September 01, 2009

Sale of Poundstone’s book will benefit library

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- An evening with Emmy Award-winning Paula Poundstone at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is more than just a chance to cut loose and laugh a lot. It’s a chance to help the University’s Morris Library.

Poundstone, one of Comedy Central’s 100 greatest comedians of all time, will be at Shryock Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4. To purchase tickets, call 618/453-6000 or log on to www.SouthernLightsEntertainment.com

Poundstone is also the 2009 national spokesperson for the Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations (ALTAFF), and in that capacity, her visit will benefit the Friends of Morris Library. ALTAFF is a national network of people emphasizing the importance of libraries as social and intellectual focal points for communities and universities. Poundstone is partnering with local promoters and the library organizations as she tours. That includes the Friends of Morris Library.

The Friends of Morris Library’s ALTAFF supporters will sell copies of Poundstone’s book when she appears at Shryock, and the organization will get 100 percent of the proceeds. The Friends will also participate in other fundraising activities in conjunction with the show.

“It’s funny that we think of libraries as quiet, demure places where we are shushed by dusty, bun-balancing, bespectacled women. The truth is libraries are raucous clubhouses for free speech, controversy and community. Librarians have stood up to the Patriot Act, sat down with noisy toddlers and reached out to illiterate adults. Libraries can never be shushed. If you haven’t been to your local library lately, you’re over-due,” Poundstone said.

Poundstone will also participate in a book signing after her show Friday. Tickets for her performance start at $20 and with the promo code “PPBG22” you can purchase two tickets for the price of one (other than gold circle seating). Poundstone is appearing Thursday night at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center as well, with ticket prices starting at $25.

The Friends of Morris Library are in the midst of a number of projects to benefit the library, University and community. They’re working with library faculty and staff to raise funds for a new outdoor patio for the southeast side of the library. Plans call for installation completion by fall 2010 and it will be available for library events and public use. The estimated cost is about $130,000.

The Friends of Morris Library are bringing back the popular Honest Abe Book Sale later this month. The continuous sale features donated materials for a suggested contribution of 50 cents per paperback or $1 for hardcover books, CDs and DVDs. The event, likely beginning Sept. 21, is on the first floor of Morris Library near the Borglum bust of Abraham Lincoln. New materials join the sale monthly.

New members are always welcome at the Friends of Morris Library. Membership benefits include a subscription to “CornerStone,” the library’s quarterly newsletter, invitations to the Friends of Morris Library Annual Gala Dinner and other special events including exhibit openings, lectures and a preview of the annual book sale. There are also opportunities to volunteer your services. Extended benefits come with additional membership levels. For more information, contact Kristine McGuire at 618/453-1633 or via e-mail at kmcguire@lib.siu.edu. Or, check their Web site at www.lib.siu.edu/departments/development/friendsofmorrislibrary.