Co-Editors
Roxanne Myers Spencer
Katherine Pennavaria

Associate Editor
Jonathan Jeffrey

Layout and Design:
Roxanne Myers Spencer
Haiwang Yuan

Web Design
Haiwang Yuan

Photography
Bryan Carson
Sandy Staebell
Haiwang Yuan

Contributors
Carrie L. Barnett
Bryan Carson
Earlene Chelf
Dennis C.Y. Chen
Brian Coutts
Jonathan Jeffrey
Molly Kerby
Jayne Pelaski
Katherine Pennavaria
Roxanne Myers Spencer
Sandy Staebell
Haiwang Yuan

Dean of Libraries
Michael Binder

Previous Publications

Southern Kentucky Book Fest 2004

The 2004 Southern Kentucky Book Fest—the sixth annual celebration of reading and the love of books—will be held April 16th & 17th. In just two days, we will host a highly impressive list of over 200 authors. Some of America’s finest writers will not only meet the public and sign books, but will hold speaking sessions, giving readers an opportunity to hear them talk about their books and learn more about them. Headlining our festival this year are Rosemary Wells, Clyde Edgerton, Brian Haig, David L. Robbins, Nick Clooney, Silas House, and Steve Berry.

Children’s Day on Friday, April 16th, is devoted entirely to schoolchildren, and is an amazing day filled with learning, discovery, and fun. The festival goes into full swing with Suzy Kline, author of the Horrible Harry series. She will be signing her books and speaking with children. Along with Suzy Kline, more than fifty other children’s authors will be participating in the festival, including Jared Lee of the Black Lagoon series, and George Edward Stanley of the Third Grade Detective series and Father Goose.

Interview with Alice Gatewood Waddell for Women's History

If you like colorful paintings, keep an eye out for “Strawberry Delight,” a work which now adorns the wall in the Lila Greene Listening Library on the 4th floor of Cravens. In fact, the picture faces you as you enter the library. “Strawberry Delight” features three African American women, holding baskets of strawberries and standing in a strawberry patch. They are also wearing aprons with images of… strawberries. The overall effect is definitely delightful, not the least because of the startling, invisible presence of a strong wind, indicated by the billowing sheets behind them and their flowing hat streamers. 

About Women's History Month

March is Women’s History Month! And it’s been around for longer than you think, although it started out small.

In 1978, one week in March was set aside by a California task force to acknowledge the role of women in the paid-labor force. The enthusiastic response led to a repetition of Women’s History Week in numerous schools throughout the country that year. Then, in 1980, the movement became national when President Jimmy Carter officially encouraged the recognition of women's historic accomplishments during the week of March 8th. By the end of 1980, Congressional sponsorship had been secured. 

Java City Is More Than a Place for Coffee

I am sitting on a sofa in the Java City café, which is located in the lobby of Helm Library. When you come in the door of the library, there is the smell of coffee to welcome you. You will see the counter of Java City in front of you. Two waiters are serving customers busily, but both of them are full of smiles. On the right side of the counter is another self-service counter. People buy coffee and go to add sugar, cream, or cinnamon by themselves over there. You can overlook the view of Bowling Green through the French windows. 

Lynne Ferguson: At the age of 11, Lynne Ferguson knew that she wanted to become an artist. 

Robin McGinnis: Robin McGinnis works hard. Very hard. Between her two jobs at WKU and Draughon’s Junior College, Robin puts in an average of 100 hours a week during the regular semester. 

Gayle Novick: Gayle, you have a background as a cytotechnologist, and you are also an accomplished watercolorist. Could you tell us a little bit about cytotechnology and how you came to work at WKU?  

Kentucky Museum Hosts Regional Art Extravaganza

For the first time in its 17-year history, the Kentucky Museum hosted the US Bank Celebration of the Arts 2004 Open Art Competition. About 125 artists—both professional and amateur—submitted 220 entries in this regional art extravaganza, judged by a jury and held on February 28-29.  

WKU Libraries Shows You Kentucky and the World...

Since the year 2000, the WKU Department of Library Public Services began a lecture series offered free to the Bowling Green and Warren County community members at Barnes & Noble.

Calendar and Events of Western Kentucky University Libraries

WKU Libraries' coming events are available on the Calendar and Events page of its web site. To learn more of the interactions between WKU Libraries and its community, you may also visit the Community Outreach Events and Projects page.

Greetings from WKU Libraries' Development Officer

Hello, my name is Carrie Barnett! With the recent successes of the US Bank Celebration of the Arts Exhibition, the launch of WILLS, the upcoming Southern Kentucky Book Fest, and other great projects and programs, there couldn’t be a better time to join the WKU Libraries team as the new Director of Development.  

One Campus-One Community-One Book Discussion

The partners of the Southern Kentucky Book Fest and the Kentucky Humanities Council are sponsoring the "One Campus-One Community-One Book" project. This project cultivates reading and discussion by bringing our campus and community together around one great book.  

Black History Month @ your library

Western Kentucky University Libraries, Bowling Green Public Library, and Barnes & Noble sponsored the celebration of the written word featuring some of Kentucky’s finest African American writers. 

The Frankenstein Exhibit

Sponsored by the American Library Association and the National Library of Medicine, the Frankenstein exhibit was on view from January 21 through March 5, 2004 at the Kentucky Museum’s Garden Gallery. An opening reception was held featuring Dr. Betty Bennett, author of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley on January 24, 2004.  

The KERA Web Site Is Here at WKU Libraries with a New Look

The Kentucky Education Reform Act, a piece of landmark legislation, went into effect on July 13, 1990. KERA revolutionized education in the Bluegrass State. Teachers, parents, students, researchers, and the citizens of the Commonwealth have an abiding interest in its provisions and implementation.

Quilt Exhibit Historical Society

Visitors to Frankfort this spring or summer, should work in time for a visit at the Kentucky History Center to see a new quilt exhibit that features several quilts, magazines, quilt patterns and other items from the Kentucky Library and Museum. The exhibit, "The Softer Side of Hard Times: Kentucky Era Depression Quilts," is on view from April 17 through August 28.

Artist Always Exhibition Inspires Viewers

"Artist Always: Erin Brady Worsham," an exhibit of nine computer-generated prints by Erin Brady Worsham, are at the Kentucky Library and Museum through March 28, 2004.

WILLS Virtual Reference Launched

Western Kentucky University Libraries is offering their users a virtual reference chat service called WILLS (Western's Interactive Live Library Service).

Kentucky Literary Award

The Southern Kentucky Book Fest announces the nominees for the Kentucky Literary Awards for excellence in fiction, nonfiction and poetry publications. The winners in each category will receive a commemorative certificate and a cash prize of $1,000. Winners will be announced on Friday, April 16, 2004. 

Kentucky Writers Conference

The partners of the Southern Kentucky Book Fest are sponsoring their first Kentucky Writers Conference. This conference will feature many Kentucky writers and their work. The sessions will be from 11:00 a.m. – 4:15 on Thursday, April 15th and on Friday, April 16th from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 

Recent Acquisitions

• Katy Christopherson of Louisville recently donated over 100 printed items related to quilt making to the Kentucky Library
• In December 2003 the Kentucky Library received its first boxes of speleology materials from William Halliday, an internationally recognized expert on caves and caving
• The Kentucky Library recently acquired letters from the home front. They give us insight into one Bowling Green, Kentucky, mother's efforts to keep her soldier son's spirits high.
• The Main Library has recently acquired another three pieces of art for display.