Connecticut Center for the Book Ready to Launch World of Words 2005

Connecticut Center for the Book’s seventh annual World of Words (WOW) initiative will begin in late March this year and run through the month of April at public libraries throughout the state.  The purpose of this program is to learn about Connecticut’s literary and cultural roots while exploring our ethnic similarities and differences through exhibitions, author events, films and videos, hands-on workshops, storytelling, lectures, book discussions and displays, games, literary readings promoted as “Telling Passages,” music and dance programs, and culinary offerings. 

While most libraries choose countries that reflect their own constituencies, others are inspired by unfamiliar territory.  Nations being celebrated this year, and the libraries promoting them are: China (Somers Public Library, 860-763-3501); England (Wallingford Public Library, 203-265-6754); Ghana (The Ferguson Library, Stamford, 2003-964-1000); Greece (Public Library of New London, 860-447-1411); India (Enfield Public Library, 860.763.7510); Iran (Hartford Public Library, 860-695-6295); Italy (Bridgeport Public Library, 203-576-7777); Japan (Farmington Library, 860-673-6791); Mexico (Welles-Turner Memorial Library, Glastonbury, 860-652-7719); Sweden (Howard Whittemore Memorial Library, Naugatuck, 203-729-4591); Sweden (South Windsor Public Library, 860-644-1541).

In 2000, a contest was developed for students in grades 6-12.  “Why We Came and What We Brought” encourages children to learn from their families why and how they came to live in the United States.  Whether because of political torture, enslavement, economic incentive, or romance, all of the children who enter the contest will have taken the time to consider their personal stories, which, together, combine to make Connecticut’s story and, ultimately, America’s story.  One of this year’s entrants, sixth grader Klaudia Konopka of Enfield Street School in Enfield wrote, “Although we are different and speak different languages, we all work together as a family.”  This year’s entries were judged by Hartford Public Library staff members: Homa Naficy, coordinator of The American Place (TAP), an information and resource center for new immigrants and refugees; Cecil Osho-Williams, assistant children’s librarian at Mark Twain Branch Library, who emigrated from Nigeria; and, Daniel Alexandre, special projects coordinator, whose parents emigrated from Portugal.  Cash awards of $100, $50, and $25 will be presented to the first, second, and third place winners.

As in past years, there will be an official opening program at the State Capitol for World of Words.  Invitations to the April 1 program are going out to municipal and state officials, directors of participating libraries, cultural leaders, and consulates of nations being celebrated.  Jerry Franklin, president and CEO of Connecticut Public Broadcasting, Inc., will be the master of ceremonies.  Winners of the student essay contest will also be invited to this program.

“What the World of Words does so well is to show that books bridge many divides.  They give readers the opportunity to know other places and other places of mind …not as a visitor but as a friend,” says Terri Evans, press and public affairs officer for the British Consulate-General in Boston.

Diane Smith—host of the morning show on WTIC NewsTalk 1080, host and producer of “Positively Connecticut” on CPTV, and author—has been the honorary chairperson of WOW since 2001.

All WOW programs are free and open to the public, although some may require advance registration.  Call the individual libraries or watch for publicity with more information on WOW programs and events.  Please call 860-695-6320 for information about other programs of the Connecticut Center for the Book at Hartford Public Library

The Hartford Public Library has more than 500,000 volumes and 700 periodicals in its collection. A provider of strategic programs that respond to citizens’ real needs and interests, the library offers programs for parenting, literacy and language development; programs for technical literacy and competency; and programs for entrepreneurs and small business owners. The Hartford Public Library also provides a cultural and artistic forum that reflects the city’s diverse and vibrant community. For more information call (860) 695-6295.