New Library Documentary Series Stirs Interest

By Allison McLary

 

Here at the Capital Area District Libraries (CADL), staff is always looking for ways to share valuable information with people. These efforts often take the form of reading recommendations, but Jim Oliver, a Reference Librarian at the Downtown Lansing Branch located at 401 S. Capitol Avenue, Lansing, MI, is taking a different approach.

 

“Working in reference means mostly working in nonfiction,” he says. “People really enjoy reading about historical events, politics, biographies, etc.  So I thought it would be a good idea to present those same kinds of topics in film.”

 

That idea has led to a new documentary series debuting in September at CADL Downtown Lansing. Each month, the library will screen a timely, thought-provoking documentary, followed by a brief discussion.

 

“I’ve tried to choose titles that people would find entertaining and interesting,” Oliver says. “I’m hoping to get them thinking and talking about topics they might have missed otherwise.”

 

So far, three films are scheduled to be shown at 2:00 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month in the library’s auditorium:

 

·       September 15, 2012: This 1994 film follows two inner-city high school basketball phenoms as they chase their dreams of playing in the NBA (PG-13).

 

·       October 20, 2012: This showing will be sponsored by The New Citizens Press Community Action Network (TNCP CAN), dedicated to stopping violence in the Greater Lansing area. Made in 2011, the award-winning film tells the moving and surprising stories of three Violence Interrupters who try to protect their Chicago communities from the violence they once used themselves (not rated; some violence and very strong language). Following the film, members of TNCP CAN will lead a discussion.

 

·       November 17, 2012: In 2007, filmmaker Werner Herzog took his camera to Antarctica to tell the stories of the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to furthering the cause of science in treacherous conditions (not rated).

“Everyone is welcome,” according to Oliver. “I’m looking forward to seeing some really good films and then hearing what others think afterward.”

 

In addition to the new documentary series, CADL offers film showings at several branches, including some in Spanish. For a complete list, visit cadl.org/events and type “Movies” in the keyword box.

 

 

The Capital Area District Libraries Marketing Department is located at 401 S. Capitol Avenue in Lansing, MI. Contact them at 517-367-6348. Find information about CADL locations, services and events at cadl.org.