UPDATE FROM THE MAINE HUMANITIES COUNCIL

SUMMER 2018

674 Brighton Ave, Portland, Maine 04102 T 207-773-5051 F 207-773-2416 info@ mainehumanities.org

LETTERS ABOUT LITERATURE 2017

Each year, students across Maine write a letter

to an author whose writing has had an impact on their thoughts, feelings,

and lives, and submit this letter to Letters About Literature, an initiative of the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. A smaller

group of letters come back to Maine to be judged by a panel that includes

a librarian, an educator, and a children’s author, as well as community members

and MHC staff. This year saw 833 Maine submissions to the national contest.

The final category, Level 3 (grades 9 to 12), had one of the most powerful letters the

program has seen. Sylvette Dupé-Vété-Congolo (grade 9, Mt. Ararat High School) wrote to

Angie Thomas about her novel The Hate U Give.

To read Sylvette’s full letter and the other winning letters, and to see the list of Letters About Literature participants

this year, go to mainehumanities.org.

Letters About Literature is funded by the Library of Congress

and the David Royte Fund.

Dear Ms. Angie Thomas, I am a fourteen-year-old Maine ninth grader. Since elementary school, I have heard

comments about who I am intrinsically: “Can I touch your hair?”, “What the heck

do you have on your head?” Even a teacher told me once that he could recognize me

from afar because, “Your hair looks like a mushroom.” Another one of my favorite

comments is, “Why is saying ‘nigga’ such a bad thing?”, “Why is it that you [meaning,

‘black people’] can say ‘nigga’ and not us?” My classmates tell me, “Why do you have

to take everything so personally?”, “I was just kidding,” “Stop being stuck up!”

I know that this may sound insignificant compared to some of the horrific situations

experienced in parts of the country where many can be killed, even at the hands of the

authorities, simply because, like in Khalil’s case, their black body is seen as a threat.

However, the accumulation and repetition of these aggressive situations experienced

since my childhood is enough to create stress. I feel trapped in a box of worries, gingerly

creating my path alongside my peers.…

This is where “The Hate U Give” comes to play. I am so thankful to the librarian who

recommended it. I cannot begin to describe the feelings and thoughts I was inundated

with after entering Starr’s world. I have had to ask myself why this experience was now so

different and making me exclaim, “Yes, at last! Eureka! That’s it!” All of Starr’s struggles

and her determined desire for change were crystal clear to me. Of course, her fictional

life was not exactly identical to my real life but some aspects of her experience looked like

mine, I mean: being constantly confronted to your own friends’ demeaning perspective

on what is intrinsic to you and seeing them also constantly denying that their offenses

carry racial disparagement.I identified with Starr and, honestly, I never even knew that books like this existed.

The novel was so wholly powerful that I could clearly grasp the implications of the main

theme around Khalil’s death and be deeply struck by the sub-theme about the relationship

between Starr and Hailey. I felt that my experience was a living example of what the novel

meant with respect to the way unconscious racism works. For the first time, a novel was

speaking my voice, validating my feelings, saying my thoughts, articulating the insidious

facts of my experience. I knew this was fiction but I felt that my experience was being

objectively acknowledged by a world larger than just my family. The way fiction brings

you to get that your reality is really, truly true, is so empowering.

…

The novel marks a momentous cornerstone in my “reading career” that I can express

with: “before ‘The Hate U Give’ ” and, “after ‘The Hate U Give’. ” I have read some

of Richard Wright’s novels, Langston Hugh’s and Maya Angelou’s poetry. However,

I had never read a contemporary African-American novel. “The Hate U Give” was such

a discovery and an epiphany to me because it was pertinent, accurate and true to my life

and the facts of our times. After the initial emotion I felt reading it and going through

the thinking and understanding of the novel’s role in my awareness, I became more serene.

To me, it has been as meanin ul as it is useful.

Yours sincerely, Sylvette Dupé-Vété-Congolo

home of the harriet p. henry center for the book

The programming herein is just the beginning; for all we offer, visit mainehumanities.org.

The Maine Humanities Council,

a statewide non-profit organization,

uses the humanities — literature,

history, philosophy, and culture — as a

tool for positive change in Maine

communities. Our programs and

grants encourage critical thinking

and conversations across social,

economic, and cultural boundaries.

Funders of programs mentioned in this update: the Betterment Fund, the Library of Congress, the Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the David Royte Fund, the State of Maine, and readers like you.

The Maine Humanities Council is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Editor: Diane Magras Design: Lori Harley

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Daniel P. Gunn New Sharon

Vice-chair Paul Doiron Camden

Treasurer Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko Mount Desert

Secretary Victoria Bornheimer Cumberland

Lawrence Boyle Biddeford

Joseph Conforti Portland

Jean Deighan Bangor

Gregory Fahy Hallowell

Stephen Hayes Falmouth

Mazie Hough Orono

Margery Irvine Brooklin

Reza Jalali Falmouth

Edward J. Kelleher South Portland

Erica Quin-Easter Woolwich

Ted Sharp Cumberland Foreside

Richard Speer Lewiston

Iva Sussman Houlton

Crystal Williams Boston

STAFF

Hayden Anderson, PhD Executive Director hayden@…

Jerome Bennett Program Officer jerome@…

Jan Bindas-Tenney Program Officer jan@…

Diane Magras Director of Development diane@…

Karen Myrick Administrative Assistant info@…

Nicole Rancourt Program Officer nicole@…

Meghan Reedy Program Officer meghan@…

Lizz Sinclair Director of Programs lizz@…

Kyle Volland Program Assistant kyle@…

Ian Watkins Development and Communications Assistant ian@…

[All email addresses: @mainehumanities.org]

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This summer, humanities programming is delighting and inspiring communities across Maine. Local and summer residents, as well as short-term visitors, are participating in library-hosted talks and reading and discussion programs; grant-funded events (lecture series, exhibits, performances, and more); and community conversations in downtown locations. We’re excited to hold programs in towns small and big and be part of the vivid scene that is Maine in the summer.

This update shares some news from the recent past (our cover story on one of our extraordinary Letters About Literature winners), the present (Read ME, taking place in libraries statewide), and the future (Winter Weekend, on the back). I hope you enjoy what you read!

Diane Magras, Director of Development diane@mainehumanities.org

UPCOMING

DEMOCRACY, JOURNALISM, AND THE INFORMED CITIZEN

Thanks to support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Federation of State Humanities Councils, the MHC is launching Democracy, Journalism, and the Informed Citizen.

GRANT OPPORTUNITY

As part of this initiative, we are offering special grants to support local organizations to explore issues related to this topic that may resonate in their communities. Open to any Maine non-profit, grants can provide support for programs that may be entirely new, or those that build on existing activities or initiatives.

Application Deadline: Early fall FMI: mainehumanities.org

MODERATED FORUMS

“What’s going on with the news?” is a conversation with Erin Rhoda, Maine Focus Editor, Bangor Daily News; Cliff Schecthman, Executive Editor, Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, the Kennebec Journal and the Morning Sentinel; and Michael J. Socolow, Associate Professor of Communication and Journalism, University of Maine. MHC Executive Director Hayden Anderson will moderate these forums.

Free, Open to the public

7 pm, Wed, September 19 South Portland Auditorium

7 pm, Tue, September 25 Bangor Arts Exchange

DOROTHY SCHWARTZ FORUM

We hope you will join us for MHC’s annual Dorothy Schwartz Forum. Each year the Schwartz Forum brings people together with expert guides to grapple with a basic question.

This year’s question: Who is we?

Share a meal and spend an evening exploring this question with Mindy Crandall, Assistant Professor of Forest Landscape, University of Maine; Ewan Douglas, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Aeronautics & Astronautics, MIT; Lisa Pixley, Artist Printmaker, WIP Editions; and others.

5 – 9 pm, Sat, October 20 Congregation Bet Ha’am, South Portland Tickets: Sliding scale Capacity: Space is limited, so sign up early!

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MINI GRANT: CONSIDERING ALL STORIES

Young Adult literature provides an abundance of powerful, deep, and diverse stories, creating a platform for connection and empathy with teen readers. Supported by an MHC Mini Grant, Considering All Stories identified common social issues faced by students in Bangor, Brewer,

Hermon, Mount Desert Island, and Old Town high schools, as well as Hampden Academy. Five Young Adult titles were examined across the six regional high schools with online student

discussions facilitated by teachers, librarians, and guest speakers over six weeks. Through reading and shared conversations, students identified pathways that embrace and

celebrate diverse social issues across their school communities.

MINI GRANT: BOOKS ON THE BUS

Supported by an MHC Mini Grant, Books on the Bus is an ongoing collaboration between the Bath Elementary PTA, RSU1, and the Patten Free Library. High quality books for students aged five through nine are provided on elementary school buses in RSU1 (serving Bath, Woolwich, and Phippsburg) for children to read while commuting to and from school.

For many children the bus can be stressful, boring, or even a little scary. Providing kids with a focused activity can help them overcome anxiety while fostering a love of reading, as well as build relationships with other kids. Donated books are placed in specially designed seat covers with pockets, allowing students easy access during their commute. All seven of Bath’s buses have been outfitted with seat covers and they are currently being installed in RSU1 buses serving Woolwich and Phippsburg. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with one bus driver commenting, “Kids are actually sharing more. They’re actually communicating with each other and they’re doing great. The only thing I wish is that every seat had the blue slip covers.”

MAJOR GRANT: LEWISTON YOUTH ARTISTS IN ACTION

Supported by an MHC Major Grant, Lewiston Youth Artists in Action is a project led by 12 students from Lewiston High School as part of the Lewiston 21st Century Leaders program. The program is made up of students in grades 10 through 12 who are Black, Muslim, and from immigrant and refugee families.

Students spent the year researching the city’s immigration history and designed a mural incorporating that work, highlighting Native American culture, emancipated slaves, European immigration, and African immigration. The mural has been installed on the face of the Maine Immigration Refugee Services building in Lewiston. Through this project, students raised awareness of their unique experiences and perspectives, linking with the diverse and vibrant culture and history of Lewiston.

CONSIDERING ALL STORIES

Acton Public Library Alice L. Pendleton

Library Alvan Bolster Ricker Memorial Library

Auburn Public Library Bailey Public Library

Bangor Public Library Berwick Public Library

Bonney Memorial Library Boothbay Harbor

Memorial Library Brewer Public Library Camden Public

Library Carver Memorial Library Cary Memorial Library

Casco Public Library Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library

Cumston Public Library D. A.  Hurd Library Denmark

Public Library Dorothy Webb Quimby Library Unity College

Edythe Dyer Community Library Ellsworth Public Library

Freeport Community Library Fryeburg Public Library Gardiner

Public Library Guilford Memorial Library Harrison Village Library

Hartland Public Library Henry D. Moore Library Hollis Center Public Library Ivan O. Davis-Liberty Library

Jesup Memorial Library Julia Adams Morse Memorial Library

Kennebunk Free Library Libby Memorial Library Lithgow Public Library

Long Lake Public Library Louis B. Goodall Memorial Library Lubec Memorial

Library Ludden Memorial Library Madison Public Library Maine Charitable Mechanic Association Library Maine State Library McArthur Library

Mechanic Falls Public Library Naples Public Library Newport Cultural Center Norway

Memorial Library Orono Public Library Peavey Memorial Library Pittsfield Public Library Portland Public Library Rangeley Public Library Rice Public Library Rockland Public Library Rockport Public

Library Salmon Falls Library Scarborough Public Library Shaw Public Library Soldiers Memorial

Library South Berwick Public Library South China Public Library South Portland Public Library

Southwest Harbor Public Library Spaulding Memorial Library Stockton Springs

Community Library Stonington Public Library Thompson Free Library Topsham Public Library

Vassalboro Public Library Vinalhaven Public Library Walter T. A.  Hansen Memorial Library Washburn Memorial Library West Paris Public Library Windham Public Library Winslow Public Library Winterport Memorial Library Witherle Memorial Library York Public

Library

READ ME 2018:

Q & A WITH

PAUL DOIRONBY IAN WATKINS

Read ME is a statewide summer reading program presented by the MHC

in partnership with Maine State Library that encourages Maine adults to read

the same books — by Maine authors and recommended by a Maine author.

Last year’s pilot of Read ME was a great success, with over 60 libraries

participating across the state. This summer continues that success,

with 80 libraries joining in statewide. The program culminates with a special

episode of MPBN’s Maine Calling on August 22, 2018, airing live

from the Maine State Library.

This year’s featured books are River Talk by CB Anderson and Settled

in the Wild: Notes from the Edge of Town by Susan Hand Shetterly,

both selected by well-known Maine author Paul Doiron. I recently

spoke with Paul about the MHC’s popular summer reading program.

Q What were some of your considerations when choosing the titles for Read ME 2018?

 A There are so many books I could have chosen by so many Maine authors. What ended up guiding me was one of the goals of the

program: to involve as many people as possible. Instead of choosing a 1,000-page novel, I thought a book of short stories or a book of essays would be easier for people to integrate into their busy summer lives. I’ve known both CB Anderson (River Talk) and Susan Hand Shetterly (Settled in the Wild: Notes from the Edge of Town) for many years. I think they are writers who deserve a wider audience, who are accessible, and who know Maine very well.

Q It’s notable that a mystery author chose titles that aren’t mysteries. That being said, what

types of books do you gravitate to as a reader?

 A Ultimately what I hope to distinguish in my own novels isn’t so much the

mystery aspect, but more so an under-standing and appreciation for the people of Maine. That’s something I think River Talk captures well. When I first read that book, I was reminded of people I know. Reading about the natural world is also an interest. Susan Hand Shetterly writes about the natural world in a way I aspire to. I turn to writers like her when I’m looking for inspiration.

Q There seems to be an idea that people don’t read as often anymore.

Do you think that’s the case? What are you witnessing as an author?

 A People often joke that the last time they read a novel was in high

school. I sometimes wonder if that’s the case because of how many options there are for reading. If you want to read long- form journalism, you don’t actually have to buy a book or magazine: You can spend a large amount of time reading a series of long articles on the Internet. So I’m not sure if people are reading more or less. It is a unique experience, though. Stephen King described it as telepathic, and I think it really is. A person separated from you in time and space puts down their thoughts and you later enter into a world that they’ve created. People who are passionate readers all describe feeling that the author was speaking directly to them. As someone who’s both a passionate writer and a passionate reader, I do wish more people would give books a chance because they can be truly life changing.

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below: Read ME 2018 authors Susan Hand Shetterly (left, photo: norman mrozicki) and

C B  Anderson (right, photo: katherine anderson).

Acton Public Library Alice L. Pendleton

Library Alvan Bolster Ricker Memorial Library

Auburn Public Library Bailey Public Library

Bangor Public Library Berwick Public Library

Bonney Memorial Library Boothbay Harbor

Memorial Library Brewer Public Library Camden Public

Library Carver Memorial Library Cary Memorial Library

Casco Public Library Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library

Cumston Public Library D. A.  Hurd Library Denmark

Public Library Dorothy Webb Quimby Library Unity College

Edythe Dyer Community Library Ellsworth Public Library

Freeport Community Library Fryeburg Public Library Gardiner

Public Library Guilford Memorial Library Harrison Village Library

Hartland Public Library Henry D. Moore Library Hollis Center Public Library Ivan O. Davis-Liberty Library

Jesup Memorial Library Julia Adams Morse Memorial Library

Kennebunk Free Library Libby Memorial Library Lithgow Public Library

Long Lake Public Library Louis B. Goodall Memorial Library Lubec Memorial

Library Ludden Memorial Library Madison Public Library Maine Charitable Mechanic Association Library Maine State Library McArthur Library

Mechanic Falls Public Library Naples Public Library Newport Cultural Center Norway

Memorial Library Orono Public Library Peavey Memorial Library Pittsfield Public Library Portland Public Library Rangeley Public Library Rice Public Library Rockland Public Library Rockport Public

Library Salmon Falls Library Scarborough Public Library Shaw Public Library Soldiers Memorial

Library South Berwick Public Library South China Public Library South Portland Public Library

Southwest Harbor Public Library Spaulding Memorial Library Stockton Springs

Community Library Stonington Public Library Thompson Free Library Topsham Public Library

Vassalboro Public Library Vinalhaven Public Library Walter T. A.  Hansen Memorial Library Washburn Memorial Library West Paris Public Library Windham Public Library Winslow Public Library Winterport Memorial Library Witherle Memorial Library York Public

Library

Q What aspect of Read ME are you most excited about?

 A One thing that I like about Read ME is that it’s library based. Libraries were the places that first introduced me to the world

of reading. I’ve always been a big booster of libraries. They’re places of such positive energy. I also like how Read ME takes an activity that is so personal and makes it communal. It makes reading and reflection become a way of talking more deeply about things that really matter. In the case of Susan Hand Shetterly’s book, it might be discussing mys- teries of the natural world. In the case of CB Anderson’s book, it might be talking about how people migrating to Maine have values similar to those that this state has long espoused. The program is a really great vehicle for discussion. To me the best outcome of Read ME is a participant walking out the door after the program and thinking, “Wow, I need to find another book like that.” I hope participants

keep discovering Maine books and Maine authors

learn more about read me — including events hosted

by participating libraries — at mainehumanities.org.

below: Read ME 2018 authors Susan Hand Shetterly (left, photo: norman mrozicki) and

C B  Anderson (right, photo: katherine anderson).

MAINE HUMANITIES

COUNCILHome of the Harriet P. Henry

Center for the Book

674 Brighton Avenue

Portland, Maine 04102-1012

mainehumanities.org

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Prepare for a Journey into a Revolutionary Past

bowdoin college, brunswick, maine march 8 & 9, 2019

register now: mainehumanities.org

Sulaco, port city of the fictional South American state of Costaguana, is our setting. The silver mine owner Charles Gould asks Nostromo, head longshoreman and local hero, to help him move his silver away from Sulaco before a military invasion swallows it.

It’s a tale of idealism, political revolutions, and corruption. And it’s the book for Winter Weekend 2019: Nostromo by Joseph Conrad.

Winter Weekend is an evening and a day of stimulating conversations around a book. Scholars present their expertise, delving into history, literature, politics, and more. They build bridges between themes, times, places, and people. This event is an adventure for the mind — and a warm and welcoming community where the camaraderie draws back many audience members year after year.

Join us for Joseph Conrad’s Nostromo to get a taste of this adventure yourself.

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WINTER WEEKEND

2019