Post on 09-Nov-2021
UPDATE FROM THE MAINE HUMANITIES COUNCIL
SUMMER 2018
674 Brighton Ave, Portland, Maine 04102 T 207-773-5051 F 207-773-2416 info@ mainehumanities.org
LETTERS ABOUT LITERATURE 2017
Each year, students across Maine write a letter
to an author whose writing has had an impact on their thoughts, feelings,
and lives, and submit this letter to Letters About Literature, an initiative of the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. A smaller
group of letters come back to Maine to be judged by a panel that includes
a librarian, an educator, and a children’s author, as well as community members
and MHC staff. This year saw 833 Maine submissions to the national contest.
The final category, Level 3 (grades 9 to 12), had one of the most powerful letters the
program has seen. Sylvette Dupé-Vété-Congolo (grade 9, Mt. Ararat High School) wrote to
Angie Thomas about her novel The Hate U Give.
To read Sylvette’s full letter and the other winning letters, and to see the list of Letters About Literature participants
this year, go to mainehumanities.org.
Letters About Literature is funded by the Library of Congress
and the David Royte Fund.
Dear Ms. Angie Thomas, I am a fourteen-year-old Maine ninth grader. Since elementary school, I have heard
comments about who I am intrinsically: “Can I touch your hair?”, “What the heck
do you have on your head?” Even a teacher told me once that he could recognize me
from afar because, “Your hair looks like a mushroom.” Another one of my favorite
comments is, “Why is saying ‘nigga’ such a bad thing?”, “Why is it that you [meaning,
‘black people’] can say ‘nigga’ and not us?” My classmates tell me, “Why do you have
to take everything so personally?”, “I was just kidding,” “Stop being stuck up!”
I know that this may sound insignificant compared to some of the horrific situations
experienced in parts of the country where many can be killed, even at the hands of the
authorities, simply because, like in Khalil’s case, their black body is seen as a threat.
However, the accumulation and repetition of these aggressive situations experienced
since my childhood is enough to create stress. I feel trapped in a box of worries, gingerly
creating my path alongside my peers.…
This is where “The Hate U Give” comes to play. I am so thankful to the librarian who
recommended it. I cannot begin to describe the feelings and thoughts I was inundated
with after entering Starr’s world. I have had to ask myself why this experience was now so
different and making me exclaim, “Yes, at last! Eureka! That’s it!” All of Starr’s struggles
and her determined desire for change were crystal clear to me. Of course, her fictional
life was not exactly identical to my real life but some aspects of her experience looked like
mine, I mean: being constantly confronted to your own friends’ demeaning perspective
on what is intrinsic to you and seeing them also constantly denying that their offenses
carry racial disparagement.I identified with Starr and, honestly, I never even knew that books like this existed.
The novel was so wholly powerful that I could clearly grasp the implications of the main
theme around Khalil’s death and be deeply struck by the sub-theme about the relationship
between Starr and Hailey. I felt that my experience was a living example of what the novel
meant with respect to the way unconscious racism works. For the first time, a novel was
speaking my voice, validating my feelings, saying my thoughts, articulating the insidious
facts of my experience. I knew this was fiction but I felt that my experience was being
objectively acknowledged by a world larger than just my family. The way fiction brings
you to get that your reality is really, truly true, is so empowering.
…
The novel marks a momentous cornerstone in my “reading career” that I can express
with: “before ‘The Hate U Give’ ” and, “after ‘The Hate U Give’. ” I have read some
of Richard Wright’s novels, Langston Hugh’s and Maya Angelou’s poetry. However,
I had never read a contemporary African-American novel. “The Hate U Give” was such
a discovery and an epiphany to me because it was pertinent, accurate and true to my life
and the facts of our times. After the initial emotion I felt reading it and going through
the thinking and understanding of the novel’s role in my awareness, I became more serene.
To me, it has been as meanin ul as it is useful.
Yours sincerely, Sylvette Dupé-Vété-Congolo
home of the harriet p. henry center for the book
The programming herein is just the beginning; for all we offer, visit mainehumanities.org.
The Maine Humanities Council,
a statewide non-profit organization,
uses the humanities — literature,
history, philosophy, and culture — as a
tool for positive change in Maine
communities. Our programs and
grants encourage critical thinking
and conversations across social,
economic, and cultural boundaries.
Funders of programs mentioned in this update: the Betterment Fund, the Library of Congress, the Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the David Royte Fund, the State of Maine, and readers like you.
The Maine Humanities Council is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Editor: Diane Magras Design: Lori Harley
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair Daniel P. Gunn New Sharon
Vice-chair Paul Doiron Camden
Treasurer Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko Mount Desert
Secretary Victoria Bornheimer Cumberland
Lawrence Boyle Biddeford
Joseph Conforti Portland
Jean Deighan Bangor
Gregory Fahy Hallowell
Stephen Hayes Falmouth
Mazie Hough Orono
Margery Irvine Brooklin
Reza Jalali Falmouth
Edward J. Kelleher South Portland
Erica Quin-Easter Woolwich
Ted Sharp Cumberland Foreside
Richard Speer Lewiston
Iva Sussman Houlton
Crystal Williams Boston
STAFF
Hayden Anderson, PhD Executive Director hayden@…
Jerome Bennett Program Officer jerome@…
Jan Bindas-Tenney Program Officer jan@…
Diane Magras Director of Development diane@…
Karen Myrick Administrative Assistant info@…
Nicole Rancourt Program Officer nicole@…
Meghan Reedy Program Officer meghan@…
Lizz Sinclair Director of Programs lizz@…
Kyle Volland Program Assistant kyle@…
Ian Watkins Development and Communications Assistant ian@…
[All email addresses: @mainehumanities.org]
Use of a product type within the label
© 2012 Forest Stewardship Council A.C. · All rights reserved · FSC-SECR-0002 06
An appropriate product type is required in the following
cases:
• Final product includes non FSC certified material
• FSC certified printed publications
E.g.
1) Green, black, and white are the FSC standard label colors. Green (positive) is the preferred version.
Green color: Pantone 626C. The equivalent color to Pantone 626C may be used in CMYK or RGB.
Black and White
(negative)
Black and White
(positive)
Green
(negative)
Green
(positive)
FSC label colors®
This summer, humanities programming is delighting and inspiring communities across Maine. Local and summer residents, as well as short-term visitors, are participating in library-hosted talks and reading and discussion programs; grant-funded events (lecture series, exhibits, performances, and more); and community conversations in downtown locations. We’re excited to hold programs in towns small and big and be part of the vivid scene that is Maine in the summer.
This update shares some news from the recent past (our cover story on one of our extraordinary Letters About Literature winners), the present (Read ME, taking place in libraries statewide), and the future (Winter Weekend, on the back). I hope you enjoy what you read!
Diane Magras, Director of Development diane@mainehumanities.org
UPCOMING
DEMOCRACY, JOURNALISM, AND THE INFORMED CITIZEN
Thanks to support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Federation of State Humanities Councils, the MHC is launching Democracy, Journalism, and the Informed Citizen.
GRANT OPPORTUNITY
As part of this initiative, we are offering special grants to support local organizations to explore issues related to this topic that may resonate in their communities. Open to any Maine non-profit, grants can provide support for programs that may be entirely new, or those that build on existing activities or initiatives.
Application Deadline: Early fall FMI: mainehumanities.org
MODERATED FORUMS
“What’s going on with the news?” is a conversation with Erin Rhoda, Maine Focus Editor, Bangor Daily News; Cliff Schecthman, Executive Editor, Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, the Kennebec Journal and the Morning Sentinel; and Michael J. Socolow, Associate Professor of Communication and Journalism, University of Maine. MHC Executive Director Hayden Anderson will moderate these forums.
Free, Open to the public
7 pm, Wed, September 19 South Portland Auditorium
7 pm, Tue, September 25 Bangor Arts Exchange
DOROTHY SCHWARTZ FORUM
We hope you will join us for MHC’s annual Dorothy Schwartz Forum. Each year the Schwartz Forum brings people together with expert guides to grapple with a basic question.
This year’s question: Who is we?
Share a meal and spend an evening exploring this question with Mindy Crandall, Assistant Professor of Forest Landscape, University of Maine; Ewan Douglas, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Aeronautics & Astronautics, MIT; Lisa Pixley, Artist Printmaker, WIP Editions; and others.
5 – 9 pm, Sat, October 20 Congregation Bet Ha’am, South Portland Tickets: Sliding scale Capacity: Space is limited, so sign up early!
jodi
fer
ry
sher
yl h
anso
n
MINI GRANT: CONSIDERING ALL STORIES
Young Adult literature provides an abundance of powerful, deep, and diverse stories, creating a platform for connection and empathy with teen readers. Supported by an MHC Mini Grant, Considering All Stories identified common social issues faced by students in Bangor, Brewer,
Hermon, Mount Desert Island, and Old Town high schools, as well as Hampden Academy. Five Young Adult titles were examined across the six regional high schools with online student
discussions facilitated by teachers, librarians, and guest speakers over six weeks. Through reading and shared conversations, students identified pathways that embrace and
celebrate diverse social issues across their school communities.
MINI GRANT: BOOKS ON THE BUS
Supported by an MHC Mini Grant, Books on the Bus is an ongoing collaboration between the Bath Elementary PTA, RSU1, and the Patten Free Library. High quality books for students aged five through nine are provided on elementary school buses in RSU1 (serving Bath, Woolwich, and Phippsburg) for children to read while commuting to and from school.
For many children the bus can be stressful, boring, or even a little scary. Providing kids with a focused activity can help them overcome anxiety while fostering a love of reading, as well as build relationships with other kids. Donated books are placed in specially designed seat covers with pockets, allowing students easy access during their commute. All seven of Bath’s buses have been outfitted with seat covers and they are currently being installed in RSU1 buses serving Woolwich and Phippsburg. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with one bus driver commenting, “Kids are actually sharing more. They’re actually communicating with each other and they’re doing great. The only thing I wish is that every seat had the blue slip covers.”
MAJOR GRANT: LEWISTON YOUTH ARTISTS IN ACTION
Supported by an MHC Major Grant, Lewiston Youth Artists in Action is a project led by 12 students from Lewiston High School as part of the Lewiston 21st Century Leaders program. The program is made up of students in grades 10 through 12 who are Black, Muslim, and from immigrant and refugee families.
Students spent the year researching the city’s immigration history and designed a mural incorporating that work, highlighting Native American culture, emancipated slaves, European immigration, and African immigration. The mural has been installed on the face of the Maine Immigration Refugee Services building in Lewiston. Through this project, students raised awareness of their unique experiences and perspectives, linking with the diverse and vibrant culture and history of Lewiston.
CONSIDERING ALL STORIES
Acton Public Library Alice L. Pendleton
Library Alvan Bolster Ricker Memorial Library
Auburn Public Library Bailey Public Library
Bangor Public Library Berwick Public Library
Bonney Memorial Library Boothbay Harbor
Memorial Library Brewer Public Library Camden Public
Library Carver Memorial Library Cary Memorial Library
Casco Public Library Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library
Cumston Public Library D. A. Hurd Library Denmark
Public Library Dorothy Webb Quimby Library Unity College
Edythe Dyer Community Library Ellsworth Public Library
Freeport Community Library Fryeburg Public Library Gardiner
Public Library Guilford Memorial Library Harrison Village Library
Hartland Public Library Henry D. Moore Library Hollis Center Public Library Ivan O. Davis-Liberty Library
Jesup Memorial Library Julia Adams Morse Memorial Library
Kennebunk Free Library Libby Memorial Library Lithgow Public Library
Long Lake Public Library Louis B. Goodall Memorial Library Lubec Memorial
Library Ludden Memorial Library Madison Public Library Maine Charitable Mechanic Association Library Maine State Library McArthur Library
Mechanic Falls Public Library Naples Public Library Newport Cultural Center Norway
Memorial Library Orono Public Library Peavey Memorial Library Pittsfield Public Library Portland Public Library Rangeley Public Library Rice Public Library Rockland Public Library Rockport Public
Library Salmon Falls Library Scarborough Public Library Shaw Public Library Soldiers Memorial
Library South Berwick Public Library South China Public Library South Portland Public Library
Southwest Harbor Public Library Spaulding Memorial Library Stockton Springs
Community Library Stonington Public Library Thompson Free Library Topsham Public Library
Vassalboro Public Library Vinalhaven Public Library Walter T. A. Hansen Memorial Library Washburn Memorial Library West Paris Public Library Windham Public Library Winslow Public Library Winterport Memorial Library Witherle Memorial Library York Public
Library
READ ME 2018:
Q & A WITH
PAUL DOIRONBY IAN WATKINS
Read ME is a statewide summer reading program presented by the MHC
in partnership with Maine State Library that encourages Maine adults to read
the same books — by Maine authors and recommended by a Maine author.
Last year’s pilot of Read ME was a great success, with over 60 libraries
participating across the state. This summer continues that success,
with 80 libraries joining in statewide. The program culminates with a special
episode of MPBN’s Maine Calling on August 22, 2018, airing live
from the Maine State Library.
This year’s featured books are River Talk by CB Anderson and Settled
in the Wild: Notes from the Edge of Town by Susan Hand Shetterly,
both selected by well-known Maine author Paul Doiron. I recently
spoke with Paul about the MHC’s popular summer reading program.
Q What were some of your considerations when choosing the titles for Read ME 2018?
A There are so many books I could have chosen by so many Maine authors. What ended up guiding me was one of the goals of the
program: to involve as many people as possible. Instead of choosing a 1,000-page novel, I thought a book of short stories or a book of essays would be easier for people to integrate into their busy summer lives. I’ve known both CB Anderson (River Talk) and Susan Hand Shetterly (Settled in the Wild: Notes from the Edge of Town) for many years. I think they are writers who deserve a wider audience, who are accessible, and who know Maine very well.
Q It’s notable that a mystery author chose titles that aren’t mysteries. That being said, what
types of books do you gravitate to as a reader?
A Ultimately what I hope to distinguish in my own novels isn’t so much the
mystery aspect, but more so an under-standing and appreciation for the people of Maine. That’s something I think River Talk captures well. When I first read that book, I was reminded of people I know. Reading about the natural world is also an interest. Susan Hand Shetterly writes about the natural world in a way I aspire to. I turn to writers like her when I’m looking for inspiration.
Q There seems to be an idea that people don’t read as often anymore.
Do you think that’s the case? What are you witnessing as an author?
A People often joke that the last time they read a novel was in high
school. I sometimes wonder if that’s the case because of how many options there are for reading. If you want to read long- form journalism, you don’t actually have to buy a book or magazine: You can spend a large amount of time reading a series of long articles on the Internet. So I’m not sure if people are reading more or less. It is a unique experience, though. Stephen King described it as telepathic, and I think it really is. A person separated from you in time and space puts down their thoughts and you later enter into a world that they’ve created. People who are passionate readers all describe feeling that the author was speaking directly to them. As someone who’s both a passionate writer and a passionate reader, I do wish more people would give books a chance because they can be truly life changing.
kris
ten
lind
qui
st
below: Read ME 2018 authors Susan Hand Shetterly (left, photo: norman mrozicki) and
C B Anderson (right, photo: katherine anderson).
Acton Public Library Alice L. Pendleton
Library Alvan Bolster Ricker Memorial Library
Auburn Public Library Bailey Public Library
Bangor Public Library Berwick Public Library
Bonney Memorial Library Boothbay Harbor
Memorial Library Brewer Public Library Camden Public
Library Carver Memorial Library Cary Memorial Library
Casco Public Library Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library
Cumston Public Library D. A. Hurd Library Denmark
Public Library Dorothy Webb Quimby Library Unity College
Edythe Dyer Community Library Ellsworth Public Library
Freeport Community Library Fryeburg Public Library Gardiner
Public Library Guilford Memorial Library Harrison Village Library
Hartland Public Library Henry D. Moore Library Hollis Center Public Library Ivan O. Davis-Liberty Library
Jesup Memorial Library Julia Adams Morse Memorial Library
Kennebunk Free Library Libby Memorial Library Lithgow Public Library
Long Lake Public Library Louis B. Goodall Memorial Library Lubec Memorial
Library Ludden Memorial Library Madison Public Library Maine Charitable Mechanic Association Library Maine State Library McArthur Library
Mechanic Falls Public Library Naples Public Library Newport Cultural Center Norway
Memorial Library Orono Public Library Peavey Memorial Library Pittsfield Public Library Portland Public Library Rangeley Public Library Rice Public Library Rockland Public Library Rockport Public
Library Salmon Falls Library Scarborough Public Library Shaw Public Library Soldiers Memorial
Library South Berwick Public Library South China Public Library South Portland Public Library
Southwest Harbor Public Library Spaulding Memorial Library Stockton Springs
Community Library Stonington Public Library Thompson Free Library Topsham Public Library
Vassalboro Public Library Vinalhaven Public Library Walter T. A. Hansen Memorial Library Washburn Memorial Library West Paris Public Library Windham Public Library Winslow Public Library Winterport Memorial Library Witherle Memorial Library York Public
Library
Q What aspect of Read ME are you most excited about?
A One thing that I like about Read ME is that it’s library based. Libraries were the places that first introduced me to the world
of reading. I’ve always been a big booster of libraries. They’re places of such positive energy. I also like how Read ME takes an activity that is so personal and makes it communal. It makes reading and reflection become a way of talking more deeply about things that really matter. In the case of Susan Hand Shetterly’s book, it might be discussing mys- teries of the natural world. In the case of CB Anderson’s book, it might be talking about how people migrating to Maine have values similar to those that this state has long espoused. The program is a really great vehicle for discussion. To me the best outcome of Read ME is a participant walking out the door after the program and thinking, “Wow, I need to find another book like that.” I hope participants
keep discovering Maine books and Maine authors
learn more about read me — including events hosted
by participating libraries — at mainehumanities.org.
below: Read ME 2018 authors Susan Hand Shetterly (left, photo: norman mrozicki) and
C B Anderson (right, photo: katherine anderson).
MAINE HUMANITIES
COUNCILHome of the Harriet P. Henry
Center for the Book
674 Brighton Avenue
Portland, Maine 04102-1012
mainehumanities.org
Please help us keep costs down by notifying us
of duplicates and/or errors. You can update
your info or request to be added/removed
from our mailing list by calling 207-773-5051
or emailing info@mainehumanities.org.
Prepare for a Journey into a Revolutionary Past
bowdoin college, brunswick, maine march 8 & 9, 2019
register now: mainehumanities.org
Sulaco, port city of the fictional South American state of Costaguana, is our setting. The silver mine owner Charles Gould asks Nostromo, head longshoreman and local hero, to help him move his silver away from Sulaco before a military invasion swallows it.
It’s a tale of idealism, political revolutions, and corruption. And it’s the book for Winter Weekend 2019: Nostromo by Joseph Conrad.
Winter Weekend is an evening and a day of stimulating conversations around a book. Scholars present their expertise, delving into history, literature, politics, and more. They build bridges between themes, times, places, and people. This event is an adventure for the mind — and a warm and welcoming community where the camaraderie draws back many audience members year after year.
Join us for Joseph Conrad’s Nostromo to get a taste of this adventure yourself.
The
grow
ing
frie
ndsh
ips,
lect
ures
, an
d th
emed
din
ner
are
all h
igh
poin
ts
for
Win
ter
Wee
kend
par
tici
pant
s.
phot
os:
dan
d’ip
poli
to
WINTER WEEKEND
2019