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Friday, July 23, 2004

The September Project

From Seattle, a great idea-- brought to you by David Silver (and co-director Sarah Washburn):  free, public discussions about democracy, all to be held in the nation’s public libraries on September 11 (which, this year, falls on a Saturday).  Libraries across the country are planning performances, exhibits and forums on the state of the nation, and voter registration will accompany all events.

The Seattle Times ran an article on the September Project early last week:

In the midst of the war on terrorism, and in the heat of a presidential campaign, The September Project has a simple goal: Start a national conversation about democracy, citizenship and patriotism. Libraries by the dozen are signing on, from a juvenile hall in California to a private school in Alabama, a countywide library system in Minnesota to a university in Texas.

“People are so eager to talk to someone, anyone, to figure out what’s going on,” said Marsha Iverson of the King County Library System. “And there’s more need than ever for developing understanding and finding solutions, no matter what your political persuasion.”

As the guardians of one of the last public places in America, librarians say they feel a duty to jump-start that discussion.

And as bloggers, stewards of one of the most curious virtual-public places in America, we have a duty to lend a hand to the libraries.  So spread the word, talk to a local librarian, put up a notice on your blog or on your street (unless, of course, your street is privately owned and its owner does not permit the posting of notices of discussions about democracy).  And check out The September Project website to learn more.

Thanks to David Silver for letting me know about this-- and, of course, for coming up with the idea in the first place.

Posted by Michael on 07/23 at 02:17 AM
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