StoryCorps Visits Anythink Libraries
StoryCorps, the groundbreaking oral history organization, visits Anythink libraries May 2-4, 2011, to record the story of Rangeview Library District’s revolution. As part of the 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, StoryCorps’ Door-to-Door program will visit and speak with selected staff, community leaders, library customers and others to record the story of the library’s transformation.
“Storytelling is an important part of what we do at Anythink - whether they are stories from a book, stories shared between a parent and their child, or stories of our incredible staff helping people to find the information they need to obtain a job, start a business, or embark on a new adventure,” says Anythink director Pam Sandlian Smith. “We're excited to share the Anythink story with StoryCorps from the many perspectives of those participants selected, and we hope that our story will inspire others to be creative, take risks, innovate, and explore new ways of thinking.”
StoryCorps interviews are conducted between two people who know each other. A trained StoryCorps facilitator guides the participants through the interview process. At the end of each 40-minute recording session, participants receive a complimentary CD copy of their interview. With their permission, a second copy is archived at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.
Founded in 2003 by award-winning documentary producer and MacArthur “Genius” Grant recipient Dave Isay, StoryCorps aims to create a growing portrait of who we are as Americans. By traveling to every corner of the country, StoryCorps currently has one of the largest collections of American voices ever gathered, with interviews collected from more than 60,000 Americans in all 50 states.
“StoryCorps tells the true American story — that we are a people defined by small acts of courage, kindness and heroism. Each interview reminds people that their lives matter and will not be forgotten,” said Isay. “By strengthening connections between people and building an archive that reflects the rich diversity of American voices, we hope to build StoryCorps into an enduring institution that will touch the lives of every American family.”