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- American Sanctuaries
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- New Letters on the Air
The American Library Association designates September as library card sign-up month for students, so we've created this audio anthology of poets, novelists, and memoirists, who talk about how they found inspiration and refuge in the libraries of their youth. Judith Ortiz Cofer, Junot Diaz, Esmeralda Santiago, E.L. Doctorow, Anne Lamott and others tell stories about the importance of libraries to their development as writers and to our culture as a whole.
Also in the New Letters on the Air series
American Book Award-winning Navajo poet Sherwin Bitsui
(00:29:01)
From: New Letters on the Air
Sherwin Bitsui reads from FLOOD SONG, his poetry collection that won the 2010 American Book Award and the PEN Open Book Award. Raised in a border town on the Fort Defiance ...
Man Booker Prize-winning author Anne Enright
(00:29:01)
From: New Letters on the Air
At the Kansas City Public Library, Irish author Anne Enright discusses her dark but humorous approach to writing about love, desire, death and family, and explains how having ...
American Book Award-winner Luis Alberto Urrea
(00:29:01)
From: New Letters on the Air
Known for his book THE DEVIL'S HIGHWAY, a Pulitzer Prize finalist for nonfiction, and his American Book Award-winning memoir, NOBODY'S SON, Luis Alberto Urrea is also the ...
Missouri Poets of the Midwest Poets Series
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From: New Letters on the Air
Discover the poetic variety of Missouri in this National Poetry Month special featuring readings from the Midwest Poets Series by three very different Missouri poets: Walter ...
Renowned poet, playwright, and activist Sonia Sanchez
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From: New Letters on the Air
One of the most important writers of the Black Arts Movement, Sonia Sanchez, reads from her 2010 books, a collection of poetry called MORNING HAIKU, and I'M BLACK WHEN I'M ...
Women Writers and Community
(00:29:01)
From: New Letters on the Air
In this special anthology, we explore how women writers foster community across boundaries. Novelist Lisa See shares stories about Chinese women writers of the 19th century; ...
Novelist Debra Brenegan
(00:29:01)
From: New Letters on the Air
Debra Brenegan's debut novel, SHAME THE DEVIL, explores the fascinating true story of Sara Payson Willis, who wrote under the pseudonym "Fanny Fern" during the 1800s. ...
Poet Jeanne Marie Beaumont
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From: New Letters on the Air
Poet Jeanne Marie Beaumont's books include CURIOUS CONDUCT and PLACEBO EFFECTS, and her 2010 collection, BURNING OF THE THREE FIRES. She assembles everyday objects, fairy ...
Poet and aphorist James Richardson
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From: New Letters on the Air
Poet James Richardson has called himself an "accidental aphorist," but his well-crafted works are no accident. He reads from his 2010 book, BY THE NUMBERS: POEMS AND ...
Alaska's State Writer Laureate, 2010-2012, Peggy Shumaker
(00:29:00)
From: New Letters on the Air
Peggy Shumaker, Alaska's State Writer Laureate, 2010-2012, is adept at capturing the beauty of landscapes, both internal and external. She reads from her poetry collection ...
Related Pieces
Piece Description
The American Library Association designates September as library card sign-up month for students, so we've created this audio anthology of poets, novelists, and memoirists, who talk about how they found inspiration and refuge in the libraries of their youth. Judith Ortiz Cofer, Junot Diaz, Esmeralda Santiago, E.L. Doctorow, Anne Lamott and others tell stories about the importance of libraries to their development as writers and to our culture as a whole.
Broadcast History
This program originally uplinked to PRSS' Content Depot on September 9, 2011 for delivery to member stations.
Timing and Cues
PROMO: Next time on New Letters on the Air... What is beautiful about a world of books? We look at this question with Junot Diaz, Esmeralda Santiago, E. L. Doctorow, Anne Lamott and other American authors as they reflect on their experiences with and around libraries. "American Sanctuaries," on the next New Letters on the Air...
UPLINK DATE: 09/09/2011
PROGRAM LENGTH: 29:00 minutes
INCUE: (music) "We often take our public libraries for granted..."
OUTCUE: "...(music) for listening to NEW LETTERS ON THE AIR. I'm Angela Elam."
Musical Works
| Title | Artist | Album | Label | Year | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Come Together | Studio Cutz | Solo Piano Magic. | Studio Cutz Music Library | 2011 | 00:00 |
| Backed Vibes | Kevin MacLeod | Royalty Free Production Music. | incompetech.com | 2011 | 00:00 |
| Bright Wish | Kevin MacLeod | Royalty Free Production Music. | incompetech.com | 2011 | 00:00 |
| Frost Waltz | Kevin MacLeod | Royalty Free Production Music. | incompetech.com | 2011 | 00:00 |
| Modern Jazz Samba | Kevin MacLeod | Royalty Free Production Music. | incompetech.com | 2011 | 00:00 |
Additional Credits
New Letters on the Air is a production of the quarterly literary magazine, New Letters, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Partial financial support comes from the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
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