Internet Librarian 2009 – Meredith Hammons

Day 2:
I tried to vary it up a little more today. The first session I attended was the keynote presentation, in which Erik Boekesteijn interviewed Paul Holdengraber, the Director of Public Programs for the New York Public Library.
This presentation was very exciting and engaging. Paul is the founder, curator and voice of “Live from the NYPL.” He states his purpose as “oxygenating” the library, to challenge people and encourage thought. Some of his more innovative programs include a debate between the Rev. Al Sharpton and Christopher Hitchens, author of “God is Not Great.” Paul calls these debates “cognitive theater” since they draw people in and create thought. He talked about wanting to make the private experience of reading into a public experience.
His advice to people doing library programming is to get to know your audience and give them something that surprises them. He discussed how he did not particularly like seeing gaming at libraries, due to the fact that he wanted to see libraries give people what they cannot get elsewhere.
I found his talk fascinating and would have enjoyed hearing more about the programs he has done and strategies for encouraging participation.
Now I am sitting here, trying to figure out who in the local area of San Mateo County would make for an exciting debate.