Family History Workshop and "The Big Read" discussion set for St. Thomas

March 24, 2009: Community Events @ Baa continue with a Virgin Islands History Month Family History Workshop and the second and final discussion surrounding "The Big Read", an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, A Wizard of Earthsea. Both events take place at the Enid M. Baa Public Library on Saturday March 28, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00-6:00 pm, respectively. First, for Virgin Islands History month, the Library will offer a family history workshop designed for both novices and intermediate researchers. From 9:00 am to 12:00pm, the presenter Mr. Leayle Robinson, Vice President of the Caribbean Genealogy Library, will give a general overview of family history research, identify resources, explain how to get

started and share best practices.

This event is supported by Department of Planning and Natural Resources / Division of Libraries, The Friends of the St. Thomas Public Libraries and First Bank of the Virgin Islands.

Then, that same afternoon, the A Wizard of Earthsea discussion will be led by Mr. Delvin Fleming, Police Officer, School Security Bureau; Ms. Bonita Roy, Therapist, Family Resource Center, Inc.; and Mrs. Janet Turnbull-Krigger, Administrator, Children, and Family Services.

Ged, the main character in A Wizard of Earthsea, makes decisions based on arrogance, hate and impatience. The Discussion Leaders will draw references to Ged's choice and show similarities between some of the young adult decisions being made in the Virgin Islands. Big Read materials will be made available at each discussion.

Library Associate Annice Canton encourages all to take part: "This family history workshop is intended to instruct community members in genealogy research and to foster an appreciation for family ancestry. And, our "Big Read" discussion is targeting young adults and readers, even if they have not read Earthsea. I hope that you and young adults that you know will be able to attend both activities."

For more information contact Annice Canton at 774-0630.

*Caribbean Genealogy Library: www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~vicgl

*A Wizard of Earthsea discussion flyer

*The Big Read online: neabigread.org