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SAN JUAN ISLAND LIBRARY |
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September Project
For the third consecutive year the library is participating in the September Project, a grassroots effort to encourage people around the world "to talk about issues that matter." Since 2004 over 1,100 libraries in 34 countries have hosted programs and events about freedom, democracy, and citizenship to commemorate the anniversary of September 11. This year libraries around the world are providing free activities including a "Wall of Freedom" display where the public is asked to write what freedom means to them; various screenings of films such as Good Night and Good Luck, United 93, and Fahrenheit 911; drama productions reenacting the immigration experience; and panel discussions focusing on topics of immigration, violence, terrorism, and war. This year we will host two special events in the library and will work with the school libraries to rouse community reflection and discussion around these issues. The first event is this Wednesday September 6th at 7:00 pm with Pramila Jayapal from the Seattle organization The Hate Free Zone. She will speak on the topic of "Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in a Post 9/11 America." Her lecture is to be followed by a question and answer session for a dynamic discussion and debate. As an activist and writer, Pramila Jayapal has been actively involved in international and domestic social justice issues for over 12 years speaking frequently at universities and community events and widely publishing her work. She founded The Hate Free Zone in 2001 in response to a backlash against immigrant communities of color. The organization has received several awards and recognitions and has become a leading voice on behalf of immigrant and refugee communities targeted post-9/11. The second event is Thursday September 21st from 6:30-8:00 pm and ties in with National Peace Day as well as another project called Pinwheels for Peace. This project was started by two teachers as a way for students to express their thoughts about what is going on in the world and in their lives. The project was designed to be non-political by not only associating peace with the conflict of war, but also with violence and intolerance in our daily lives and a peace of mind and heart. As part of the creation process people are encouraged to write their thoughts about peace on one side, and to draw something to express their thoughts on the other side. This paper is then used to create the pinwheel and is a visual representation of peace. Our event will feature community members reading short excerpts and performing music to inspire peace and non-violence. And, of course, we will make pinwheels. Thanks to the September Project for providing this opportunity for libraries to plan for and invite these discussions. Our ideals about democracy and freedom are not always straightforward when put in practice thus making it both essential and challenging to explore how these issues touch us. Please join us for these events share your point of view.
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