Ever. World War, Project Gutenberg, Star Trek, and Vinyl.

Posted on April 14, 2023 by Harry Brake

I actually had the chance to have a half day, during Easter Break, to think about the deeper implications of what School Library Month means. This was after a trip to the Library of Congress as part of the Book Surplus Program we work with, and I thought of the Library of Congress Librarian, Mr. Joseph Mahar, Head of Surplus Books Program, Acquisitions Fiscal, Overseas and Support Division.

I thought a little further (Thinking for me, and having the time to think leads me into dangerous places) and thought how for someone that is a librarian, a true librarian, everything you see, or hear around you has connection to other things, it is almost impossible to think otherwise. I thought this resembled Pandora’s box, not being able to stop the onslaught of how so many connections CAN be made to things that possibly many people do no see. As a librarian, you are asked to connect EVERYTHING, even sometimes the most the most unrelated things to help grants, proposals, and off the wall ideas become reality. That is the way we are trained with an Information Science degree. So in a way, it is a Pandora’s Box but, I thought, even more detailed, it is a box or category that could be called Ever.

In thinking of a category or a hypothetical box named Ever, I immediately thought of Mr. Mahar.

This is why.

EVERY single time I have visited the amazing vaults of the LOC Book Surplus Program, I always walked away with more than I EVER knew or expected. Not just books. And it was librarian-style amazing to see how Mr. Mahar was always able to pull resources right in front of my eyes with a simple phrases of what I thought I might need.

Several months ago, I expressed my interest in finding more resources tied to help facilitate more exciting aspects of teaching World War I and II, something more interactive. Immediately Mr. Mahar showed me these amazing resources:

World War I  (Color) showing how technology infusing color into World War I films changes so many aspects of World War I.

Additionally, me mentioned a student made film that took into stride the aspects of what was learned about World War I history. The Hun: World War I Short Film.

To be able to provide these resources in a minute’s notice, reminded me of the power this particular librarian, as well as librarians I had known grown up with, aren’t defined by the books alone they have knowledge about, but the sheer connections they retain to be able to tailor fit the needs of so many diverse interested and needs. It truly is a box of EVER that librarians have possession of and by giving freely, open up new possibilities for countless others.

Additionally, that same visit months ago, Mr. Mahar also provided a very simple, but yet outstanding piece of knowledge in showing how I could reach ESL students. Simply by using this tool in Project Gutenberg: Use Edge Browser, Right click the section of a book you are interested in, Read aloud – and you have books being read to you in languages that might be needed other than native English.

Project Gutenberg is a library of over 60,000 free eBooks– that has capabilities of reading aloud- similar to an audio book but being able to turn any of the selections into an audio book. The work around and ability to access this was something no one had suggested to be before, EVER – and it was quite brilliant to have work for someone needing a resource to learn English from possibly another language background.

Additionally, I am not sure how we got into the subject of this, but being informed me how Adam Savage, known from Mythbusters– went into the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum to examine the ORIGINAL Enterprise model, 11 foot long used to make the opening shots of the Star Trek movies. I do believe we got onto this topic from the request for a MythBusters video that one of our colleagues at Woodbridge (Mr. Stevens!) has requested for his class, and look where we ended.

So this most recent trip over Spring Break, one of the most revealing revelations was revealed to me as we looked over Billy Holiday and Benny Goodman vinyl records that were in the collection, Mr. Mahar revealed to me how some people felt 45 sized records were better sounding than 78 records. In reality, what I did not realize was, as Mr. Mahar explained, having the right needle makes the difference and what many people might not realize when they are listening to records. For, the 78 records had deeper grooves and a needle needing to be able to truly reach into the larger grooves of a 78, therefore impacting the sound that the listener would in fact hear. All this as I was looking through countless numbers of records. And it dawned on me again-

The fact that librarians of all levels, all areas looks at keepers of books, is one of the biggest mistakes, EVER. If anything, a key keeper having connections to the needs of anyone that needs something. No long a Pandora’s box, but a keeper of something that could be know as Ever, ever a contact for putting together the needs and resources that support the widest range of individuals, Ever.

Mr. Mahar is one of many countless examples of what a librarian actually means and does for an individual school, the community outside of any given library, and the ideas that are created from The Giver-like knowledge librarians are trained for.

One simply does not realize the power and training of a librarian and how it can impact such a wider group of communities, and when you see schools that do not have the ability to have such a central resource in a given school, what COULD be possible if indeed, that trust and ability of a trained librarian could be there. No longer Pandora’s box, but given EVER so much possibility, my hope is School Library Month and the role takes on a whole new perspective. Ever and Ever. Thank you Mr. Mahar for providing countless resources, opportunities and being a steward that anything is possible, ever and ever.

Range of Books added to WHS collection in January 2023 –
https://youtube.com/shorts/zdN0WfB9geQ 
https://youtube.com/shorts/6tvYYuk7WrU 
https://youtube.com/shorts/eKx4St97MRw 
https://youtube.com/shorts/kgyOJHN5RAE 
https://youtube.com/shorts/T4HkNQfWyjM 
https://youtube.com/shorts/LDODsD4qRdM 
https://youtube.com/shorts/6iVPWbEbGMM 

and April 2023 – added up total from both opportunities, books from 2021- 2022 – total value exceeding over $4000.00 – and priceless for supporting student curriculum!

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D.E.A.R – April 12th

Posted on April 13, 2023 by Harry Brake

We have some great comments for Drop Everything and Read Day, April 12th!

Take a Look:

Mickie – Well Harry….my favorite books are anything by Lisa Gardner or others similar to her. My favorite position is upright in a rocking chair (2nd is jumping into bed and getting flat to read before sleep…a newer habit I love and CANNOT MISS at this point. Looking forward to others’ DEARs. Happy reading.

Connie – My favorite book is whatever I’m presently reading which is ‘And There Was Light – Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle’ author Jon Meacham. It is a very in depth history of Lincoln and the Civil War. I love to read on and off all day in my recliner.

(From Mickie) – @Connie I love John Meacham. I used to watch him all the time on MSNBC. I had to stop news watching for awhile so I miss him. He’s a good guy. Enjoy your read!

Joanna- Every day is drop everything and read at our house haha. But my favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird followed closely by 100 Years of Solitude. I like to read at the beach under an umbrella, but really anywhere will do.

Lynne-

My favorite reading space.

Hailey- My favorite book right now is Klara and the Sun

https://www.npr.org/2021/03/02/971851192/klara-and-the-sun-asks-what-it-means-to-be-human.

My favorite place to read is on the couch, criss cross apple sauce, with my dog stretched out beside me.

Harry – I have to tell you- lately, I have been on a Environmental reading kick, and currently reading –

Nature’s Fortune

and

Troubled Water

Favorite place? I would say next to being at the beach reading I LOVE reading in bed with cats on either side, by a fire. My favorite. 🙂

Read on! and celebrate School Library Month in April – let your representatives, senators, and school administration know how important this is to have in your school!

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Absolutely nothing more needed said. Nothing.

Posted on April 9, 2023 by Harry Brake

When I heard this amazing podcast

about how fast it all goes by – so much came to mind:

“Mary Louise Kelly on her memoir ‘It. Goes. So. Fast. The Year of No Do-Overs’ “

The cars that refuse to go less than 80 degrees per mile on my bumper at 6:30 AM, the afternoon, in the evening on Atlanta Road and refuse to understand when I am behind them at the next stop sign, their passing me on a double line lane did not matter at all – and saved them a whole 2 minutes and jeopardized their and others lives…

The refusal to accept life as easygoing and to catch up with people over pushing higher, pushing for more status, more money, more more more…basically not being able to get off the hamster-wheel so many businesses see merit in their version of success…

The complaints that come from many people not used to a get to know your neighbor first, deal with business later, laid back approaches that can be found in Delaware, Mexico City, and a few other choice places versus the GO Go Go feel of larger cities?

It all goes back to – Rushing is highly overrated – and life shortening – I LOVE the themes that were emphasized in this amazing podcast.

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Emma…I know Emma!

Posted on April 1, 2023 by Harry Brake

Jane Austen’s adapation, known as Emma, coming to Woodbridge High! In knowing this, there are some things you need to be aware of:

  1. It will be impossible for you to not sing along to some of some musical scores you will know from simply being alive.
  2. You will be surprised at the quality, power, and depth of some of the actresses’/actor’s voices.
  3. This is a production you would not normally out on your HAVE TO SEE list and yet, you walk away realizing, there is a deeper, moral story that goes right alongside the trendy, chic topics you see throughout the set.
  4. It is easy to take the pit and orchestra for granted. Don’t – quality score accompanying this show.
  5. It is still unreal to see so many new faces involved in Drama this year, and better yet, pay attention to the names in the program that have come BACK to help – this makes the depth of this production even more powerful.
  6. Let me know if you are suprised by the last number on stage, I was and it is GREAT in a variety of ways based on what we have experienced as students, faculty, and schools across the world.
  7. Don’t forget to catch tonight at 7 or Sunday, only two chances, but this will stick in your memory for a vareity of reasons!
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How do I …

Posted on March 30, 2023 by Harry Brake

…Survive? …Live? …Stay sane? …Get through my first hour? …Get to all the essential tasks I am repsonsible for as a librarian AND maintain a sense of direction and organization in a single day?

All of these questions and more we plan to address in April, which contains the following tags:

April – School Library Month

National School Librarian Day – April 4th

National Library Week – April 23-29

National Library Workers Day – April 25th

National Library Week 2023, April 23-29, will be celebrated with the theme “There’s More to the Story.”

Right to Read Day – April 24

National Outreach Library Day – April 26

Take Action for Libraries Day – April 27

There are MANY unknown facts that exist in talking with students in March – many topics that people IN school as well as OUT of school are unaware of. We have touched upon what happens in a typical day of a school library:

But let’s take today:

27 phone calls about student technology not working,

faculty technology not working,

various faculty/admin support needed,

amid an all day line of students needing assistance on specific topics of study, tutoring, writing, professional recommendations,

scholarships,

work opportunities,

how to get a program to work,

how to get the best program out there for their cell phone service,

needing tips on how to approach a problem they are having personally,

helping wht a conflict between other peers,

helping with adivce on navigating certain medical issues,

issues with FAFSA,

issues with post-high school dilemmas,

managing to coordinate attendence to six meetings among all the above,

managing to balance attendance and passes on an ongoing basis all day,

Checking out over 20 books – GASP- YES! Books of interest (Knowing what patrons like) STILL GET CHECKED OUT! LOLOLOLOLOLOL.

balancing the needs of providing a safe and commfortable space for students to find to decompress,

trying to get a bite of a small bagel during the day amid the above,

and this truly was JUST getting me to noon. Trying to complete the requirements for a Component Five requirement in our state amid ALL the above on top of that – let’s take this a step further-

There are school districts that have, if they are lucky, ONE certified librarian in their district, some have not one single one. Trust me on this, this is the same phrase as common as “I think the dog ate my homework” – having a certified librarian with an Information Science Degree MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

(things like information behavior (e.g., how do people realize their need for information, choose their information resources, access those resources, express their need in ways the resource understands,

sift good information from bad, and use that information?),

and metadata,

and faceting,

and the ethics of fair use.

Learning about special libraries (which I’d never even heard of before),

cataloging schemes (which I thought I’d hate, but actually loved for its complexity),

and embedded librarianship JUST TO NAME A FEW!)

We know for a fact many dispute and disagree with this fact, so we have been asking students all month about the things certified librarians provide to them all month and we have obtained the feedback – and will be sharing these details with you all month in April to bring you in the know.

While Delaware does NOT have a ceritified librarian master’s degree program, we are lucky enough to have a certification program for the librarian track in the state out of the Univeristy of Delaware, and we are realizing, something has to give – to allow more:

-certified and Masters Degree librarians to be allowed to go to several Professional Developments during the scholl year that relate to their individual profession

-school libraries, all school libraries, to be a part of the unit count when it comes to an offical librarian in their school

-schools AND districts to contain at least one certified librarian in their whole district, but to realize that is not enough to service the needs of a studen population in a district

-reductions of instances where libraries are not having the life squeezed out of exisiting certified librarians by not providing a budget, – it is true- there are librarians that have not had a budget for YEARS and then think – the library is deemed obsolte, and this is an easy way to justify removing thelibrary due to not being relevant – um- DUH! – you can imagine the age of the books in the library without being given and allowed to have access to a yearly budget just for maintaining the very services stiudents need to tie in to ALL their subject areas!

-school librarians to assume the role of a legitimate SCHOOL LIBRARIAN and not be simply a cover for teaching classes all day not related to research, librarianship, and connections to classes

-scenarios where quality paraprofessionals in the library are paired with a certified librarian

-instances where public libraries work and collaborate alongside school libraries and librarians

Don’t worry. We have the stories that have been compiling for a long time to bring the public up to an awareness level of what needs to be happening in schools with your school library, all month long in April. We are counting on you to take these stories and question, support, advocate, and push for reforms that will move Delaware, currently listed as 46th out of 51 states (counting D.C. as the 51st state)

*FTE stands for – Full Time Equivalent

out of the basement and into the main floor of what students, faculty, admin, and parents deserve – but this can only be done with you being made aware, you supportng the move from the basement to the top floor.

We look forward to April to create a wave of awareness of things you did not know about your school library, and use your voice to help us all make the move forward – from our state to another!

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International Women’s Day – A Precedent Setter

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Harry Brake

International Women’s Day 2023 campaign theme: #EmbraceEquity

As you know, or may not know, March is Women’s History Month and today is International Women’s Day – and this fact alone, could be set aside like so many other holidays, where people recognize a specific day or month by the special focus it has, and then that’s that.

What I think is powerful, is the power itself any holiday, and specially recognized day has, if you act on it.

Yesterday, thanks to the following panelists, successful women took time to pass on ways that future generations of young women can go on and carry this day, and this month to their younger generations.

Ms. Katey Evans– Frozen Farmer and repeat recipient on Shark Tank

Pastor Gail Williams Graham AME Church 

Mrs. Kelley Kirkland, Woodbridge High School Principal

Ms. Stephanie Ingram, President of DSEA

Ms. Rachel Culver, President of Delaware Library Association

Mrs. Elyse Baerga, Director of Student Services at Woodbridge School District

Ms. Deb Jewell – Dover Federal Credit Union Culture and Engagement Manager

Ms. Altia Anderson – Former Woodbridge High Graduate, Marquette Basketball athlete, Monmouth Basketball Coach.

No one had to. And by all rights, no one had to take the time that these successful women took for others yesterday. Yet they did. That is the amazing precedent that sets so many individuals apart from others. The world is by far, much fuller of complacent individuals than those that face the obstacles, face the feelings of procrastination and worlds of dreaming, and push themselves out into the world and take action to make things happen now – that second group of individuals are the movers and shakers.

Woodbridge High Hosts 1st Annual International Women’s Day Panel!

It was an honor to hear Ms. Katey Evans opened up the panel opening her doors of experience to the young ladies in saying “If you think you know what hard work is, that homework is hard, that working now is hard, get ready to rewrite the book.” Ms. Evans took the time to break down the exciting opportunities that their company is making to connect and make and double, triple, even more relationships that will further her busines, and certainly shows how a farming family goes on to make a huge impact on many more lives. Her energy, insight, and willingness to be moving 24 hours a day to make a larger impact and grow already-started successes set the tone of what we would hear from other panelists to follow.

Behind the scenes many do not realize are powerful and the successes these panelists brought to the spotlight, that many only knew a portion of was priceless. Behind the scenes of catering the lunch and desserts thanks to Ms. Katey Evans and Ms. Kim Sears,

to the set up and preparation of all the day to Ms. Joy Conway. Ms. Tracey Short with some amazing treats for the attendees, to the connections made due to Ms. Fisher and Ms. Durham, to the very awesome idea of the buttons created thanks to WHS student Rising Educator student Ashley- so much behind the scenes this month needs to be brought into the spotlight – daily.

Initiative, determination, creativity, hard work, and focus were shown to move futures to the finish line when all odds and standing still could just as easily occurred. Yet her story was JUST the start of many that went on record to show how powerful being a precedent setter can be, and 7 more panelists made that very how that set them aside from individuals that dream and dream alone. Stay tuned for insights shared, created, and relayed in a powerful event that if tuned in to, changes everything over the next few days.

Thank you so much 1st Annual International Women’s panel for sharing paths that you did not plan, and yet found yourselves on.

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Bird Breath

Posted on February 20, 2023 by Harry Brake

February 17th kicked off the Great Backyard Bird Count that occurs all over the world. Usually, I try to squeeze in as much as I could to fit this time to catch a few flying friends around usually a hectic schedule. This year, I decided to flip this schedule, and fit everything around watching and learning as much as I could, expanding my knowledge of birds in general.

I attended the Audubon preparatory webinar, and began to collect resources to reassure my foray into this event would be the best it could be. Binoculars out, feeders full, I paid closer attention and made many attempts to catch as many 15 minutes episodes as I could to add to the Audubon bird count.

What I discovered was three fold. I began to understand the calls I was hearing thanks to the Merlin app, as I walked just around my neighborhood, and also in identifying. If I kept at it each day, my knowledge and memory of a call also increased, so I resolved to be in more in tune every day of the year. Second, I had no idea the variety of birds visiting my yard surrounding the house, and imagined what I would discover at varying times of the year. Third, I found I slowed my breathing, and had the equivalent of Yoga or meditation, I was able to slow my breathing, increase my concentration, and slow the rapid lists and to-do’s that surrounded me every day, and I found yet another avenue to ease into a morning, easy into an evening, and get more ease instead of the feeling of get this done, get that done, get everything done – and ultimately, being more in tune with what was happening above me rather than around me alone. `

Taking part in a Seabirds and Seals Cruise boosted the species I would see as well: Take a look :

Amazing views and amazing experiences and despite the bitter cold from the Delaware Bay to the Ocean, amazing to see where the source of many shorebirds come from further out, and seeing the mass number of seals that were beyond what individuals see on the coastline.

Look closely, those are huge seals laying out 🙂 Sorry for the blurry- Cold cold cold!

All of the above aspects are aspects that can enhance anyone’s life, and do not have to be solely about environmentalism, but simply being more in tune with the world in general around us. Being a huge aspect of what the Nanticoke River Watershed Conservancy cares about, finding ways to be more in tune to details that many take for granted around us, changes each of us in the process.

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Creativity. Freedom. Discovery.  Repeat. Festival of Words 2022.

Posted on January 19, 2023 by Harry Brake

Remember that bad start to the day of Festival of Words?

It gets better.

Much.

Creativity. Freedom. Discovery.  Repeat.

Such was the mantra you would see occurring at the December 3rd Festival of Words held at St. Georges Technical High School in Middletown in Middletown, Delaware.  Despite the chilly onset of a rainy morning to greet all 60+ registered attendees, the glow of literary excitement was in every corner of the halls as you entered.  Authors, artists, students, librarians, and faculty all became intertwined in the excitement of a reading free for all that represented the return of Festival of Words through the hiatus that COVID had brought to many literary events.

Heavyweight representation in the form of UDLIBSearch, DLA, DE Public Libraries, SORA, DASL, came bearing the gifts of what any bibliophile would look for – opportunities, services tied to literacy, activities, reading supplies, and books represented in full force.

Artistry in the form of bracelets for purchase that supported individual countries, a workshop creating letters from metal mediums, practicing monologues, to designing buttons represent attendee’s own personal addictions to reading provided the wide range of where literacy could be found.  Keynote author Yamile Saied Mendez empowered the excitement of the ongoing World Cup with women in futball and providing a look into her world of Argentina while becoming an author; keynote author K.A. Holt let loose and reinforced how poetry and characters can bring creativity to the forefront of everyone’s attention.  The diversity of perspectives brought by authors such as Ryan Gebhart that combined architecture and writing, C.H. Williams illustrated world building within writing, the artistry of lettering from Jennifer Greer, diversity representation thanks to Deshanna and Trinity Neal, poetic monologues performed with Dr. Traci Curry, to the ins and outs of self-publishing with E.S.Rosaylnn, attendees were given the best gift of all, the gift of choice. Art again became the focus this year with the opportunities to bring student artwork to the New Castle County Imazine project and funnel talents into the technicalities of creating and working with the medium of Zines.

Outside of offering over 300 books at the pick your own book for free station set up, in between sessions attendees were able to rub shoulders with the representatives of native Delaware literary programs such as the Delaware Public Library system working alongside countless physical and digital  resources through SORA available.  The Delaware Association of School Libraries taught students how to design and manufacture buttons that could be worn and representing attendee’s literary values, while UDLIB Search continued to offer the many avenues to assist attendees in research and discovery beyond the physical pages being found at Festival of Words.

Don’t be fooled, the sheer success of moving the Festival of Words from Spring to Winter, and organizing a plentiful collection of artists, food and refreshments and the social interactions among so many age groups did not come without the guidance of director Andrea Rashbaum, the Festival of Words Organizing Committee, and the support of the Delaware Library Association, strongly supported by the sponsors that make this one, insightful Delaware festival for teens the exciting event it is.  Months of outreach, planning, organizing and creativity are rewarded as you see in every possible corner and classroom, attendees finding a space they belong to read, collect literary bling, hoard autographs, selfies, and countless bags of books; all memories that continue to emphasize the power of literacy, libraries, and learning. 

Planning has already started for the next Festival of Words- your energy and creativity is also welcome to be a part. Please reach out to the planning Committee at festivalofwordsde@gmail.com to continue to grow this amazing festival that celebrates all that Delaware can do to bring literary dreams to reality!

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A Place at the Nayarit – Unknown Expectations- Opening Plenary: Natalia Molina

Posted on January 15, 2023 by Harry Brake

Conference planning.

I am the type of person, that when I make a schedule of what to see maybe WAY more than I can possibly fit in a timeslot, I feel more comfortable just having a list in the waiting, to know what I might or might not miss. JUST because I make a list of what I plan to attend does not mean I know ANYTHING about what is going to happen – and that is where the magic occurs.

NOT knowing alot about topics actually is better – don’t you think? Open mind, no expectations, and wider scope of what might apply to you, what might not, I feel you are in a better situation when the expectations at times are unknown.

I say all this ahead of what was the Opening session for the exciting location in CA for the Humanities Conference, hosting Natalia Molina.

I knew nothing, and yet, when I discovered what she had to bring to the Humanities Conference, my knew nothing turned to, okay, I want to find out more.

Coming out on stage, California Senator Ben Allen provided an amazing overview of Los Angeles and the pockets of culture and areas many might not be familiar with in Los Angeles. It made you want to discover the cultural areas that many might not be aware of – he obviously knew so many original names of areas before they became developed and that always is the most inviting aspect of any area, being aware of their history before it became something even bigger and can have the tendency to hide what it was initially first known as. It was interesting to hear how he grew up in the Santa Monica area and his experiences that were pretty grounded growing up in public schools in that area and knowing the areas of California and seeing them change, His introduction to California was fitting and as his benefit to the California Humanities was obvious as was stated in their retrospective view of the conference:

Senator Ben Allen

“We are fresh off the success of hosting the National Humanities Conference in Los Angeles in November, co-produced by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the National Humanities Alliance, a conference that saw the highest number of registrants in its history. Our plenary speakers included our former board member Natalia Molina, along with Riverside author Susan Straight and Pulitzer Prize-winner Viet Thanh Nguyen, along with California State Senator Ben Allen, who has been so instrumental in helping us to secure $3 million from the State of California in the past few years. “

Paving the way to Humanities Conference speaker Natalia Molina, and embarrassed to NOT know anything about her, I was very curious. What a background and resume she had, WHEW! – (Be preparing to consider the topic of STORYTELLING and its power).

“Natalia is the author of two award-winning books, How Race Is Made in America: Immigration, Citizenship, and the Historical Power of Racial Scripts and Fit to Be Citizens?: Public Health and Race in Los Angeles, 1879-1940, as well as co-editor of Relational Formations of Race: Theory, Method and Practice. Her work examines the interconnectedness of racial and ethnic communities through her concept of “racial scripts” which looks at how practices, customs, policies and laws that are directed at one group and are readily available and hence easily applied to other groups. She continues to explore the themes of race, space, labor, immigration, gender and urban history in her forthcoming book Place-making at the Nayarit: How a Mexican Restaurant in Los Angeles Nourished its Community.

Photo taken by Lauren Hartmann

Natalia is a 2020 MacArthur Fellow, and her work has been supported by various organizations  including the National Endowment for the Humanities, Ford, Mellon and Rockefeller Foundation. She is a Distinguished Lecturer for the Organization of American Historians. In 2018, she was the Organization of American Historians China Residency scholar. She has also been the recipient of various awards for her diversity work, including Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. During her tenure at the University of California, Natalia served as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Faculty Diversity and Equity. She has also served twice as the Associate Dean for Arts and Humanities and before that as the Director for the University of California Education Abroad Program in Spain.”

The heart of her talk, circling around food, restaurant and how it became a collective for individuals that often had to hide aspects of their identity was powerful – the caption here says it best from UC Santa Cruz:

“USC professor Natalia Molina, author of A Place At The Nayarit: How A Mexican Restaurant Nourished a Community, enthralled the NHC audience with a talk about the way her grandmother’s restaurant fostered community in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.”

The above left image I took, and that quote, was a huge emphasis on what public spaces should provide for all individuals, havens of safety, diverse representation, and provide expressions of who we are as a country without fear of injury, reprisal, or degradation. The amazing center symbolism of what Molina’s restaurant created for the communities surrounding this Sunset Boulevard restaurant. Sitting there, I could not possibly ignore the discoveries I had made in pockets of Mexico when I was lucky enough to experience the neighborhoods there, and find the realities of Mexican culture thanks to the food, hard work, and culture that escaped the news and coverage day after day. The parallels and connections Molina was making to my own discoveries of what the word Humanities, and culture meant was impossible to ignore.

One of the most interesting aspects of Molina’s speech that truly nailed a concept. Her use of the word “Placemakers” (individuals staying tethered to their communities by establishing what would be coined as “Urban Anchors“, indicators of some truly amazing terms that set the idea of how spaces are used to something much deeper, a way for students and youth to be connected to history on a deeper level, and why researching spaces to see where they “…fit in their state history.” The depth of what a restaurant means to a country, to a area, to a people, to a culture, I discovered myself in Mexico, and what a gift that aspect has been able to stay with me.

The powerful history that Molina presented about culture being unearthed, discovered, researched and finding photos that are buried yet priceless when discovered, all is part of the process of valuing a culture, neighborhoods, the past, and how it connects and influences the present. That in itself is a powerful speech. Months later, yes, I am still eager to jump into her book, “A Place at the Nayarit”, and deep down, that is how I envision conferences. So many individuals attending take it in and for that first week, so excited and then, weeks, months later nothing – zilch. I do believe efforts should be taken as an individual to bring back aspects of a conference, weeks, months, years later, and still use to impact future efforts to improve communities, individuals institutions, and be used to unearth discoveries that stay with us for years to come, revisiting specific workshops, appearances, and experiences and not “dating” attendance to conferences as in the past and old.

These experiences need to stay with us for a long time forward to truly be effective and impressionable to make a difference. Yet another aspect of what the Delaware Humanities, and the Humanities Conference means in relation to our own communities.

A small sample of what storytelling can mean to a community – Boyle Heights.

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Sweet Green Sweet Utopia.

Posted on January 11, 2023 by Harry Brake

I digress. The night I made my way back to my amazing hotel at the Biltmore, a day of flights that seems to had taken me what seems worlds away, to an amazing tour of gardens that contained worlds that seemed to keep open up like a movie, to being able to stand in front of the most amazing library after having read the most AMAZING BOOK to date as a bibliophile and Librarian – The Library Book –

seeing the Los Angeles Public Library in front of me after that read- it just literally was a day I could not imagine – and yes, my body was breaking down from the INSANE schedule I had found myself in –

so with all this in mind- you can only imagine how GRATEFUL I was for finding this literal oasis of food on my back to the Biltmore- Sweet Green. From the drink, to the choices you are given, to JUST knowing why and how Sweet Green is, it is amazing how it all perfectly just made sense.

I wanted to eat here every day of my life as I witnessed the freshest ingredients I had ever laid my eyes on in a lineup of what was a mix of salad, vegetables, EVERY SINGLE THING you could smell and taste with your eyes, and I cannot recall, before leaving Mexico City, where I would EVER find such such a oasis of health, freshness and quality – I was the luckiest person on the earth to have found this only about 300 feet away from my hotel. And after a schedule that most would just look at and consider just plain insane.

The manager on duty (of course I had his card in my portfolio that was taken or would be taken in two days from now) was A M A Z I N G and answered every single aspect of anything you might be considering to order. The lineup of ingredients looked as if it has been offered on a cruise ship – the whole demeanor of this establishment, from EVERY SINGLE THING being offered that would and could be recycled, to the very lusciousness of taste that was offered – it made everything – just absolutely perfect.

Many of you know that I am grateful for the time and detail put into food – it is not just eating, you learn about the culture and beliefs of a country, you learn about the values of individuals, you learn about priorities over the way people prepare and serve food. I learned that from day 1 when I began investigating restaurants and profiling them weekly in Mexico City. This was one of the most amazing saves of my experience in Los Angeles, and it sounds insane that making the trip to Los Angeles- and one of the highest moments was finding a corner restaurant, and yet, it was, and still is. Thanks to the quality of the service, the quality of the food and freshness, and the detail the manager did not mind giving me as a customer that late evening – it set the tone for what would be an amazing discovery process at the Humanities Conference in Los Angeles.

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