to for events your school and local public library is putting on, could be putting on, and yet to be out on. Please reach out to all of these amazing people in our communities up and down in the state, as wel as to your legislators, and keep pushing forward as librarians and library adovcates continue to change the story at hand, NOT just when legislation is meeting for discuss and consider finding, but every day and involving our youth.

Is it about ONE person? Sometimes it takes one or two people to start major changes. When individuals are willing to sacrifice their time, a weekend, their energy, their creativity up and down a state, a willingness to come together, things change despite the obstacles set in front of them, And whether you realize it or not, libraries of all kinds, as well as librarians, can help be at the center of all such movements.

“Libraries aren’t just for books. They’re often spaces that transform into what you need them to be: a classroom, a cyber café, a place to find answers, a quiet spot to be alone. It’s actually kind of magical. This week, we have stories of people who roam the stacks and find unexpected things that just happen to be exactly what they required.“

– This American Life podcast – The Room of Requirement

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Opportunities That Have Always Been There – Waiting to be Excavated

Posted on June 20, 2026 by Harry Brake

I would not be the first to notice and feel, the warmth of the example of the Tartan Army in Boston, was one of the best news worthy, feel good stories in the news I felt and saw in a long time. We need more. Yet, there is!

In the last few days, despite working through a long lit of to-do’s I also wanted to make new discoveries, and I have…

-The love of futball I truly came into while I lived in Mexico has continued to stay with me and for that I am grateful. I am do glad to see it occurring and resurging in the U.S. but more importantly, I love how it is exposing various countries and teams from around the world to so many people in different countries. If what we term soccer is a vehicle for bringing new cultural awareness and practices to the U.S.- I am all for it. I feel this has mde more games with the World Cup than all of the opportunities not taken by the current Presidential administration and there are lessons to be learned, unearthed, that will surprsse many when they take steps to constantly learn about other countries, traditions, customs and more. It is so welcoming. Also, you need to catch the Kansas town supporting the Algerian team. There is so much we overlook in the value and importance found in other countries and the amazingness of other countries truly shifts how important America is, with the ability to recognize the value of other countries when we define who we are in seeing multiculturalism in so many parts of the U.S.. It is overdue. It is so so sad how so little do not know cultures outside of the U.S. and I hope this continues to change if it cannot occur at a Governmental level, which it should be.

https://novanta.com/news/the-world-cup-when-the-world-comes-together/

-In approaching the celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States, I stumbled across a book titled The American Spirit, by David McCullough, (unknowing he was from Pittsburgh!) and one early speech I came across, in a chapter in the book titled Civilization and the City, dated 1994, a commencement speech at the University of Pitt, YES, given in Pittsburgh, PA just resonated through me. It reminded me how much I love Pittsburgh and all the ways I am connected to Pittsburgh. The speech alone is worth the read of this book, but what strikes me is that for all the privilege I have had to be as so many amazing schools, from my first Middle School in Lusby, MD to Mexico City to currently Delaware, I have always seen so many youth that have the potential to do amazing things to better our world. This gives me hope as I also take in the mixing of celebrations I witnessed in so many countries coming together in some fashion due to the Wolrd Cup as mentioned above.

-I love stumbling on the book, Staying Gold, by Boy O’Connor. The chapter about how a librarian, asking her students to write a letter, which actually resulted in the movie being made, thanks to those students. It goes a long, long way at showing how schools libraries and public libraries, make an impact and provide avenues of leadership for youth and all members of communities. Once people realize the power school libraries can activate for schools, how public libraries can change communities, things in other areas can change for the netter. Amazing what can come out of one chapter, yet alone one book.

-By accident, I had my Alexa tuned myself into a Australian radio show podcast, https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/politics-now and I have to say, I LOVE IT! It is so interesting to hear podcasts and news from the view of another country. One of the many reasons I loved living in Mexico so much and opened my mind and thoughts up to so many new ways, in better ways. I think a good idea to do so in other countries as well!

-The lessons I have heard from the latest Toy Story movie (there have been FIVE!) pitting tech versus wholesome messaging about peer pressure and more. LOVE IT.

-I love the themes and ideas expressed in this video I came acoss involving the Obama’s and Dave Chapelle. Powerful. “Life is about the small stuff.”

I am finding, despite the hustle and bustle still finding their way to my door, it is vital that each of us resist the doom and gloom politics has the ability to impact us and yet, we have the opportunity to resist the urge to be brought down. Things can change and can change for the better, if we set our mind to it and push aside the siloed views that politics and groups bring to us. Positive change is available in so many areas and change is possible – our future generations need to be reminded of that daily and in the mix, the cultures and countries OUTSIDE of the U.S. can have a huge factor in that. I feel more of an American when I recognize the value other countries being to our own country.

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June 15, 2026

Posted on June 15, 2026 by Harry Brake

Don’t miss tonight at Newark’s Raising Cane’s!

~

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Graphic Novels and Your Conceptions…

Posted on June 4, 2026 by Harry Brake

…can often not be the reality we think it is.

Today in learning the author of Perspolis had passed away, I realized the weight of this loss.

Despie the misconception of how people view graphic novels are similar to comics, whew. Over the years I have learned how specific a language graphic novels are and how most of the misconceptions are incorrect.

Marjane Satrapi was a giant of literature and stands for all the misconceptions people have about other countries, cultures, and literacy as we think we know about it.

There has been no better time to connect the value of graphic novels, tied to global events, tied to literacy, tied to the chance to check it out more this summer.

delawarelibraries.org/signup

We mourn the loss of an amazing author from Iran, the author of Persepolis.

https://youtu.be/v9onZpQix_w?si=CmnsXtlp-lcxtTFZ

The power of discovering the connections that, when unearthed, like the theme of Delaware’s summer reading program, is limitless. Here’s to discovering what we really should recognize about Iran, Mexico, Ukraine, Russia, and more outside of what social media brings to our table. I have learned graphic novels are a gateway to utilizing the brain in interpreting message in a whole new way.

I love this blog post even more when it comes to understanding history through graphic novels:

Reading, History, Voice, and Graphics in Times of Misunderstanding.

As June brings us to the month of the Audiobook and Rainbow Book Month, it is even more an underlying them to keep an open mind to all that comes our way. You may not agree, but, those that close their mind to new ideas versus close their minds to anything outside of their mental wheelhouse, turns out to be all the difference in the world.

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Independence in Independent Book Stores Part I

Posted on April 25, 2026 by Harry Brake

I used to say this about the colleges I was looking at- when I walked on the campus. I felt a connection to the location. Be it the campus grounds, the dorm, the buildings, I could tell the feeling I had when I felt a closeness and a feeling like, “I could live here.” That never took me down a wrong turn or did me wrong in my decisions. It reminds me of a dowsing rod.

April 25th, 2026 – Yes this is Independent Book Store Day. But let me try to explain why this is so much more than a annual mark on a calendar. As I started out Friday after school – I headed to The Crafty Reader in Milton – and at the last day of the work week – It was a reward to be able to escape to a bookstore. That is the very thing- when I walked into The Crafty Reader, I realized the coziness, personable factor, and specialization of what an Independent Bookstore can provide is not even a close throw to what you will receive online. I totally get, 100%, the feeling of convenience of ordering online and to your door. However, the long term impact of the feeling- talking with actual people- the feeling of visually being in a location and feeling the relaxation and quiet- (yes you can get this at home but if you have ever been in a bookstore, 100% totally different) – this is the same as engorging 100% online as we did during Covid, or being immersed 100% in technology versus limiting the screen time and app time, and yes, phone time and inputting more kinesthetic experiences, and it makes a difference in your mood, your optimism, your personality, and even your eyes (and definitely your brain).

I will tell you true, in simply just seeing, taking in the quiet and cozy space of The Crafty Reader in person, and being able to come and go, and look and read in the pages of whatever I wanted? It helped me recover from a week, let alone a Friday, of phone calls every 5 minutes, emails every 2 minutes, and requests and needs every 30 seconds for 9 hours. I literally can feel my nerves and blood jumping inside my body from the tasks that keep coming at me for that 8-9 hours- and the last thing I usually want to do is see more people after taking in the capacity for the day my body and brain can handle and yet- the bookstore and the people therein help me calm down find a center of where I can just BE and become that much more calm. I did grab a book there that to be honest, so far is FABULOUS – Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear by Seanan McGuire. Never saw it, heard of it and it is an amazing read. I obtained my first stamp for my passport as well, which in the scheme of things ranked lower than all of the above mentioned.

There is so much more than meets the eye when it comes to Independent Book stores. I found that out even more on Saturday – stay tuned to see the totally unexpected turn of events and who I ran into on Independent Book Store Day in the next post.

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Reading is an Intervention…

Posted on April 25, 2026 by Harry Brake

Whether you were aware or not – students and youth are hungry for the opportunity to have their voice be a tool to help, guide, motivate, and lead others. I will provide several examples of this below – and one prime example is that of Festival of Words coming up in it’s 26th year. Yet- another first is also happening following Festival of Words.

The very first student-led Substance Misuse Summit- requested for by students – and coming to fruition adds a level to literacy many might not connect with at first.

I didn’t, until I began listening to the gaps I heard from student’s stories (literacy) in understanding (literacy) what concerns they are seeing in their own day to day events.

What is the purpose of this summit following Festival of Words? Previous to the idea of creating a youth-led summit, addressing issues of substance abuse, mental health, and healthy alternatives to a healthier life overall, students from various schools had been meeting at Georgetown Public Library (they have been amazing in encouraging youth initiatives and strategies for the community) to discuss the issues of problems with substances and our youth, We were lucky enough to have Festival of Words author Angelo Menefee, Lisa Messina and Erin Grier from Courageous Hearts, Senator Eric Buckson, and Youth Intervention Leader Carmina Taylor to point us in the right direction.

I was lucky enough to sit down with Ms. Lisa Messina and have a chat about general topics last week, and she mentioned- Reading is an intervention, is a prevention. We also connected CADCA to this where our student travelled to and represented Delaware.

I thought about that for a bit. We discussed how many forget that a school library, as well as a public library, is a location for relief, respite, and decompression. Many forget during a busy day filled with classes, homework, assignments, and accountability, having a space to relax and be able to just – let your mind rest for a bit- that is one of the most important areas and spaces needed for any school.

When discussing Courageous Hearts and how they are currently working with Woodbridge High as one of several schools, there are three areas they implement and work through: Prevention – Therapy – Recovery and working n small groups. Additionally, with Animal Therapy, this is a powerful tool with Equine Assisted Therapy.

Through the conversation, I realized what the students had already realized – when opportunities pose themselves to the community such as Festival of Words sponsored in part by the Delaware Library Association for 26 years in the name of literacy, there also are the opportunities to widen the door to understanding different types of literacy. The literacy of understanding how mentally physically, and socially, literacy can exist when all these basic needs are met and supporters. It seems a “no – brainer” (sorry, had to do it!) that not just the brain, but the heart also has to be supported to be healthy in areas of literacy that involve the arts, writing, reading, mental healthy, physical health, as well as social health.

With inviting and representing so many community organizations that can represent these areas- we need the community to be a part of making sure Festival of Words continues with your attendance, but also making sure you are willing to sit in and hear the concerns students have in addressing these other areas – that impact all areas of our communtiy’s health.

Yes we need you to come to the Festival of Words, yes we need you to participate and be a voice at our first ever youth led substance misuse summit, and YES, we need you to spread the word so others can be involved. Please keep checking back our blog as we post updates.

In blue at the bottom of this post, you will see the most amazing organizations represented at our summit, and at this link, you will see us developing the amazing things we love about all the authors and artists attending. In the next few days you will see some amazing treats and gifts you will be able to take part in in being a part of Festival of Words as well as the 2026 Youth led- Substance Misuse Summit.

Most of all, none of this, NONE of this, could be done without the amazing community partners/sponsors. (Focusing on Independent Book Store day today!)

that are making this possible- absolute. Keep listening and paying attention to our developing website as well add the podcasts from the sit downs students have been having to keep the literacy and awareness of all these amazing resources our community depend on to simply be healthy in a variety of ways.

~

A little about Courageous Hearts from Lisa Messina:

Good afternoon, Mr. Brake, my name is Lisa Messina from Courageous Hearts. I was referred to you by Karen Johnson at the Bridgeville Public Library. We are working together on scheduling some programs for January and she mentioned that you might be a great contact for the community outreach services we provide at Courageous Hearts.

As a community outreach specialist, I provide mindfulness groups under a prevention contract with the state of Delaware. 

Courageous Hearts is a clinical psychotherapy office that provides outpatient office visits and equine assisted psychotherapy. Our main office is on a farm in Lincoln, Delaware. I provide mindfulness groups for students. The evidence-based curriculum we employ is called Learning to Breathe. This programming is available to our community through state funding, so it is offered to your students without charge.

     Time: The mindfulness groups are 35-45 minutes each, one day a week for 6 consecutive weeks. We also can schedule a ‘once and done’ mindfulness group for a larger group of students that would be 45 minutes to an hour.

     Age: The student ages typically are elementary (third grade and up) or middle school, and on occasion, high school. This is for both public school and homeschool students.

     Group size: Typically we form groups of 6-8 students. And we can schedule multiple groups back-to-back on the same day of students in similar grades.

     Content: Each weekly lesson has a topic of focus based on the acronym for BREATHE. It is prevention based to teach students how to listen to their body, be mindful of their thoughts, and be kinder to themselves concerning their emotions and self-talk. There is a heavy emphasis put upon calming oneself, being gentle with self talk, and breathing techniques. 

We also provide a health and wellness group with a teaching called SPORT PPW (Prevention Plus Wellness) PROGRAM. This would be focused on Middle school ages and above. It is a program designed to discuss positive health choices such as proper nutrition, proper sleep, physical activity, and good choices to avoid substances. This is a ‘once and done’ 1 hour program.

We do require a signed permission slip from parents or guardians for each student. I can send these documents for printing or posting.

My cell number is 302-841-2096 for any questions. If this sounds interesting to you, let’s plan something for January!

I am excited about partnering with you and your students for mental wellness!

Lisa

~

Who is going to be part of those representing the summit and at Festival of Words that support our community?

Cornerstone Community Center KAT Force

Delaware Council on Gambling Problems

DJ’s Alliance

DSCYF

Higher Ground Outreach

Impact Life Today

Jewish Family Services

Nemours (While they are not able to be present due to two other commitments, they will be represented this day!)

Out Loud DE

PMG Consulting

Sussex County Health Coaliition

Teen Challenge

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Letting Moments Be Your Own

Posted on April 12, 2026 by Harry Brake

I have always wanted my art to service my people—to reflect us, to relate to us, to stimulate us, to make us aware of our potential.— Elizabeth Catlett

Recently, as part of the Delaware Humanities, there was a board meeting we had located in the Biggs Museum. On our break, I wandered up to the top floor where an exhibit of Elizabeth Catlett was on display. I will be honest, I knew little to nothing previously about the artists as Elizabeth Catlett, but was I to be surprised.

The Biggs Museum offers the perfect environment to reflect and take everything in that you see and not be distracted by anything else, which actually, is quite soothing and offers an escape. I say this as everytime you go to social media there is this sense of doom, hurry up and churn out another piece to contribute to the larger collective, a rush to push life ahead instead of pull back and soak alot of details we often take for granted in, as well as a sense of always coming from a dark place or place of negativity. I notice this most on platforms such as Facebook and quick scenes represented on TikTok

As a result of this onrush of just STUFF, I have found much more relief in being a home body and the quiet it provides in contrast to the noice others discover in social media and the world itself. I felt this sense of solace and peace at the Biggs Museum and the discoveries I made of Elizabeth Catlett were powerful. One of the most startling discoveries were discovering her residence in Mexico and studying at UNAM. I wish I would have discovered her while I was living in Mexico City, but am grateful I made this discovery as it churned up so many memories that impact me today.

Additionally, the sculpture and art from Elizabeth Catlett draw you in, and the vividness literally reaches out and pulls you into what is in front of you. Finding the quiet and solitude the Biggs Museum offers allows you to truly contemplate and appreciate this exhibit. Seeing the impact of her student Samella Lewis and seeing how the exhibit can extend to younger generations with. space for them to contribute their thoughts- it seems to make a complete circle of how art, expression, and reaching all ages in the right environment can uplift and provide individuals with a sense of promise.

Seeing the various lithographs created, you almost want to learn this art to see what is possible. When an artist’s work is there to encourage you to contemplate but to also contemplate, that is an exhibit worth its weight in time. Yet, I feel more time needs to be set aside to allow ourselves to contemplate, listen, and to be able to question and answer so much that surrounds us in a world where so few experiences allow us to do so.

Definitely make a point to visit Biggs Museum and this exhibit before it leaves in June. This is a powerful exhibit that is worth the time and space you will allow yourself to experience!

TO know about Elizabeth Catlett

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