The stand of a bouquiniste, the French term for second-hand books resellers, in Paris, near the Cathedral Notre-Dame of Paris. Books are as popular in Alaska and in Anchorage as they are in Paris, thanks to public libraries, bookstores and the Alaska Center for the Book. (Benh Lieu Song/Wikimediia Creative Commons)

For three decades, the Alaska Center for the Book has promoted literacy throughout Alaska by celebrating books, creative writing, poetry and author outreach. On this edition of Hometown Alaska, two founding mothers of the center share stories of challenge and success, and let us know what’s in store for the next 30 years.

We also invite a guest librarian from Loussac Library who has been leading a community read called Anchorage Reads. Their book? Ibram X. Kendi’s “Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America.” Reading and panel discussions began in February and will continue through June.

Take a listen:

HOST: Kathleen McCoy

GUESTS:

• Sara Juday, Alaska Center for the Book
• Sandy Harper, Alaska Center for the Book
• Stacia McGourty, Anchorage Public Library Adult Services Coordinator

Key Dates for Anchorage Reads:

• Thursday, June 2, 7 to 8:30 p.m.: The Economic Impacts of Racism In this panel discussion, participants will hear from community members about the economic impacts of racism, especially on Alaskans.
• Thursday, June 24, 7 to 8:30 p.m.: Race & Criminal Justice In this panel discussion co-hosted by the ACLU of Alaska, participants will hear from community members on the impacts of the criminal justice system on our communities.

LINKS:

• Alaska Center for the Book website
• Poems in Place, ACB project, read the poems here, ACB website
• CLIA awards (Contributions to Literacy Awards), ACB project, ACB website
• Join the Conversation with Anchorage Reads website
• Facebook page for Anchorage Reads, Facebook

PARTICIPATE:

• Call 550-8433 (Anchorage) or 1-888-353-5752 (statewide) during the live broadcast (2 to 3 p.m.)
• Send e-mail to [email protected] before, during or after the live broadcast (E-mails may be read on air).
• Post your comment or question below (Comments may be read on air).
• LIVE: Monday, May 24, 2021 at 10 a.m.
• RE-AIR: Monday, May 24, 2021 at 8 p.m.
• PODCAST: Available on this page after the program.