WKU Libraries blog

Come join us on Thursday, April 16 for a screening of An American Drummer Boy, the third feature film written and directed by Dorian Walker of Bowling Green, Kentucky. This independent film is the story of a young boy’s journey to manhood. Based on a compilation of true Civil War stories, the movie blends adventure, emotion, humor and real-life drama.

For more information, call 270-745-2592.

5:30-6:00 Reception
6:00 p.m. Director’s remarks and screening
8:00 p.m. – DVD signing

Western Kentucky University Libraries is celebrating 75 years as part of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). Since 1934, WKU Libraries has housed federal documents and assisted all constituencies in locating government data in an effort to ensure the American public access to its Government’s information.

There will be an anniversary celebration open to the public on Friday, March 27at 10:00 a.m. at Helm Library on Western’s campus. Guest speakers will include Congressman Brett Guthrie and Dr. Edward Yager from WKU’s Political Science Department. Tours of the Federal Depository will be offered to any interested parties.

“Effectively delivering research and information to the community is our role,” said Mike Binder, Dean of WKU Libraries. “Working with the Federal Depository Library Program has been a natural partnership and we are proud to have assisted hundreds of citizens over the years in locating appropriate government documents.”

WKU Libraries is one of 1,250 libraries throughout the United States and one of 20 in Kentucky offering information from all three branches of the Government at no cost to the public. Overseen by Congress, the U.S. Government Printing Office administers the Federal Depository Library Program and serves to provide this network of libraries with the tools they need to keep America informed.

For more information, contact Jennifer Wilson, Marketing Coordinator at 270-745-6977.

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.

In this workshop you will use Procion-H dyes to tie-dye a 14×72 silk-rayon velvet scarf. Choose brilliant or muted color combination. In any case, the effect is luxurious! You will take home your creation the same day.

Time: Saturday, April 4th, 10am –12
Location: Kentucky Library & Museum at Western Kentucky University
Workshop Fee: $35
Friends of Libraries & Museum receive a 10% discount.
To register: http://www.wku.edu/library/kylm/education/tiedye.html.
For more information: Call Lynne Ferguson at 745-2594 or e-mail lynne.ferguson@wku.edu or call Christy Spurlock at 745-6082 or e-mail christy.spurlock@wku.edu.

Does your wardrobe need that special accessory? Did you ever want to learn how to tie dye? The Kentucky Library & Museum is offering a Tie-Dye Workshop on April 4 from 10 am to 12 noon. Artist Laura McGee will teach you how to use Procion-H dyes to tie-dye a 14 72 inch silk-rayon velvet scarf. Choose brilliant or muted color combinations. In any case, the effect is luxurious! You will take home your creation the same day.

Pre-registration is required. For more information, contact Lynne Ferguson at 270-745-2594

Looking for an activity to chase away the winter blahs? Learn how to make a traditional Kentucky-style “eye” and rib construction basket from noted basketmaker Beth Hester. This 10 inch melon-shaped egg basket is easy to make and recommended for novice basket makers. This is a great beginner level basket.

This workshop is scheduled for February 7, 2009 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Pre-registration is required.

For more information, contact Lynne Ferguson at 270-745-2594.

Looking for a spring break activity for your child. Enroll him or her in the Kentucky Library & Museum Spring Break Art Camp. Designed for children in grades 1 to 6, this weeklong activity runs from March 16 - 20 from 8 am until 12 noon and after camp care is available until 4 pm.

Campers will enjoy a variety of art activities, which include painting with acrylic and watercolors, block printing, foam core sculpture. Campers will tour Kentucky Museum exhibits including Side by Side 2009 and the US Bank “Celebration of the Arts” Open Art Exhibition, the largest art exhibit in this area. They will also, if weather permits, tour the Western Kentucky University campus to view newly installed sculpture.

Pre-registration is required. For more information, contact Lynne Ferguson, 270-745-2594 or Christy Spurlock, 745-6082.

University Libraries celebrates the opening of VSA arts of Kentucky’s SIDE BY SIDE exhibit at the Kentucky Library & Museum Sunday, January 18, 2009 from 2 pm-4 pm. VSA arts of Kentucky’s SIDE BY SIDE program is a visual arts program for children and young adults with disabilities that provides mentoring opportunities with professional adult artists from the local community. Over 60 pieces of art will be in the exhibit featuring individual work by the students and area artists as well as pieces they have created collaboratively.

Last year, The Kentucky Library & Museum received national recognition with an Award for Outstanding Community Partner for their work with this program. According to Ginny Miller, Executive Director of VSA arts of Kentucky, the SIDE BY SIDE program provides an inclusive opportunity to enlarge the scope of the arts within local communities across the state. Student artists explore the creative process with a local professional artist in both group and individual settings.

“The Kentucky Library & Museum is pleased to be able to partner with VSA arts of Kentucky for such a worthwhile program,” said Timothy Mullin, Department Head for Special Collections at University Libraries. “We hope the community will take advantage of viewing this wonderfully unique exhibit.”

The exhibit will be open for viewing from January 18-March 31, 2009 in the Garden Gallery at the Kentucky Library & Museum located at 14th and Kentucky Street. Gallery hours will be from Monday-Saturday 9:00 am-4:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 pm-4:00 pm. For more information, contact Lynne Ferguson at 745-2594.

Photo Album of the Opening Event

A percentage of sales at Barnes & Noble on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7 will benefit the Southern Kentucky Book Fest partnership which sponsors literacy projects throughout the region.

Get vouchers at http://www.wku.edu/library/docs/bnvoucher.pdf and help SOKY Book Fest continue to bring authors and books to our community. Author Gary West will be in the store Sunday, December 7 at 12:00 pm to sign copies of his latest book, Shopping Your Way Across Kentucky.

You can make your purchases on-line either day using the same Book Fair I.D. # 410118 and the link: www.bn.com/mybookfairs

Also, consider purchasing a Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake at Barnes & Noble. For each purchased, $5.00 will be donated to the Book Fest. You can buy 5 cheesecakes and get the 6th one free!

Thank you for your support. For questions, please contact Tracy Harkins, WKU Libraries Community Outreach, at 745-5016 or tracy.harkins@wku.edu.