A preview of upcoming events at the Juneau Public Libraries.  As always, for the most up to date event information, check out our website www.juneau.org/library.  A few important links and phone numbers are included here to help you take advantage of the opportunities made possible by the library and other community partners.

Schedule your interview with the StoryCorps Alaska Initiative by calling: 800-850-4406. Please note this # is different than the one mentioned in the podcast as it is updated, the previously mentioned # was incorrect.

Watch a trailer for the this month’s World of Film feature, The Chorus.

Be sure to check out Alaskan mystery author, John Straley on January 24th at the Downtown Library and check out the audio preview where you’ll find links to some podcasts of Straley’s past lectures/discussions.

And check out StoryTubes, not to be confused with StoryCorps, also happening at the Library in January, info below:

Storytubes (filmed for youtube)

Be the star of your own movie! Share a book by creating an online video review. Ham it up, dress it up, become your favorite character. Make your video two minutes long (or shorter)featuring only one book. Kids and Teens may enter a contest to win prizes. (adults are welcome also, but will not be participating in the online contest.)

You may enter as an individual or as part of a group of two to five people. Enter between January 8 and February 15, 2009. You may enter online directly or through the library at the specified times below.

For more information and to view previous winners visit:storytubes.info

The library will offer video taping at the times & places below. To be filmed you must have parental or guardian permission. More Information: Amelia 586-5303

Downtown Library, Tuesday, Jan 13, 3pm to 4pm

Douglas Library, Wednesday, February 4, 6pm to 8pm

Valley Library, Monday Jan 26, 4pm to 6pm

See you in January at the Juneau Public Libraries.

Listen Now:

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John Straley, Alaska Writer Laureate from 2006-2008, will join us at the Downtown Library, Saturday January 24th at 7pm as part of a 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Downtown Library Facility. Straley will read from and discuss his two latest works, The Big Both Ways (Novel) and the poetry collection, The Rising and the Rain.  A short Q&A and book signing will follow and copies of both books will be available for purchase. For more information call Jonas: 586-0436 or Carol: 586-0434

To get a taste for what’s to come here are a few links to great podcasts available through The University of Alaska Podcasts and the interview show, It’s A Mystery.

What is This Thing Called Voice?

Straley leads a panel discussion at the Kachemak Bay Writer’s Conference in Homer, AK in June 2008.

Gray Area:  Liars, Storytellers and Private Detectives

Recorded on October 17, 2008, at the Alaska Visionaries, Seekers, Leaders and Dreamers conference presented by the Alaska Historical Society and the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Elizabeth Foxwell speaks with John Straley

From the interview program It’s A Mystery, Straley talks about the influence of Theodore Roethke and other aspects of his “Alaska noir” mysteries with PI Cecil Younger. Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the mp3 file.

StoryCorps is a national non-profit oral history project that aims to bring families, friends and neighbors closer together by listening to each other’s stories. StoryCorps will be in Juneau from January 5-30.

The Juneau Public Libraries will be a partner, along with the Alaska Public Radio Network, KTOO, Alaska State Library, Sealaska Heritage Institute and the downtown Juneau Public Library will be one of the three recording sites for the interviews. Interviews will also be recorded at KTOO studios and at the Sealaska Heritage Institute.

A StoryCorps interview is a 40-minute conversation between two people who know each other. StoryCorps staff will be present with you and your partner throughout the interview process to help you have a comfortable and meaningful experience, and to handle all technical aspects of the recording. You will receive a broadcast-quality audio CD, and with your permission, copies will go to the Library of Congress, to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library Oral History Program, The Juneau Public LIbrary and KTOO. Interviews may air on KTOO and also on National Public Radio. Visit www.storycorpsalaska.net to see sample questions, listen to clips and learn more about the StoryCorps Alaska Initiative.

To sign up to do an interview please call 800-850-4406. The Juneau Public Libraries will not handle any of the sign ups. There are a limited number of appointment slots available, so act today! Tell your story. Pass it On.

Set aside some time soon to Listen to Stories, and be sure to check out this Barrow Couple’s love story. To get a feel for how these pieces come together to form a larger national story, listen to a themed Sampler.

Check back in January to hear interviews with StoryCorps participants and staff.