| Give to Libraries | Exhibit Highlighting Black Women Writers to Tour Public Libraries in Georgia
February 18, 2020
CONTACT:
Deborah Hakes, dhakes@georgialibraries.org
Holly Crenshaw, holly.crenshaw@emory.edu
Atlanta…In partnership with the Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library at Emory University, Georgia Public Library Service is touring She Gathers Me: Networks Among Black Women Writers to libraries statewide.
Originally on display at the Rose Library, the exhibit was curated by the Rose’s own Instruction Archivist, Gabrielle M. Dudley. She Gathers Me examines the connections found within intimate correspondences, personal projects, and speaking engagements and furthers our understanding of the interconnectedness of Black women writers beyond their published works. The exhibit features luminaries like Alice Walker, Audre Lorde, Pearl Cleage, Tayari Jones, and others.
“Through the exhibition, viewers will witness the ways that writers seek community with one another that may not always be apparent through published works,” said Dudley. “While close friendships can be seen throughout, viewers will also see how these women respectfully challenged and shaped each other’s ideas and perspectives.”
Dudley drew inspiration for She Gathers Me from similar projects she’d collaborated on in the past as well as the Rose’s ever growing archival holdings related to Black women writers.
“My hope is that this partnership with Georgia Public Library Service will raise awareness about Rose Library and that we see increased use of the Black women writers’ collections by Georgia residents,” she said. “Whether people have a burning research project or general interest in their favorite writer, we welcome them to our reading room.”
The Rose Library was exploring the idea of traveling exhibits when they became aware of the many exhibits that regularly tour public libraries in Georgia, and realized She Gathers Me as the perfect fit.
“I’m delighted that Emory Libraries can partner with Georgia Public Library Service to send this exhibition to other libraries across the state,” said Kathy Dixson, Library Exhibitions Manager with Emory Libraries and Information Technology Services. “We appreciate this wonderful opportunity to share our collections and the stories they represent with the broader community,”
She Gathers Me is a colorful mosaic of six upright banners exploring the insights, experiences and relationships of the featured authors with each panel dedicated to a specific aspect of their community: Collective; Sister Writers; Dialogue; and Remembrance so their works are never lost.
“We are proud to be able to broaden the audience for this important exhibit by sharing it in public libraries across the state, often in communities that don’t have access to a resource like the Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library,” said State Librarian Julie Walker. “We hope that library patrons gain an appreciation for the achievements and challenges faced by these accomplished authors, and that they come away eager to learn more and read their works.”
The partnership and tour launches on Feb. 19 at the Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library in Tucker, and the banners are on display there until March 19. The banners will tour 20 library systems in Georgia through February 2022.
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About the Georgia Public Library Service
The Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) empowers libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians by encouraging reading, literacy and education through the continuing support and improvement of our public libraries. GPLS is a unit of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. georgialibraries.org
About the Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library
The Emory University Libraries Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, & Rare Book Library promotes access and learning, equity and justice by documenting, preserving and making accessible distinctive and diverse collections and records; fostering original research and critical engagement with the past by engaging diverse communities through innovative outreach, programming, and exhibitions. rose.library.emory.edu
