SHELF LIFE
Sometimes the library can be too quiet. Now is one of those times. It’s meant to be a place for sharing information, meeting friends and above all, learning.
We can still be in touch of course, with a phone call, email or online through our website. But the physical building is important to our regular patrons, just like it is to the library staff. We’ve missed seeing all of you, our students and the other SouthArk staff and faculty on a regular basis. It’s a tough time, and hopefully it will be resolved soon.
To alleviate some of that, we have something to look forward to: our South Arkansas Literary Festival. It will be a place for everyone to gather again, and even though it won’t be in the physical world, we invite you to join us for some fun and enlightening discussions and presentations that you won’t soon forget. When we planned this year’s event a few months ago, taking it online was the last thing on our minds. Let’s face it: As a friend said to me the other day, the literary festival has had its share of challenges for the last two years. This year was just another one…but the solution is not to cancel, but to persevere and continue with our plans.
Before the festival, you’ll have the opportunity to attend another virtual event: Author Kim Richardson’s talk, which was originally scheduled for our library, will now be held online. Richardson is the author of “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek,” this year’s selection for If All Arkansas Read the Same Book. Richardson will speak at online events on July 15-16. For more information, view If All Arkansas Read the Same Book under the “Programs” tab at www.library. arkansas.gov.
Then on July 18, we’ll hold our online event with these wonderfully creative people:
You already may have seen our keynote speaker on PBS, where she appears regularly with Arkansasthemed dining and cooking shows about great eating in our state. Kat Robinson really needs no introduction; her vibrant personality shines through in her TV appearances as well as her writing. Just look at “Arkansas Pies: A Delicious Slice of the Natural State” or “Arkansas Food: A to Z of Eating in the Natural State,” or any of her other books. You don’t want to miss seeing her talk about one of the best things in life: food!
More great things about life are stories and storytellers, and we don’t have to go far in search of good ones—especially those who like to explore the offbeat, the mysterious and the worlds between real and unreal. Starting with her novel “Nightingale,” local author Niki Benton Smith explores the world of Samantha, a young nurse who’s been haunted all her life by horrifying prophetic dreams. Her story continues in two more books, “Last Dance” and “Secrets.”
Home-grown horror is right around the corner. If you like short stories, dip into one of these collections from SAU’s Dr. James Ulmer: “The Secret Life: Ghost Stories” and “The Fire Doll” are just right if you’re in the mood for a deliciously creepy read.
Have you heard of Scandi-noir? It’s a hot genre of crime fiction which started in the frozen Nordic lands. Readers discover that the pristine white snow covers up the most depraved offenses. Leading us into those dark corners of fiction is SouthArk’s Dr. James Yates, dean of arts and sciences and crime fiction fan.
Would you rather think about the good old days? Be sure to attend presentations from SouthArk history instructor Dr. Ken Bridges, along with geologist, business owner, writer and local historian Richard Mason. Get ready to hear about times gone by, local legends and other fascinating South Arkansas stories.
If this guy’s voice sounds familiar, don’t be surprised—you may have heard him on national TV ads! Audiobook fans will want to hear Jake Phillips, full-time voice actor, podcaster and digital book narrator tell us how he skillfully makes literature come to life.
We’re still working out the technical details of the online literary festival, but we’ll release those soon so you’ll be able to connect and participate. Watch our social media and the El Dorado NewsTimes for more information. If you’re interested, email us at librarystaff@southark.edu or check our website at southark. libguides.com.