Genocide Around the World essay contest

In recognition of Holocaust Remembrance Day, April 12th, 2010, the Garland County Library and the Congregation House of Israel are sponsoring an essay contest for all 7th to 12th grade students. The goal of the contest is to raise awareness of the attempted obliteration of peoples simply because of their race, ethnicity, or beliefs.

Participants are to write an essay discussing instances of genocide other than the Holocaust that have occurred or are occurring anywhere in the world. Entries should be double-spaced, containing between 1000-2000 word. The contest will be divided between two age groups: 7th-9th graders and 10th-12th graders. We will award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes in both divisions in the amount of $100, $75, and $50 respectively. Entries must be submitted to the Garland County Library between January 1st and February 28th, 2010. For complete rules, call the library at (501)623-4161 or (501)922-4483 or come by the library at 1427 Malvern Ave.

Japanese Books at the GCL

The Garland County Library has been the recipient of the Nippon Foundation's "100 Books for Understanding Contemporary Japan" donation program.

The library has requested approximately fifty titles from the list, with more to come. These books will give us a better understanding of modern-day Japanese culture through literature. The "100 Books" were selected by ten experts with extensive knowledge of Japan who believe they will give a basic introduction to the culture.


The Nippon Foundation has ensured that this program will evolve and their list will continue to expand.

The Nippon Foundation (日本財団, Nipponzaidan) (Tokyo, Japan) is a private, non-profit grant-making organization. It was established in 1962 by the late statesman and businessman Ryoichi Sasakawa to direct Japanese motorboat racing revenue into philanthropic activities. The Foundation’s overall objectives include global maritime development and assistance for humanitarian work, both at home and abroad. In the humanitarian field, it focuses on such fields as social welfare, public health, and education. - wikipedia.com

Please visit the following link for more information regarding this program:

100 Books

GCL Open House . . . Art and Events

Thanks to all of you who attended our open house to celebrate the grand opening of our new addition on Dec. 6th. For a nice review of the party, see the front page of the Monday Dec. 7 Sentinel Record.



If you missed out on the swinging band, you have another chance to hear some great music at the library. On Sunday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m., the Family & Friends Bluegrass Band will perform. They play a variety of music from acoustic bluegrass to The Beatles, and will be sure to strike up your holiday favorites. No tickets necessary -- just show up for a good time.


Also at the library this month is a traveling exhibit featuring the work of Mexican painter Diego Rivera. Rivera was known as a muralist, so be sure to check out the huge mural-like hanging we have displayed opposite the periodicals. Upcoming exhibits include the works of M.C. Escher, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet and others.

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays from the Garland County Library! The library will be closed the following times and dates for the holidays:

December 23- close early @ 5:30 p.m.
December 24- closed all day
December 25- closed all day
December 26- closed all day
December 27- closed all day
December 31- close early @ 5:30 p.m.
January 1st- closed all day

Also, don't forget that the Garland County Library is holding a community food drive throughout the holiday season. Donations benefit the Jackson House, Potter's Clay, the Humane Society, and the Senior Companions program.