By Lerato Nomvuyo Mzamane
The Anne Carry Durland Memorial Alternatives Library in Anabel Taylor Hall has initiated an Ithaca-area campaign to raise money to buy for books for two West African libraries.
In January of this year, librarian Lynn Andersen attended an international con ference on "ecocities" in Senegal. During her stay she visited libraries in the villages of Ngor and Yoff, where the conference was being held, and spoke with her counterparts there.
"We are kindred spirits," Andersen said of the librarians, whose village "bibliotheques" are similar to public libraries in the United States. "Their's were small libraries, similar in size to Alternatives (200 weekly users). I had an appreciation for their uniqueness," she said.
The Durland Alternatives Library, a project of Cornell's Center for Religion, Ethics and Social Policy, has a history of community service and has worked with Cornell organizations to support international endeavors, Andersen said. "We focus on non-mainstream issues. We want to find grassroots solutions to problems."
Upon her return from the conference, Andersen initiated the "1000 People Cam paign," an effort to raise money in the greater Ithaca area to purchase books for the rural libraries in Ngor and Yoff, with which the Alternatives Library has formed a partnership. The project will make the Ithaca library the first in the United States to participate in the UNESCO Network of Associated Libraries, a United Na tions initiative. Andersen would like to return to Senegal in May with her cam paign goal of at least $10,000, which she hopes to achieve by having at least 1,000 people in the Ithaca-area donate $10 each.
"This project is about community," Andersen said. "I am looking for 1,000 people right here."
Some of the books destined for the small libraries may be bought here, but Andersen said she's determined that most of the books be purchased in West Af rica, to support Senegalese bookstores. Another important factor is the abun dance of African literature, written by African writers, that can be purchased there in French, the common written and spoken language in Senegal. The librar ies' present collections are totally dependent on donated books, many of which are out-of-date textbooks carrying European and colonial perspectives, she said.
Andersen's next visit also will include some volunteer work in the rural libraries, including channeling any extra money toward current programming, such as a learn ing and cultural project for schoolchildren during weekends and holidays.
Some members of the Cornell and Ithaca community already have joined to support the campaign, Andersen said.
"I especially appreciate the broad membership drive," said David Shapiro, an Ithaca College professor. "I very much like this project, the goals and method of operation."
Tom Weissinger, librarian at Cornell's John Henrik Clarke Africana Library, also is supportive of the campaign. He recently was in Nigeria as a technical library consultant, and later this year he plans to work with the Washington D.C. -based TransAfrica Forum for the same purpose. "It seems like the kind of project Ithacans might support," Weissinger said of the campaign.
To donate to the 1000 People Campaign, send checks payable to the Alter natives Library -- noting on the check that is for the "1000 PC" -- to: The Durland Alternatives Library, 127 Anabel Taylor Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853. Donations also can be brought to the library. For more infor mation, call 255-6486.