WKU Libraries blog

On March 6 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm, area art lovers can support the arts by joining in the Bowling Green Gallery Hop. Stop by the Kentucky Library & Museum and see the 2009 US Bank “Celebration of the Arts” Open Art Exhibition in the Kentucky Room Gallery and the 2009 Side by Side exhibit in the Garden Gallery.

The Gallery Hop is a unique collaboration between the city’s independent galleries, non-profit galleries, and studio centers to provide Bowling Green with great artistic opportunities. For more information, contact Lynne Ferguson at 270-745-2594.

Nashville singer-songwriter Donna Beasley accompanied by musician Scott Neubert thrilled the audience today in Java City with their modern country sound.

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As the final “Big Read” events surrounding To Kill a Mockingbird, renowned Harper Lee Biographer Charles Shields spoke at Barnes & Noble on the evening of February 24, 2009.

Mr. Shields is author of Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee and I Am Scout, a book about Harper Lee for younger readers. A former English teacher, Mr. Shields spent four years doing research on Harper Lee and delivers a riveting talk about the experience.

At the end of his presentation, a special raffle was held for an autographed copy of the 40th anniversary edition of To Kill a Mockingbird signed especially by Harper Lee for Bowling Green’s Big Read program. Raffle tickets at $10 a piece had been sold at Barnes & Noble ahead of Mr. Shield’s presentation.

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On February 19, 2009, WKU Libraries’ Far Away Places Series featured Doug McElroy , a Professor of Biology at WKU, who talked about the Galapagos Island.

His articles have appeared in the Journal of Wildlife Management, the Encyclopedia of Genetics and many others. He’s taken students to E. Africa to study African Game Species. Most recently in June of 2007 he led a combined student/alumni study abroad group to the Galapagos for a course entitled “Biology in a Social Context: Galapagos and Ecuador.” In addition to examining biodiversity “hotspots” they discussed “ecotourism, bioprospecting and the property rights of indigenous peoples.”

It’s very timely presentation since this year is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, who became one of the island’s most celebrated visitors when he reached there on the HMS Beagle on September 15, 1835.

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Nashville singer-songwriter Jamie Fox entertained the crowd at Java City with her unique musical style.

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Classically trained musician and singer/songwriter Lee Quick performed her unique and often funny music for the crowd at Java City on Wednesday the 11th. Lee hails originally from New Orleans but after Katrina now resides in Nashville and is pursuing a Masters in Music Education.

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A reception (with refreshments) and a slide show featuring Charlie Smith’s recent London expedition took place on the afternoon of February 11 in Helm 108 (InfoLab).

Dr. Charles H. Smith, Western Kentucky University Libraries’ Science Librarian and Professor of Library Public Services, had been invited to give a presentation on British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace on Nov. 22 at a conference at The Linnean Society of London — the world’s oldest active biological society.

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Fifteen basket making enthusiasts spent Saturday, Feb. 7th making an Egg Basket at the Kentucky Library & Museum. Using traditional oak hoops, they learned how to weave a Kentucky style “eye”to lash the hoops together under the watchful eye of instructor Beth Hester and her side-kick Scott Gilbert. Everyone took away a new treasure and a sense of admiration for all basket makers.

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Actress Mary Badham, who played the character “Scout” in the 1962 film “To Kill a Mockingbird” with Gregory Peck, spoke at Western Kentucky University’s Kentucky Library & Museum on the evening of February 10 in connection with the Southern Kentucky Book Fest Big Read program.

The Big Read Southern Kentucky is focusing on the classic book “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. Ms. Badham’s appearance was the first of three special celebrity and author appearances for The Big Read taking place in Bowling Green and the surrounding area. Ms. Badham’s appearance was moderated by WBKO anchor Gene Birk and was free and open to the public.

Ms. Badham was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her work in the movie and was the youngest person ever nominated at that time. She is also the younger sister of film director John Badham who directed the movies “Saturday Night Fever” and “War Games” among others. As an added attraction the film “To Kill a Mockingbird” that Ms. Badham starred in had been shown at the Kentucky Library & Museum prior to her appearance.

SOKY Book Fest is a partnership project of WKU Libraries, Warren County Public Library, and Barnes & Noble Booksellers. For information about all of the local Big Read events visit www.bgonebook.org or contact Tracy Harkins at (270) 745-5016.

Photo Album of Mary Badham’s Appearance at KY Library & Museum

WKU Libraries hosted noted wildlife specialist Tom Barnes Thursday, February 12 at Barnes & Noble Booksellers as part of its Kentucky Live! Series. As Professor of Forestry and Wildlife Specialist at the University of Kentucky, he is a frequent commentator on wildlife management and animal damage control.

“Barnes is a frequent author for Kentucky Gardener, Kentucky Home and Gardening Magazine, Kentucky Afield and Back Home in Kentucky,” said Brian Coutts, Department Head of Public Services at WKU Libraries. “He’s regularly seen and heard on Kentucky radio and television and has presented more than 400 educational programs on a variety of wildlife related topics.”

In 1998 his first book Gardening for the Birds was published by the University Press of Kentucky. He followed that with a stunningly beautiful Kentucky’s Last Great Places in 2002 which included observations, anecdotes, and more than 100 of his full-color photos drawn from a thirteen-year exploration of little studied areas of the state. In 2004 he published Wildflowers and Ferns of Kentucky. His newest book Rare Wildflowers of Kentucky authored with Deborah White and Marc Evans documents Kentucky’s signature rare plants and includes 220 gorgeous full color photographs by Barnes. Barnes signed copies of his newest book following the presentation.

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