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February Issue 2003
Wild Things are Roaring at Richland County Public Library in Columbia, SC
In 1992, Richland County Public Library (RCPL)
completed an unprecedented program of expansion, growth and renewed
vision. The crowning achievement was the opening of the 242,000-square-foot
Main Library on Assembly Street in downtown Columbia, SC. The
Main Library is reaching its 10th anniversary in February, and
the Richland
County Public Library is celebrating the many milestones of the
library system with a series of special events.
Where the Wild Things Are: Maurice Sendak In His Own Words and Pictures, an interactive exhibit for children of all ages, opens to the public free of charge on Feb. 3 as a part of the library's tenth anniversary celebration.
Maurice Sendak, often called the Picasso of children's books, has written and illustrated more than 100 books. The exhibit explores his past and the reasons it remains an inspiration to him and includes colorful, interactive pieces that allow children and adults to recreate their favorite Sendak stories. Children can slide into a giant bowl of chicken soup from Chicken Soup With Rice, become Max and steer the ship that led him to where the wild things are and even create their own wild thing costume.
Where the Wild Things Are marked a turning point in Sendak's career, representing, in his words, "the end of a long apprenticeship." He felt that all the work he had done to that point was merely preparation for creating this work. Its publication, for which he received the coveted Caldecott Medal in 1964, confirmed his place as an internationally famous children's book author-illustrator.
Sendak's contribution to the world of children's literature has been profound. With his unique ability to capture the joys, fears and insecurities of childhood, he has revolutionized the content of children's books, expanding the limits of what is considered appropriate for young people. Sendak has received numerous awards, including the Hans Christian Andersen International Medal in 1970 (the first American to be so honored), the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award in 1983 and the 1996 National Medal of Arts awarded by President Bill Clinton.
This special Sendak exhibit, which opened in Atlanta before appearing in New York and Los Angeles, will make its only other appearance in the Southeast at RCPL. See the exhibit free of charge during regular library hours from Feb. 3 through May 18, 2003.
Group tours are welcome but must be scheduled in advance. For reservations, call Lorraine Catoe at 803/929-3457.
For further information check our SC Institutional Gallery listings, call 803/799-9084 or at (www.richland.lib.sc.us).
Events planned in conjunction with the exhibition.
Feb. 10 - 14
Mermaid Theatre Performances for Schools
Richland County students can see Eric Carle's The Very Hungry
Caterpillar and The Very Quiet Cricket come to life
onstage. The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, Canada will be in
Columbia to perform its blacklight
puppetry production of Carle's two popular books.
Feb. 15
Eric Carle, Book Signing, Main Library. Watch for more details.
Public Performance, Mermaid Theatre Richland Northeast Theater,
1:30pm. For ticket information, contact the Friends of RCPL at
803/929-3475.
Mar. 1
A Tisket, A Tasket . . . A Literary
Basket, a major Friends' fundraiser,
this silent and live auction brings together nearly 200 people
who share the love of books, libraries, travel,
sports and cultural events. Each year, about 100 baskets containing
books and other treats are auctioned.
Apr. 4 & 5
Friends' Spring Book Sale and Preview.
Preview for Friends' members only: 6:30-8:30pm, Apr. 4. Public
Sale: 9am- 3pm, on Apr. 5.
Apr. 25 - 26
A(ugusta) Baker's Dozen - A Celebration of Stories. This annual
festival brings to life the world of storytelling and children's
literature. This year's featured guest is Vera Williams, the creator
of many distinguished and beloved picture books.
May 18
Final Day of Sendak Exhibit
For more information, contact: Sarah Hays, Public Relations Assistant, Richland County Public Library, 2001 Library of the Year, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201; 803/929-3440; Fax: 803/929-3459; or e-mail at (SHays@richland.lib.sc.us).
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