In learning about the fact that Steve Inskeep, NPR’s journalist, would be the keynote speaker at The History Book Festival in Lewes, I was VERY excited to say the least.

NPR has always been something I have been infatuated with mainly due to the fact that voice is so well represented. I have been always excited about recordings, music, editorials, documentaries, but more than anything all of the above that is captured with radio and voice. It soothes my nerves, it informs me, it often brings books to life, and in addition, I always felt there is a layer of learning not achieved through other mediums; radio has always intrigued me. NPR has ALWAYS filled the void of any information or interest I have had. Someone such as Inskeep and an institution such as Public Radio and NPR coming to our back yard, behind priceless.

Thanks to the generosity and quick thinking of Biblion and Browseabout Books, all was set to receive Mr. Inskeep at Woodbridge High and for them to experience his throughs through books they would provide. I hoped it would create the ability of students not normally involved in a podcast to be so. Ironic I thought, students podcasting a master of podcasting. To me it added a level of involvement to youth that was yet another facet of the History Book Festival.

The students from Ms. McGill’s History class as well as Ms. Wagar’s yearbook class that prepared questions – their attention to detail in their questioning was without question. In the days preparing for Mr. Inskeep’s arrival, the review of open versus closed ended questioning, questions that had not been asked a hundred times, questions that brought into information that you might not find anywhere else previously, questions tied to his publication as well as to his experiences as a journalist, writer, podcaster, it took some research. I was proud beyond belief at the capability of a 9th grade class and then upperclassmen as they came armed with a extensive lit of inquiries, worthy of what any school library would expect representing a school of Information Science.

The day itself was phenomenal, meeting Mr. Inskeep was beyond surreal. Here was an individual that has been a part of my weekly schedule for years, represented a voice and look into the world that often had not been detailed as well as through his experiences, and he was literally in our library, sharing his experiences that I had always heard, but now was experiencing again in person. The students had this current of excited electricity you could feel through the podcast, as well as through their questioning and receiving of his insights as a large group. With over 70 attendees in the Walter P.J. Gilefski Media Center, it was interesting and thoughtful to see this happening in a library, named after someone who always sought information himself. It represented what school librarians and school libraries do represent and bring to a community population.

The graciousness, patience, and interest that Mr. Inskeep represented in discussing, questioning, and learning of student’s experiences also modeled the type of person he seemed to be on air. He wanted to know what students were involved in, how they saw the world, joked with them about lessons he had learned growing up, and continued to show his thankfulness for being with us, while we were just as excited of his willingness to be here.

Sometimes there are so many scheduled events, holidays, celebrations, etc. that occur, it is difficult to have them all stick in your memory. However, the more personal in nature events are, the more niches that are found to connect to all individuals in some way, the more those memories become permanent. In finding ways to meet students, and any population, halfway and connect with their interests and goals, be it their future, their employment interests, their experiences, hopes, dreams, talents, or abilities, and have a place to bring voice to any one of these, that is a defining moment.

School libraries have transformed over the years to implement that very potential, and not just hold countless experiences in print and digital resources, but also to open the door of individuals, guest speakers, audio books, connections to the community, local events, and connections to the world. It was all of this, wrapped up into one, that was able to come out with Mr. Steve Inskeep’s visit. His topic of Lincoln and working through divisiveness came at an appropriate time where populations can indeed find a place to agree to disagree, but to learn more about each other and break a chain of conflict, and learn how to come together to recognize how our differences can strengthen our nation and communities.

Few people think about the after impacts of such a visit and the followup. Editing, reviewing the information receiving, discussing, and applying.

These are sometimes the most crucial stages of an event, even though while in the middle of it seems to be the climax of an event. I like to see the follow also involve students when they reflect on the process that just came through.

How lucky are we to have students that can realize this and pass this on to others as well? Please take a moment to appreciate the partners that enable such an event like the History Book Festival and speakers to share their insights with our communities.