America's Most Historic Videos

• If you are between the ages of 14 and 24, want to have some fun using a DVD camcorder, and have any interest in life in America, please contact me at bdcrouse@fclspa.org, subject American Album.




• If you are 50 or older and have a favorite story to tell from your childhood or young adult years, WE WANT YOU!

"An American Album" is a federally-funded project, under my leadership to share American stories in two ways:

1. 100 book discussion totebags containing 10 copies of a book about American life, a discussion guide, and either an audiorecording or videorecording of the book, or a magnifying glass to be used by groups in Franklin and Fulton Counties for book discussions




2. a collection of DVD recordings of personal "oral" history accounts from people right here in Franklin and Fulton Counties.

Later this spring we will be holding a contest for the young people who record and edit these videos, 1st place will receive $50!

College Intern Needed

I need one additional English or American Studies major to intern at Franklin County Library System in the coming fall or spring 2009 semesters. The intern would be working with me on book discussion guides for the "American Album" program, creating book discussion totes on American themes for groups of senior citizens, teens and adults. The intern might develop the discussion questions, lead discussions, assist teens in interviewing and recording senior citizens, and in editing videos clips for addition to the library collection.

If you or someone you know might be interested, please contact me at bdcrouse@fclspa.org.

Thank you.

Federal Grant Approved for New Project!

"An American Album", a new book discussion and local history project is coming to Franklin and Fulton County public libraries. The project, designed by me, was approved for $10,500 in funding under the Library Techology & Services Act from the Institute for Museum and Library Services, for implementation later this year.

American Album is a two-phase project: (1) creating discussion kits of paperback books and study guides on the theme of American History for local groups, then (2) stimulating local senior citizens and teens to work together to digitally videorecord oral history to DVD for local library collections.

During creation and implementation of "Blast From the Past", an American History public library program targeting the families of elementary students, we discovered the plethora of personal memories that came from grandparents attending the programs, their personal stories of World War II, the Great Depression, and much more. Sadly these stories are being lost, as grandparents and great-grandparents forget or pass away.

Phase one of the project will stimulate book discussion groups to ponder their own American History. Phase two will bring teenage techies together with other generations to learn about their heritage, while creating a permanent record of it.

If anyone out there is or knows any teenagers, senior citizens, or adults who may be interested in helping with this project later in 2008 and early 2009, please contact me.