news
library
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they feel about library programs and servic-
es. It’s impacted by how the community feels
about those same things and what they value.
So I want to learn all of that. I’m also geo-
graphically challenged so trying to figure out
how to get around to each of the libraries is
going to take a little bit longer.
the Skanner news:What are the major
challenges facing libraries in general?
Marcellus turner: Libraries in general
across the country are facing a couple of
things: remaining relevant and of value,
which is not going to be a hard one for
the Seattle Public Library because it is
such a valued library system. The sec-
ond thing is funding, trying to find sta-
ble funding. And the third thing is trying
to stay on top of technology and where
it is taking us in the library field in gen-
eral.
the Skanner news: How is technolo-
gy affecting libraries?
Marcellus turner: We are moving into an
information age, where everything hinges on
knowledge and information. Where technol-
ogy comes into play is that information is
now available at your fingertips and at your
earlobes because it’s coming at you through
all of your mobile devices; it’s mobile in
itself because you can take that quest for
information wherever you need to go. So
those are the types of things that we are
doing. And then everything is becoming
information, from how to build something to
directions to an event. All of that “is” infor-
mation and people want it when they want it
where they want it.
the Skanner news:There is a challenge
there in that not everyone can afford these
mobile devices.
Marcellus turner: Right and I think that’s
where the library plays a very crucial role
which is providing access to information for
those who do not have a means to get to
information through a mobile device.
the Skanner news: How can libraries help
get kids reading?
Marcellus turner: We can keep them
engaged and keep them involved. I think
people have to recognize that whatever kids
are reading is useful. Whether it is the back
of a cereal carton or if it’s a comic book, then
that is going to be valuable for them. And
then they will move on to reading other
things.
the Skanner news: What
are you reading at the
moment?
Marcellus turner: I am
reading a couple of things –
and one’s an audio book.
I’m listening to Push, the
book that the movie
Precious was based on. And
I’m reading ‘Slow Love’ by
Dominique Browning. She
was with a major publishing house and she
lost her job. She was the publisher of Conde
Nast’s House and Garden magazine. So the
book is about her experience. And I’m read-
ing a third book called Giraffe. I’ve been
reading it for a while, so I apologize. I love
Giraffe – so that’s the first thing. I thought it
was going to be a bit more interesting that it
was. It’s about an experiment where
Giraffe’s were moved from one country to
another to populate and bring Giraffes as a
zoo item for a country. Somewhere in this it
goes awry and I’m not sure what happens. I
haven’t made it that far yet. That’s what I’m
reading.
the Skanner news: Fiction or Non-
Fiction?
Marcellus turner: Both. Giraffe is fiction.
Slow Love is a nonfiction. Actually it has a
full title. ‘Slow Love. How I lost my job, put
on my pajamas & found happiness.’ Push is
fiction. And I just read a book about the edi-
tor of Parade magazine who lost his job and
found happiness. So I’m not sure why I’m on
that track but I think I like it because it’s
more about how they found happiness.
the Skanner news: In Portland, every year
the library and the colleges choose a book
that everyone can read together. Is there a
book that you would recommend that every-
one should read?
Marcellus turner: I’m laughing because in
fact it was the Seattle Public Library that
started the City Reads program. So it will be
exciting to go into that. But you know there
are just so many great books out there that I
couldn’t even begin to recommend one that
everyone should read. My favorites tend to
differ from others. But I find a lot of value
and interest in what others suggest so I’m
always happy to just hear what the book title
is and then read it.
the Skanner news: Anything else you
want to let people know?
Marcellus turner: I’d like to send a warm
‘hello’ to Vailey Oehlke, (director of
Multnomah County Libraries).And I’d like
her to know that I’m very glad that I’ll be in
the same part of the country.
I think people have to recognize
that whatever kids are reading is
useful. Whether it is the back of a
cereal carton or if it’s a comic book,
then that is going to be valuable.
the Skanner news: What would surprise
people about what libraries are doing?
Marcellus turner: I don’t know if people
would be surprised at what we’re doing or if
it is more of an Aha.
Libraries are playing an important role in
connecting the community through, for
example, activities. That’s something
libraries have always done, but I think we are
going to see a lot more of that. Libraries have
an opportunity to partner with the communi-
ty, to really be a partner through hosting
events and offering our facilities so that
neighborhoods can come together.
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Page 4 The Seattle Skanner June 1, 2011