Tiffany Duck and Dorothy Hargett: 2018 Joint Conference of Librarians of Color Travel Grant Winners

This year, VLA offered two Travel Grants (at $1400) apiece for two Virginians to attend the Joint Conference of Librarians of Color in Albuquerque, New Mexico, September 26-30. We would like to congratulate Tiffany Duck and Dorothy Hargett and wish them a fantastic experience at JCLC!

TIFFANY DUCK

Tiffany Duck is a native of the Tidewater area and has worked in various positions within public, community college, and academic libraries for over 8 years. She spent most of her professional career working at the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library as a Regional Circulation Manager and as a Branch Manager. There, she launched the “Reading is Grand! Celebrating Grand-Families @ Your Library” program, an intergenerational program that facilitates bonding between grandparents and grandchildren.  Today, Tiffany proudly serves as the Manager of Library Locations at the Suffolk Public Library, providing  leadership and oversight to the front-line operations of Suffolk's branches.

Tiffany is active professionally, serving as the Chair of the eBook Awards Committee (the first of its kind) for the Black Caucus of the American Library Association and as Co-chair of the Literary Awards Committee. In addition to being active in ALA, she serves on the VLA Intellectual Freedom Committee.

Earning her M.L.I.S from San Jose State University in 2013, Tiffany's areas of interest include community engagement, customer service and access, library advocacy, and intellectual freedom.

In August 2017, Tiffany won the prestigious Dr. John C. Tyson Leadership Award, named after the first African-American State Librarian of Virginia.

"I am thrilled to have won the JCLC travel grant from the Virginia Library Association. This conference experience is invaluable because of the way that all the ethnic caucuses are coming together to learn and discuss methods to further embrace our communities. I plan to take full advantage of this opportunity and share all the valuable resources and discussions with my Executive Team and Suffolk Pubic Library family after the conference."

Dorothy Hargett

Dorothy Hargett is an Assistant Librarian and Head of Access Services, at Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. As the Head of Access Services she is responsible for providing leadership and overseeing all aspects of the management and functions of the Circulation and Interlibrary Loan departments.

Dorothy has served on many local and national library planning committees and deemed an expert in the field of Access Services.  She has received commendations for her work as a literacy tutor and mentor for elementary students from Title I Schools in Hampton Roads.

Ms. Hargett’s passion for customer service and effective leadership in the workplace has provided many opportunities to present at various venues on these topics. She obtained a Masters of Library Information Science from the University of Tennessee, and a Master of Arts degree in Human Services Counseling from Regent University.

"I am very excited and honored to attend the 2018 Joint Conference of Librarians of Color.  I am filled with enthusiasm to be present at a conference with a goal to share programs and agendas that will focus on diverse communities. I am always looking for innovative ways to serve, encourage and inspire library patrons, no matter age, color or nationality.  My expectations in attending this conference are to interact and learn from librarians from different parts of the world.  I am eager to gain knowledge about new programs and creative ideas that I can share with my colleagues in order to effectively serve an increasingly diverse community.  I believe that every patron who walks through the doors of the library should feel welcome."

Letter from VLA President Todd Elliott: June 2018

Greetings VLA Colleagues!

With June underway, many of you are imagining vacations and “staycations” that might include a visit to a beach or hiking a trail. Me? I’m not working on my tan, so I tend to spend more time in nice, cool movie theaters! Meanwhile, your friends in public libraries across the Commonwealth are geared up for Summer Reading Programs (SRP), ready to combat the dreaded “summer slide” for our children. Portsmouth is ready and I hope that all of the other PLs are, too!

A big “thank you” to the VLA Professional Associates Forum for a job well done in bringing “Other Duties as Assigned” to Newport News Marriott at City Center! Keynote speaker Mauricio Velasquez gave a presentation, “Toxic Employees – Toxic Workplaces,” that was so engaging. Everyone that I spoke with enjoyed the networking opportunities as well as learning new things to take back to their workplaces. It was especially memorable for me because I won the birdfeeder basket in the scholarship raffle, which was donated to a local community garden.

Summer also heralds upcoming elections for Virginia Library Association. Elections are held for Vice-President/President-Elect and Secretary, and will be held online between July and August -- watch your email for ballot details! Each officer serves as a member of the Executive Committee and VLA Council. Please refer to the Association Manual and By-Laws for detailed information and responsibilities located – where else? -  on the website.

Speaking of the annual conference, get ready for Virginia Library Association Revolution, the 2018 Annual Conference. The event will be held at Williamsburg Lodge in Colonial Williamsburg September 26-28. Your colleagues on the Conference Committee have worked hard to make your experience meaningful through a revolutionary selection of workshops, concurrent sessions, speakers, presentations, and special events that allow you to take charge of your professional path.

When the weather turns hot, I am reminded of the time that my oldest son, Daryll, went on a school field trip to Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter, SC, that my wife and I chaperoned. After numerous warnings about staying away from the water, guess who was the only student who fell in the lake that day? Messed up isn’t it? He’s 32 now, so he survived but I don’t think that his parents’ reputations did that year. Take your eyes off a child one second… a cautionary tale to remind our youth staff to look sharp and enjoy SRP!

Finally, as in any season, be sure to do something fun just for you. Enjoy but be careful, y’all! Thanks, as always, for supporting VLA! Feel free to give me a shout at [email protected].

Cheers,
Todd

2018 Virginia Libraries Journal: Call for Submissions

Virginia Libraries is seeking articles for its 2018 annual issue, and the Editorial Board is excited to see submissions exploring projects, programs, trends, issues, research studies, and initiatives, that you are leading!

Articles in the 2018 annual issue will be published on an item-by-item basis, as received, through December 2018. Submit for publication at any time. The deadline for submissions to be published by the December 2018 end of volume is September 30, 2018.

Virginia Libraries, VLA’s open access journal, has recently changed to an annual frequency. Volume 62, 2017 articles are available in HTML online with a full volume all-in-one PDF format in process. Submissions for 2018 are already in process and will begin publication in the next few weeks. Virginia Libraries features peer reviewed and non-peer reviewed content of interest to all types of libraries (academic, public, corporate, school, and special), with a particular focus on content of interest to and deriving from the library community in Virginia. The journal’s goal is to further research in all areas of library and information services, communicate best practices, and explore trends and issues of interest to the library profession.

Queries are welcome! Do you have a topic you’re considering, or are you wondering about which article type best fits your writing interest? For questions or more information, contact the Editorial Board at: [email protected].

Who can submit? Submissions are welcomed from all types of libraries and library staff as well as graduate students. Part of the journal’s mission is to introduce new Virginia voices to the library literature and provide an encouraging environment for new authors from all types of libraries. Journal editors will work closely with prospective authors in the development of submissions and articles.

Submission criteria: The journal is considering submissions for:

• Research articles
• peer reviewed; report on research studies, scholarly research and analysis, or literature reviews
• Best Practice articles
• peer reviewed; describe innovative initiatives and effective practices
• Case Studies
• examine a narrowly focused scenario in an applied context and with a training or educational purpose; no peer review
• Essays / Commentary
• discuss a topic or issue of interest related to libraries; more room for subjectivity and expression of a position; no peer review
• Themed Columns - a 2018 topic is: Civic Engagement and Participation
• Librarians from James Madison University are building on a statewide survey they conducted last year and writing a column that includes brief case studies on the topic of public, school, special, and/or academic libraries supporting your community’s participation in civic life. Has your library hosted dialogues on topics of importance to your city? Promoted voter registration? Organized a book display about current issues relevant to civic life? Hosted a forum with politicians or candidates? They would love to hear about these types of activities and more! If you want your library’s civic engagement program to be highlighted, please share some information in this brief online form -- http://jmu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aXBhlIR9At6Oq6p --  by Friday, June 1, 2018.

For further information see the journal website: https://virginialibrariesjournal.org/, or contact the Editorial Board at: [email protected].

VLA Graphic Novel Diversity Award Winners for 2017 Announced

With 31 titles from 17 publishers in the Youth Division and 38 titles from 21 publishers in the Adult Division, there were so many incredible books which made the selection of a winner difficult. We wish we could recognize every entry if it were at all possible.

Winner

Adult Category

Soviet Daughter: A Graphic Revolution by Julia Alekseyeva, illustrated by Julia Alekseyeva. Microcosm Publishing.

In Soviet Daughter, author and illustrator Julia Alekseyeva retells the life story of her great-grandmother Lola, a Ukrainian Jew and witness to the Bolshevik revolution, Stalin’s reign, and the Holocaust. A strong willed and remarkable character, Lola survives these hardships of war, fear, and poverty with fierce independence and wit. Through interludes between historical chapters, the author explores her loving relationship with her great-grandmother and draws comparisons between the challenges faced by her ancestors and those of the present day. A stunning work of oral history and an artistic triumph worthy of being shelved next to such graphic memoirs as Maus, Fun Home, and Persepolis, Soviet Daughter will introduce readers to a pair of truly iconoclastic Jewish women.

Youth Category

Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani, illustrated by Nidhi Chanani. First Second, Imprint of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group.

Our young protagonist, Priyanka, finds herself trapped between two worlds: that of the America she lives in and that of the India her mother left behind. Pri is bursting with questions about everything from her father, to her heritage, to her mother’s past; however, her mother refuses to speak about these topics and more. As Pri struggles with her mother’s silence and her own acrimony, she discovers a pashmina that, when worn, allows Pri to travel to the India she has always dreamed of knowing. Simple cartoon-style illustrations in black-and-white fill the book, but when Pri dons her pashmina the pages become filled with bright colors, differentiating the new setting in which the shawl enables her to step from drab, colorless reality. This book strikes the perfect balance between being fun and entertaining while also being culturally meaningful. This is a must-have for any juvenile graphic novel collection.

Honor Books

Strong contenders and Champions all

Adult Category

Alters, Volume 1: The Story of Chalice by Paul Jenkins, illustrated by Leila Leiz. Aftershock Comics.

Superheroes and the LGBTQ community collide to tell an amazingly diverse and attention-grabbing story. Alters Volume 1: The Story of Chalice has an enticing plot that perfectly portrays the main character's many dichotomies, including her connection to the LGBTQ community. The character's feelings, struggles, reservations, and triumphs are depicted accurately and honestly. The traditional comic book style artwork is absolutely beautiful with vibrant and colorful illustrations. All features unite to create a graphic novel you will not want to put down and have you clamoring for more volumes.

Ladycastle by Delilah S. Dawson, illustrated by Becca Farrow and Ashley A. Woods. BOOM! Studios.

Ladycastle brings modern feminism to a medieval time, making for a clever and rousing graphic novel. It is funny and stimulating, breaking away from traditional strategies of war and politics. The dialogue between the characters is witty and thought-provoking, while the narrative provides comical relief with pop culture references. Artwork is crisp and clean. All aspects combine to create a splendid and entertaining read.

Lissa: A Story about Medical Promise, Friendship, and Revolution by Sherine Hamdy and Coleman Nye, illustrated by Sarula Bao and Caroline Brewer. University of Toronto Press.

A deeply thoughtful and powerful graphic ethnography, Lissa will capture your attention and submerge you into the story of two young women in the heart of the Egyptian Revolution. Both struggle with their lifelong relationship and the impacts of privilege as they weather decisions of life-saving medical interventions and their place in religious, social, and political beliefs and expectations. The simple art supports the pace and emotion of the novel and the narrative embraces the true telling of their experiences in a transformative and compelling way

My Brother’s Husband, Volume 1 by Gengoroh Tagame, translated from the Japanese by Anne Ishii, illustrated by Gengoroh Tagame. Pantheons.

My Brother’s Husband is wonderfully original and sends a truly diverse message of understanding, acceptance, and everything else in between. It is a truthful depiction of one’s thought process when dealing with diverse situations, including cultural biases and others’ influence on your own thoughts and behavior. The manga style artwork is amazing, depicting different genders, ages, and nationalities accurately and strikingly. The plot is engaging and tackles the topic from a variety of viewpoints. This novel can be used as a tool to initiate an open and honest conversation between parent and child regarding the LGBTQ community.

 My Lesbian Experience with Lonelinessby Nagata Kabi, illustrated by Nagata Kabi. Seven Seas Entertainment.

You could be fooled by the subtle pink shades into thinking Kabi Nagata’s My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness is a “girly,” confessional type of true life manga.  Instead, she draws you in with a realistic, in-depth portrayal of her struggles with anxiety and depression. Follow her personal and heartfelt journey from wounded, isolated child to suffering, but healing, adult. You will empathize with her attempts to cope through her powerfully honest words and her engaging, emotive artwork.

Youth Category

Afar by Leila Del Duca, illustrated by Kit Seaton. Image Comics.

The world depicted in Afar showcases the duality of science-fiction fantasy at its best: it is familiar and unfamiliar, ancient and futuristic, earthly and supernatural. The main characters, siblings Boetema and Inotu, are also multifaceted. Having been left alone for several months by their parents, the teens end up on the run from a cyborg bodyguard. They flee their home and encounter danger and adventure on their journey across a vast desert. Boetema and Inotu are strong and emotional characters, and they must learn to depend on themselves and on each other. Meanwhile, Boetema struggles with a new-found ability to astral project into other universes, leading to encounters with bizarre creatures in her dreams.

The human cast of Afar is made up entirely of people of color, and the work visually incorporates elements of African, Middle Eastern, and Asian histories and cultures. Graphic novel collections are in need of more diverse fantasy entries, and Afar is an excellent choice and addition. It's relatable, enjoyable, magical, strange, and sure to intrigue teen readers from all backgrounds. 

Finding Molly: An Adventure in Catsitting by Justine Prado, illustrated by Jenn St-Onge. Emet Comics.

Finding Molly: An Adventure in Catsitting is a fun take on the life of a biracial young woman in her early 20s. Molly, the daughter of immigrants, draws upon her cultural heritage and love of Frida Kahlo to inspire her art. After finishing art school, she finds herself adrift in life with no direction.  She’s stuck in her parents' home in the suburbs, butting heads as they talk about the “old country,” and how she should get married and give them grandchildren. In a desperate attempt to find herself, Molly starts a webcomic about her adventures as a freelance catsitter. As Molly’s art gains traction, she is able to move closer to her friends in Los Angeles, where she discovers how complicated being an adult can be. Finding Molly highlights cultural diversity, and the divide that can come between the children of immigrants and their parents. The art of Finding Molly is cartoony and full of bold lines, vibrant colors, and cute cats. This title is recommended for teens who are in the process of finding their own inspiration to create. 

Where’s Halmoni? by Julie Kim, illustrated by Julie Kim. Little Bigfoot, imprint of Sasquatch Books.

Two young siblings search for their halmoni (grandmother in Korean) in Where’s Halmoni?, an adorable story influenced by traditional Korean folktales.  A seamless merging of two cultures, Korean-American Noona and Joon encounter classic Korean characters on their magical journey navigating a beautifully depicted countryside. Working together, and with the help of Joon’s unending supply of snacks, the two outwit the rabbit, the goblins, the tiger, and the wily fox on their way to find Halmoni. Noona and Joon speak English, but the dialogue of the animals and goblins is shown in Korean, (translations are provided in the back), allowing for an immersive bilingual experience for readers.

Overfloweth

There are some titles that deserve to be recognized so the committee has selected 5 titles for the overfloweth list. These books deserve to find readers and this is our way to get the word out.

Adult Category

Beirut won’t Cry by Mazen Kerbaj, illustrated by Mazen Kerbaj. Fantagraphics Books.

Mazen Kerbaj’s Beirut Won’t Cry grabs you with its chaotic, atmospheric art immediately, reflecting a traumatic time of uncertainty (the 2006 Lebanon War). Kerbaj’s powerful words and drawings speak for the living and the dead, so that both are never silenced. The kinetic, dark tones of the artwork ebb and flow with the emotions experienced by Kerbaj,  ranging from bleak despair and anger to the promise of a hopeful future and an ultimately satisfying resolution.

Generation Zero, Volume 1: We Are the Future by Fred Van Lente, illustrated by Francis Portela, Derek Charm, Diego Bernard. Valiant Entertainment.

Generation Zero was taken from their families and trained to become an experimental strike force. After escaping their handlers, this team of super-powered youth now seek the justice they never received by helping others. The title opens on Keisha, a normal high school student who seeks the help of Generation Zero because she believes something is very wrong in her hometown following the mysterious death of her boyfriend. With art and a palette that situates this debut series firmly in the superhero genre, Generation Zero, Volume 1: We are the Future balances an action-packed storyline with diverse characters that can appeal to a wide variety of readers. Unique among traditional superhero graphic novels is a realistic and honest depiction of an autistic character.

Generations by Flavia Biondi, illustrated by Flavia Biondi. Lion Forge.

In Generations, author Flavia Biondi uses straightforward and relatable illustrations to tackle the story of inter-generational relationships and changing social norms. Mateo, gay and facing the failure of his relationship, returns home for the first time in three years. In an effort to avoid seeing his conservative father, he moves in with his grandmother and aunts who have their own ideas about how he should live his life. Generations is a realistic and touching story that gives the reader an opportunity to peer into the heart of a post coming-of-age world that extends past a person and a moment and into the lives of everyone in the family.

(H)afrocentric, Volumes 1-4 by Juliana “Jewels” Smith, illustrated by Ronald Nelson. PM Press.

Part magical realism, part polemic, (H)afrocentric introduces us to a multi-racial crew of college students as they fight gentrification in Oakland, California, with block parties and cultural references. Funny and hip, (H)afrocentric features an irreverent and gutsy heroine the next generation of activists will love to root for.