Many Voices, One Nation @ your library initiative celebrates diversity in literature

Contact: Deborah Davis


Campaign Manager


dedavis@ala.org

For Immediate Release


January 27, 2005

"Many Voices, One Nation @ your library" initiative


celebrates diversity in literature

Libraries invited to host event during National Library Week

ALA President Carol Brey-Casiano today announced a new national program that celebrates the diversity in the literature of our country and the unifying role that libraries play in building a literate nation. Called "
Many Voices, One Nation @ your library®," the program is part of Brey’s presidential initiatives for 2005.

As part of the initiative, ALA Chapters have been invited to contribute two annotated book selections to a
Many Voices, One Nation
Booklist. The titles should represent the uniqueness, diversity, and/or heritage of their state or region. One title will be for children or young adults and the second will be for adult readers. The books may be fiction or nonfiction, and there is no restriction on publication date. The resulting list will showcase the diverse voices that exist in our nation and its literature. The booklist will be continually updated at

www.ala.org/manyvoices .

"This program provides a unique opportunity for libraries to stand up and speak out for the richness of our nation’s literature and the diverse voices it represents," said Brey-Casiano. "I hope that libraries across the country will join me in this celebration of reading."

On Monday, April 11, 2005, during National Library Week, libraries are urged to host a
Many Voices, One Nation, One Night @ your library program that showcases the community’s literary heritage and serves as a celebration of reading. Libraries are encouraged to invite local authors, dignitaries and residents to participate in a "read-aloud" portion that feature selections from the
Many Voices, One Nation booklist or other books that represent the community, state or region. Libraries also might want to invite diverse groups to read and present on a relevant topic and should consider collaborating with other libraries in their area to create a community-wide presence.

Materials are available to help libraries in their planning. They include a tip sheet, downloadable logo, sample press release and sample radio PSAs to announce the
Many Voices, One Nation, One Night event locally. The logo and press materials are available in both English and Spanish. All are posted at

www.ala.org/manyvoices and on
The Campaign for America’s Libraries Web site. Click on the Many Voices, One Nation icon.

To let ALA know how your library is participating in the
Many Voices, One Nation initiative, please send an email to Giovanni Rivas in the ALA Governance Office at:

grivas@ala.org .