#VOWLibrary

VBW/VOW Library

#VOWLibrary #VOWcheckout #VOWcheckin

In each workshop back when, we'd set aside at least one table for books, CDs, supplies, etc.  The purpose was to try and transform the uninspiring space we had to use for workshop into a learning environment.  When we recorded the poetry or rhymes of an incarcerated youth, having learning stations kept others engaged either in reading, writing, listening, learning about creative technology, building with a visitor, or playing chess until it was their turn on the mic.  The photograph featured above is a shot of what we called the VBW Library.  Participants were able to look through the resources, and if they found something they liked, check them out by signing the book pockets slips the facility library donated to us.  It was cool, cause it kind of made me feel like we were operating a mini-mobile library with a check out process.

Today, our collection of resources pretty much goes wherever I go.  Though we do most recording sessions in public libraries now, the participants I've worked with so far don't have a library card.  One expressed he has no desire to get a library card and another can't get one.  While my main goal is to promote the library as a place to be with resources to check out, I'm still planning to build on our own collection of literature and multimedia to loan to participants.  Especially if the resources we have are not available at the library, which is most often the case especially with multimedia including music CDs and films, and some resources we've created ourselves. 

While I was using the book pockets as a way to keep track of who had checked out what during our workshops in detention centers... on the outside, I've decided to use our program's Twitter.com/vbehindw hashtag #VOWLibrary (Voices Outside the Walls), #VOWcheckout, and #VOWcheckin to keep track.  Peace to Deasy who also started bringing in stuff to lend to me.   The purpose of posting on Twitter is also to promote the authors, text, artist, filmmakers, actors, etc. and to even document some thoughts on what we're using to inform our activities.  I'm also intending for this process to motivate us to keep adding on to the collection and exchange.

From time to time, we'll highlight one of those resources here at the blog.

Peace.

Keywords + Tag = library | literature | books | films | magazines | periodicals | check out | El Paso Public Library | Branigan Library | Zuhl Library | Branson Library | creative expression | Dona Ana County | Voices Outside the Walls | Voices Behind the Walls | Tupac Shakur Legacy | recording  | Juvenile Justice Services | literacy | thought | reading | writing | thinking | development | youth literacy