Community Reads: Kent Nerburn at Lake City Public Library
Four local libraries brought award-winning author Kent Nerburn to Minnesota to discuss his spiritual journey and the influence of Native American culture on his writing. We targeted entire communities through a variety of advertising efforts in print and electronic media. The Lake City Public library held one event on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, in the evening. In addition, we held a stone carving event in February and we provided lists of books and movies on Native American culture available through SELCO.
39 participated
I was hoping to bring in people who hadn't attended some of our other adult programs as well as increase awareness of Native American culture. Based on last evening's discussion as well as survey feedback, I feel we accomplished our goals. There were several faces I did not recognize and many indicated they were impressed with the author's research into Native American treatment (past and present). We administered a survey to each of the attendees.
Increase awareness of Native American culture:
Many attendees commented in the discussion about how they were unaware of the Native American boarding schools in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Many attendees commented that they were not previously aware of psychiatric institutions like the Indian Asylum in South Dakota where experiments were conducted.
Many attendees commented in the discussion that they were not aware that many Native American children were forced to give up their language and customs, which prevented them from exploring and living their culture.
Many attendees expressed concern that some of these things continue today.
39 people attended the event and 29 people completed the event survey
Because three other libraries were also hosting this author within a 2-day period, we were very happy with this attendance number.
Quality:
Rated 5: 21 attendees
Rated 4: 8 attendees
Positive experience:
Rated 5: 21 attendees
Rated 4: 5 attendees
Rated 3: 3 attendees
Enhanced knowledge:
Rated 5: 21 attendees
Rated 4: 8 attendees
Rated 2: 1 attendee
Library as place to experience culture/art:
Rated 5: 24 attendees
Rated 4: 4 attendees
Rated 3: 1 attendee
Additional comments:
liked how author shared personal experiences/journey
felt author was sincere, knowledgeable, sensitive to NA culture
they liked how we use our space to bring in authors
would like to see us bring in more authors
would like to see us bring in more programs like this one
SELCO, Lake City Public Library, Friends of the Lake City Public Library, Plainview Public Library, Pine Island Public Library, Wabasha Public Library