The new school year has begun and the IRC is ready to serve the new class of Sophmores and the returning Juniors and Seniors at IMSA. As part of Welcome Week, tours of the IRC were conducted by IRC staff members to introduce new students to the wonders of the IRC.

Connie James-Jenkin, the IRC Collection Development and Reference Librarian, set up a table to welcome IMSA students, which is stocked with books that can be checked out. There are also plenty of fiction and non-fiction books in the library stacks. If anyone needs help or a suggestion, please ask any of the IRC staff for help finding a book, magazine, movie or music CD.

On Tuesday, August 18, 2015, groups of Sophmores toured the IRC and were introduced to staff members. The students learned what’s available in the library collection, the different hardware available for use such as computers and printer/copiers, the hours the library is open and the services provided by the IRC staff. Students were encouraged to approach IRC staff members with any questions.

Jean Bigger, Technical Services Supervisor, and Nancy Pavlik, who works with Jean in Technical Services, introduced the students to all the different areas of the IRC and what’s available in each area.

Paula Garrett, IRC Coordinator, and Connie James-Jenkin, IRC Collection Development and Reference Librarian, talked to the students about how to search for books. Students were encouraged to approach Connie and Paula with any questions they had about research.

The IRC staff welcomes all who are looking for a quiet place to study. Staff members enjoy sharing suggestions for a good book, movie or music if you’re looking for some diversion from class work. Students who want to stretch their creative muscles on the computer are welcome to use the computers in the IRC, which have software such as Print Shop on them that make creative endeavors easier.

Come by and check out the IRC!

At Community Learning Day on June 1, 2015, the IRC Team was recognized for their efforts in organizing and hosting the three Read-In events that were held in the IRC this semester.

Three Read-Ins were held, and all were covered live on this blog. In February, the first Read-In was held during Black History Month. This was followed in March with a celebration of Women’s History Month and the last Read-In was held at the end of April and combined a celebration of National Poetry Month and Cinco de Mayo.

After the Multicultural Education Specialist position was developed last year, a team of the IRC, President’s Office, English Department and Peer Multicultural Educators was formed to address these objectives: “integrate the diversity focused Standards of Significant Learning II.A and V.A into the curriculum of all academic disciplines where appropriate; and develop IMSA students, faculty, staff, alumni and parents who understand, respect and appreciate cultural and religious differences and who can communicate and interact effectively across these areas.”

The Read-Ins allowed cultural literature to be shared and provided a time and place for the community to come together to celebrate the diversity of our academy. The Read-Ins brought together faculty, staff and students, who shared their love of the written word, whether it was their own creative endeavor or a much loved work of a favorite author.

The impact of the Read-Ins wasn’t limited to a couple of hours in one day that combined a social and educational event. Multicultural Library Guides that include the English Departments’ perspectives on the importance of Multicultural literature were developed and are now accessible to the entire IMSA community.

The recognition awards nominating statement noted that “the Diversity Plan team modeled the notion of collaboration, demonstrated diversity of perspectives and celebrated cultural diversity. It was both an educational and social experience that will continue in the upcoming years focusing on the multitude of diversity that is represented at IMSA and beyond.”

On Wednesday, May 24, 2015, all the IMSA students who had worked in the IRC during the school year to meet their work service obligation, were thanked with a delectable spread of dips and chips, lemonade and a variety of sweets, which were supplied by the IRC staff. There was plenty of music and laughter throughout the afternoon as the students relaxed and shared their plans for summer break or talked about the college they would be attending in the fall. A good time was had by all, and it was a pleasant way to end the school year.

(Photo credit to Angela Richardson)

Some new movies, recently released  on DVD, and some old favorites reordered for the IRC are now available for checkout.

Whatever you’re in the mood for, we’ve got a movie or documentary for you! There’s comedy, drama and the latest season of “Downton Abbey.”

Stop by the IRC and check out a DVD today.

Blogging live from the National Poetry Month Celebration in the IRC, which is being held from noon until 12:45 p.m. on Tues., April 28, 2015.

IMSA English teacher Devon Madon opened the poetry read-in by explaining that Latino poetry rejects traditional categories. To illustrate her point, she mentioned guest poet, Michael Reyes, and said that his work doesn’t fit into one category, but is part of a long tradition of Latino poets who explain their own  self narrative through their work.

“His poetry is not only art, but a tool for social advancement,” said Ms. Madon.

IMSA students read their favorite poems, some of which were in English and some in Spanish. Evelyn opened the read-in by reading her own poem. One of the favorite selections students chose to read were “Cloud” by Sandra Cisneros and another was an excerpt from “How the Garcia Girls Lost their Accents.”

Two students chose poems by Pablo Neruda as their read-in selection.

After all the students read, Michael Reyes came onto center stage, explaining that he performs spoken word poetry that has not necessarily been created for the page.

He asked how many in the audience had been exposed to poetry outside school, for example at open mic night, and then proceeded to talk a little about what he liked and didn’t like about open mic nights.

“For me poetry is a weapon,” said Mr. Reyes, as he explained that many years ago poets were storytellers who passed along the news of the day. Mr. Reyes said that he follows in the ancient tradition of these storytellers.

As part of his introduction to the audience, Mr. Reyes touched on his background, explaining that he is a Chicano who was raised here but has ties to Mexico. He said he is a person of color who has been reflecting on what’s happening in Baltimore (referring to the riots in the city after a black man died in police custody).

Mr. Reyes said that his first piece of freestyle poetry is an interactive piece and he asked audience members to participate by giving him words to use. Okra, smile, laughter, heritage, applesauce, empower, love and teach were thrown out for him to use.

In between performing, Mr. Reyes, shared more about himself with the audience. He said he’s recently moved to Detroit, MI after spending 14 years in Chicago developing creative space for others. He has gone from a “me” poet to a “we” poet who talks about his heritage.

Mr. Reyes will be spending the afternoon at IMSA. He mentioned some of the different venues he performs in, which make up his sphere of influence. Today he’s at a school, this Sat. he’ll perform at his home and then on Sunday he’ll be at a prison.

The audience responded positively to his performance. Mr. Reyes is a hit.