The books that carry us

We carry the things we find in the books we read, they wait for just the right moment to bind us to...who we are, where we are going, and where we will stand in that final moment.

John Steinbeck's words in his novel "East of Eden:" found me in my 21 first year. My heroes have always been teachers and librarians. I spent many of my early years visiting that old library on Grove Street in Jersey City. I knew it had treasure to mine.
That same Library Lady who shared her cookies, and hot chocolate pointed me to many a treasure from 10-29. She was with me when I was a homeless child, and when I had grown to become a young university scholar. She knew me at 10, and knew me better at 21.

I was a younger scholar than I am today. But young or old, like any prospector for gold I know it, when I find it.
I remember it, like it happened five minutes ago. My Library Lady, said young Jess, have you read East of Eden?
She opened that book, and read these words:

"I believe that there is one story in the world, and only one, that has frightened and inspired us, so that we live in a Pearl White serial of continuing thought and wonder. Humans are caught - in their lives, in their thoughts, in their hungers and ambitions, in their avarice and cruelty, and in their kindness and generosity too - in a net of good and evil. I think this is the only story we have and that it occurs on all levels of feeling and intelligence. Virtue and vice were warp and woof of our first consciousness, and they will be the fabric of our last, and this despite any changes we may impose on field and river and mountain, on economy and manners. there is no other story. A man, after he has brushed off the dust and chips of life, will have left only the hard, clean questions: Was it good or was it evil? Have I done well - or ill?”

As soon as she read those words. I knew, exactly where I wanted to stand for the rest of my days. She know how to hook readers, and she had had my number since I was 10. Some misguided people think Librarians look after books. I know better, they are always looking after human beings.

My plan, since that day has always been to answer...
I may stumble from time to time, but each time I shall manage to brush off that dust and chips of life...
I have been homeless,
I have been hungry,
I have been broken,
I have been beaten bloody,
I have been lost,
I have failed,
I have been humbled.
But, I have these treasures, dug from books I carry everywhere.
These books, friends leaves me knowing.
That on my last night,
I shall, stand tall, look up at that Moon in that final dark night...Certain that from young Jesse to old Jesse to Jesse no more, that my answer will always be It was good. Make it good people.
I have found my soul in books,
Dr. Jesse P. Turner
Central Connecticut State Literacy Center Director

If you are interested in listening to the tune that inspired my morning walk today...its Change The World by Eric Clapton > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kntzQiaFzOQhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kntzQiaFzOQ <

Defending Our Libraries

Just a follow up on my library post, this is the link to the actual radio show... 103.5 FM Radio Show: "Our libraries". I hope you will take the time to listen to the show. It is not only our public schools in danger, but our public libraries. Listen to Defending our libraries, our sacred cultural Temples how at WNHH 103.5
Truth to power teachers and librarians are the canaries in the coal minds of our of communities. And, we are screaming out a warning at the top of our lungs...our libraries in our Black, Brown, Immigrant, and Poor communities are in danger.
Worth a watch: Link to show: /www.facebook.com/NewHavenIndependent/videos/463376571094981/UzpfSTUzNzk5OTAxNzoxMDE1ODQ5OTI1NzE1OTAxOA/ …
A simple Walking Man Truth to Power: Teachers & Librarians are America's canaries screaming in coal mines of humanity...
Fight the power, Dr. Jesse P. Turner Moral Monday Connecticut Education Ambassador If you are wondering what tune this Walking Man was listening to this morning on the drive down to the Tom Fricklin show...its the cover of Teach your Children Well by Play for Change... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5AuFDHdrrg

Defending Our Scared Cultural Capitals, Our Libraries

What's The Buzz?
What's Happening?
Tom Ficklin is giving up his spot for one day in the name of love for New Haven's Libraries. Tell us more?
It’s a one day Special 103.5 NHNN Radio show
"Defending Our Scared Cultural Capitals, Our Libraries" When 6/24/19 10:AM
Who are these defenders?
They are highly respected are: A beloved community librarian, and a well-respected retire school librarians, and two of Connecticut’s well-known Social Justice Academics. They are our canaries in the coal mine of our humanity. They are screaming out a warning our libraries are in danger. If, we lose our libraries we lose the very soul of our communities and our nation.
Guest Host: Dr. Jesse P. Turner Professor of Literacy and Connecticut Moral Monday Education Ambassador.
Tell us about your Guests? Well they are two highly respected librarians of color, and one radical academic. I’ll refer to them as Defenders of our libraries, and our Cultural Capital

Lauren Anderson is an Associate Professor of Education, with a PhD in Urban Schooling and focus on critical literacy, curriculum and instruction, and teacher education. She is an advocate for public education and public libraries.

Diane Brown, is a beloved, award-winning New Haven Free Public Library librarian. Diane has spent the last 13 years as branch manager of the Stetson Branch, which is celebrated for its programming, and overall responsiveness to the community.

Robert Gibson, he is a well-respected retired New Haven public school teacher and librarian who spent 35 years at Hillhouse High School. Robert remains active as an advocate for public education and public libraries.

Homework, or thoughts to ponder for until Monday comes!

What was the role of our public libraries in the past ~ why did we build them?
What is their current state?
Why do we need to defend libraries in our communities and public schools? Libraries matter; do they matter more in communities of color?
Does (location/income) race and poverty play a role in how public libraries are funded? As librarians and academics are there particular concerns about public libraries in the future?
What is the economic and cultural impact of closing school libraries, and our community libraries to our our communities and our city?

Tune in people, because we are bringing our best game, our passion, courage, and truths on Monday

Isaac Asimov said: “When I read about the way in which library funds are being cut and cut, I can only think that American society has found one more way to destroy itself.”

If you are wondering what inspired my walk over the Avon Mountain this morning..it was my love for our libraries, and the tune I listened to was Bob Marley's "Stir it Up" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3UqvWk8-uw