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Books inspire Pearl, Pearl inspires others
by Barbara Stewart
Nancy Pearl has known the power of words at least since she was 10. That’s when she decided to become a librarian. Now, as librarian—and as professional book reviewer and director of the Washington Center for the Book—she inspires countless people to read and exchange ideas.
It all began when she was growing up in Detroit, where local librarians encouraged her love of books. After earning her master's degree in Library Science from the University of Michigan, she moved to Oklahoma with her husband and two infant daughters. She managed an independent bookstore there for nine years and then worked in the Tulsa Public Library system. She moved to Seattle to be full-time director of the Washington Center for the Book in 1993.
Washington Center for the Book
Established in 1989, the Washington Center for the Book is one of 40 state affiliates of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. Part of the Seattle Public Library, it is devoted to celebrating the written word by promoting books, reading and libraries. Through book discussions and other activities, it strives to broaden and deepen appreciation for literature that expands the world of the reader. Its programs appeal to a wide audience—from confirmed book lovers to those who may not yet consider books and reading basic to their lives.
Nancy Pearl directs the Center’s programs with great enthusiasm. “I’ve always thought the best thing I could do in life is put people together with books they’d find wonderful to read,” she says. “Everything I do relates to that. I love the fact that with so many books out there that are unfamiliar to people, I can introduce the books to the people and the people to the books!” She does this largely through the following inspirational programs offered by the Center.
“If All of Seattle Read the Same Book”—This program, which has been imitated in many other states, is kind of a citywide book club that builds community by promoting a shared reading experience. An annual reading and discussion program, it gives people an opportunity to come together to talk about a book and its issues. A lot of people participate, but more important to Nancy is “hearing from people that the book raised issues they never would have thought of before.”
In fact, the Center chooses the book based on whether it will lead to good, thoughtful discussions. Then it buys about 400 copies to lend to book clubs, and the author comes to Seattle to participate in programs at various library branches. “People end up all over the city talking about the book instead of the weather!” beams Nancy. “This is what I find most exciting—the idea of strangers coming together to talk about a book. It just gives me chills!”
In case you’re wondering, the book for 2002 is Wild Life, by Molly Gloss. A Gesture Life, by Chang-Rae Lee, has been selected for 2003.
Washington State Book Awards—Every year the Center honors books published by Washington authors during the previous year. The books are selected for literary merit, lasting importance and overall quality of publication. For 2002, out of 24 finalists announced in May, 10 will be named winners in the fall at a gala awards ceremony that will include readings by the authors. (For a list of the 24 finalists, see http://www.spl.org/pressreleases/bookawardfinalists2002.html.
Seattle’s Favorite Poems: A Celebration—In partnership with other organizations, the Center sponsors this annual event to celebrate the power and place of poetry in the lives of Seattleites. It takes place in April—National Poetry Month—and features a cross-section of people reading their favorite poems.
McLellan/O’Donnell Living History/Literature Series—At these popular performances each fall, humanities scholars portray historical and literary figures. They appear in costume, and they do a short monologue and answer questions in character. After that, they break character and respond to further questions. This year’s figures will be Mark Twain, Louisa May Alcott and Langston Hughes.
A. Scott Bullitt History Lecture—This annual series brings a scholar to talk about important aspects of American history. The next speaker (in January) will be Roger Wilkins, currently professor of History and American Culture at George Mason University and commentator on the McNeil-Lehrer News Hour. He will talk about early presidents and their feelings about race.
Book Clubs—The Center plays a tremendous role encouraging and helping book clubs. It recommends books and has 25 copies of 300 books to lend to groups. (Book clubs interested in using this collection should call associate director, Chris Higashi, at 206-386-4650.) It also offers a printed brochure and online guide with instructions and tips for setting up and running a book club. More information on book clubs—and on all of the Center’s activities—is available at http://www.spl.org/wacentbook/centbook.html.
Book Reviewing
Nancy’s highly regarded book reviews also move many people to read. She shares her thoughts on newly published works on the radio every Monday afternoon on KUOW’s The Beat. She also reviews books for Tulsa’s Public Radio station, KWGS, and writes a column called “The Reader’s Shelf” for Library Journal Magazine.
Nancy’s favorites
What are this dynamic professional’s personal favorites? It’s hard to pin her down to just one book, but The Lord of the Rings is right up there—as is Gaudy Night, a mystery written in the 1930s by Dorothy Sayers. As for authors, she especially loves Iris Murdoch and regrets that she didn’t discover her books earlier because she won’t have time to re-read them all!
Among her favorites unrelated to books are the movie Norma Rae, country/folk music, and (particularly sour) apples! Her favorite sport is bicycling, and she herself is an avid cyclist. She bikes “slowly but steadily” everywhere, including to work. This summer she and her husband biked for a week in the Canadian Rockies, covering about 40 miles a day. She says they want to “bicycle into their golden years.” Clearly, action is a way of life for Nancy Pearl.
Barbara Stewart is a freelance writer, editor and French translator, who also takes on community projects and loves to read books.
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