and

present

Read Out!
A celebration of our freedom to read during banned books week. September 29, 2011

Rezsin Adams

Rezsin has lived on Chestnut Street in Albany for 53 years. She notes that she used to be a community activist and neighborhood busybody, mostly involved with housing. I spent a little time in jail, more in China, with the Red Cross, as a lobbyist for the NYS Safe Energy Coalition and working against the Vietnam War. Ive taken care of a lot of children on and off, which Ive enjoyed. These days, shes most active in Save the Pine Bush.

Rob Curry is Senior Vice President for External Affairs for Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood. Rob has been a long-time feminist, supporter of reproductive justice, LGBT rights activist, HIV educator, Sexual Health education expert and active citizen in the city of Albany since he moved here 16 years ago. Rob is past Vice President of the Lark Street Business Improvement District (BID) and remains active on the BID Board. Rob holds both B.A. and M.S. Ed. degrees from The University of Dayton, in What are you reading and why? Communications and Educational Leadership. Im reading from Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre. Rob has been on the editorial board of the Published in 1847, bigamy was a controversial American Journal of Sexual Health Education, issue and is still today and books are still and is recognized as one of the first national being banned. In the small town where my trainers on LGBT issues ever delivered to state husband Ted grew up, he was told not to read agencies in both NJ and in NY. Rob is a proud Jane Eyre, but his parents didnt agree. Of course, and active member of the Albany University bigamy is denounced but Mr. Rochester is Club. Rob resides in Center Square with his recultimately forgiven and the book has a Hollyognized Domestic Partner of 16 years, Doug wood ending. Jasinskeand they are looking forward to receiving their toaster and eating lots of wedding cake on Dec. 2nd !

Rob Curry

Sylvia Barnard

What are you reading and why? Sylvia Barnard is a Professor Emerita of Classics Ive selected Daddys Roommate by Michael at the University of Albany, having taught there Willhoite. for 44 years before they terminated classics last October. I used the public library in Pittsburgh (The Carnegie Library) to read every book I could find What are you reading and why? about being gay as a way for me to prepare to I made my selection from Brave New World become out in the early 1980s. I wish I was able cause it shows people despised by the commuto read a book like this when I was younger, as it nity being programmed not to want the things would have helped me see the normalcy of my that would nurture their spirits. It seems to me sexual orientation and saved me many years of that this is exactly what our universities, anxiety and fear of coming out. especially UAlbany, are doing when they try to stifle the humanities and the arts. Daddys Roommate resounds with me especially,

since the work that I do at Upper Hudson Planned parenthood evolves around raising a sexually healthy society including acceptance and celebration of all sexualities and sexual identities, affections and orientations. I remember when I first started working at UHPP over 16 years ago, I saw Daddys Roommate displayed proudly in our UHPP lending library and I knew I had found a very gay-friendly place to work. That is probably one of the reasons that Ive been at UHPP for so long.

JFN is a writer and editor born and raised in Albany, New York. She currently serves as university editor in the Office of the Chancellor at SUNY and previously worked in editorial capacities for the New York State Assembly; Mount Ida Press; The Leventis Foundation in Nicosia, Cyprus; and Maria College, where she taught writing and Women in Literature courses. She holds a BA in English Literature and an MA in Classical Archaeology, both from the University at Albany. She lives with her partner and her It amazes me that even today, over 20 years since dog, the renowned Frank Greene, in a house Daddys Roommate was first published (and even overlooking Washington Park in Albany. after earning many literary awards), the book is still considered controversial, and libraries across What are you reading and why? the country feel its simple message and colorful Ill be reading from Lady Chatterleys Lover by D. pictures should be moved from the childrens H. Lawrence. First published in Florence, Italy, literature section to the adult section! In fact, 1928, the book was deemed too controversial Sarah Palin had this book banned from libraries and obscene to be produced unbowdlerized in in Alaska! England until 1960 and was banned in the United States until 1959. I cant wait to read Willhoites newest book, Daddys Wedding. My partner Doug and I were I first read this book when I was in my early 20s witnesses to our best friends wedding, along and found it to be fascinating and insightful, with their son our 5-year old Godson ranking it among my favorite works. I recently Luca Rossi Meyer, in Provincetown two years reread it and was amazed by my change in perago. Luca is 5 and I wish I could see what the spective and critique, now that Im older than world will be like when he grows up the principal characters, and more than a decade surrounded by tolerance and a commitment to federal equal rights for all! My fianc Doug and older myself. Far from shocking or obscene by modern standards, this book is a revealing artiI are now finally allowed to get married in the great state of New York, and we will be married fact of its era -- a social commentary of postin front of family and friends on our 17th Anni- World War I society rebuilding and reinventing itself and a glimpse of a changing class system versary of being a couple, December 2, 2011. and social conflict.

Jessica Fisher Neidl

Tim Livingston

One of the pioneering figures in Albanys punk rock scene with his band the Morons, writer/ performer/street poet Tim Livingston has been involved with the Capital Region music and arts scene in some capacity for the past 30 plus years. He currently records and performs with his critically acclaimed sociopolitical band the Last Conspirators, whose two albums and high-energy performances have garnered rave reviews both locally and nationally. Tim has also been recording and releasing spoken word performances under the alias John Walker Black, all of which have raised money to benefit local charities. For the past 15 years he has been the general manager of the worlds premier reissue record label Sundazed Music. During his time spent as the Community Relations Coordinator for the now defunct Borders Books and Music, Tim organized Banned Books Readings, but this will be his first time reading at one. What are you reading and why? Ill be reading from 1984 by George Orwell, a book first published in 1949, but whose themes ring so true in todays society.

Assemblyman John J. McEneny

John J. McEneny was born in Albany on August 30, 1943, to John Horan McEneny and Margaret Glennon Gaffie McEneny. He was raised in the Pine Hills neighborhood and educated at Vincentian C.C.D. and Christian Brothers Academy in Albany. He holds a B.A. in history from Siena College and certificates in Community Development and Public Administration from New Mexico State University School of Agriculture and the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. He served as a Peace Corps volunteer in rural Colombia, South America. A former Albany County Historian, Jack McEneny is a well-known teacher and speaker on local history, ethnicity and related fields. He led the effort that saved the 17th Century Quackenbush House, Albanys oldest building and later chaired the Albany Historic Sites Commission. He wrote and narrated WMHT Public Televisions Tricentennial Documentary on Albany and authored Albany, Capital City on the Hudson, the definitive text on the citys four centuries of history for the past 25 years. A full-time, year-round legislator, McEneny serves as Acting Speaker ProTempore on weekends, holidays and non-session days. Assemblymember McEneny has served on more than fifty boards of directors of community organizations over the past four decades. What are you reading and why? McEneny will be reading from Harper Lees To Kill A Mockingbird.

Ann Elizabeth Pfau

Bob Resnick

Ann is a writer and historian who, since moving here from Central Jersey, has learned to love living in Albany. She is currently researching a biography of Mildred Gillars better known as Axis Sally, the notorious radio announcer. Her prior book, Miss Yourlovin: GIs, Gender, and Domesticity during World War II, was published by Columbia University Press and is available online at http://www.gutenberg-e.org/pfau. Ann is presently employed as a project manager by the New Netherland Research Center of the Office of Cultural Education.

Bob Resnick is a local musician and youth program consultant who supports freedoms in its various shapes and sizes. He plays in a number of bands including The Backburners, Off The Record, Restless and The Weekend Rock Gods. Through his consultant position, he does work with a number of community organizations sharing best practices and identifying funding sources.

What are you reading and why? Bob will be reading a passage from The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Elexie with illustrations by Ellen Forney. It was What are you reading and why? challenged out west in Montana for ...obscene, I will read from Kurt Vonneguts Slaughterhouse Five, which I first read in my high school English vulgar and pornographic language but class and have since re-read many times. I loved underlying this challenge was a candid, less than this novel in high school and came to appreciate flattering take on white folks as well as Indians and the relationships between the two it even more while researching my dissertation groups. The book was ultimately retained as it on World War II GIs. Written by a former soldier and prisoner of war, Slaughterhouse Five is an won the National Book Award in 2007 for Young Peoples Literature and is on many important counterbalance to the sentimental nonsense popularized by Tom Brokaw, Stephen recommended book lists. Ambrose, and others. It would be a shame if future generations of high school students failed to read it.

Colleen M. Ryan

Colleen has served as communications director of the not-for-profit Preservation League of New York State since 2003. She has previously worked for both houses of the New York State Legislature, as communications director for a leading lobbying firm, and as Executive Director for a not-for-profit Internet service provider. Since 2008, she has served as President of the Albany Roundtable, an all-volunteer not-for-profit group that presents a monthly civic luncheon series, and was recently elected Vice President of the board of directors of the University Club of Albany. She previously served as President of the board of Historic Albany Foundation. Colleen has a B.A. in Public Communications from the College of St. Rose in Albany, and lives in Albanys historic Center Square neighborhood with her husband.

Janet Womachka

Janet is the Occupational Safety and Health Trainer and Peer Trainer Program Coordinator for the hard-working men and women of CSEA. She is also a freelance actor and playwright, having produced and starred in political dramas and satires tackling important issues such as war and banned books. She holds a B.A. in Theater from Coe College in her hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and has called the Capital Region home for the past 11 years. Janet is blessed with parents and friends who continually encourage her to stand up for what she believes in and let her voice be heard.

What are you reading and why? Janet will be reading from The Lorax by Dr. Seuss (1971). In 1989 the Laytonville, California School District challenged this book on grounds that it criminalizes the forestry industry. Childrens What are you reading and why? literature guides and shapes our youth while also Ill be reading from The Handmaids Tale by Mar- often serving as a conscience to adults, as garet Atwood (1985), which the American did The Lorax in Laytonville. Instead of taking on Library Association (ALA) lists as number 37 on environmentally sound practices, or using the the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of literature to discuss environmental concerns, they 19902000. I read this book when I was in chose fear and censored what their children college, while Ronald Reagan was President, and read. Books like this one are responsible for not while everything from Roe v. Wade to the Faironly enlightening and educating children about ness Doctrine was under threat. In re-reading the important issues that they will face in their lifebook recently, I was struck by the authors take time but also teaching children that they have a on a culture of fear in this case, arising from voice and that one person can make a differthe fundamentalist totalitarianism of the Republic ence. This book must continue to be read so of Gilead - and the ways in which the regime that future generations know that it is important makes men and women alike complicit in their to stand up for what they believe is right. own subjugation.

James Yeara

James Yeara has taught English and acting at Bethlehem High School since 1985, where he directs the annual Shakespeare production, winter Broadway musical, and spring play. Hes won National Endowment for the Humanities awards for graduate studies at Rice University (Romantic Poetry), Brown University (Feminist studies in Shakespeare), Shakespeare & Company (Shakespeares plays), Columbia University (Shakespeares plays), Trinity College (20th century American Theatre), and the Ohio State University (Renaissance history and literature of England). Hes acted at Barrington Stage Company and Capital Rep, and with local non-Equity groups, and he does improv theatre with Wit & Will. What are you reading and why? I have two students reading a scene from Romeo & Juliet that is, according to a NEH study, the most studied text in American high school, yet encounters opposition; Glorifies teenage sex, drugs, and teen suicide. Romeo & Juliet has been a target of censorship efforts in public schools not only because of its double suicide but because it allegedly encourages other violence, teen sex, and disobedience of parental authority. Sources: Media Violence & Free Speech and The Bonfire of Liberties: Censorship of the Humanities As Shakespeare writes elsewhere, Rouse up thy youthful blood, be valiant and live.

TOP TEN MOST

FREQUENTLY CHALLENGED BOOKS OF 2010
Out of 348 challenges as reported by the Office for Intellectual Freedom

1. And Tango Makes Three, by Peter Parnell and

Justin Richardson Reasons: homosexuality, religious viewpoint, and unsuited to age group The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie Reasons: offensive language, racism, sex education, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group, and violence Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley Reasons: insensitivity, offensive language, racism, and sexually explicit Crank, by Ellen Hopkins Reasons: drugs, offensive language, and sexually explicit The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins Reasons: sexually explicit, unsuited to age group, and violence Lush, by Natasha Friend Reasons: drugs, offensive language, sexually explicit, and unsuited to age group What My Mother Doesn't Know, by Sonya Sones Reasons: sexism, sexually explicit, and unsuited to age group Nickel and Dimed, by Barbara Ehrenreich Reasons: drugs, inaccurate, offensive language, political viewpoint, and religious viewpoint Revolutionary Voices, edited by Amy Sonnie Reasons: homosexuality and sexually explicit Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer Reasons: religious viewpoint and violence

2.

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

he New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) is one of the nation's foremost defenders of civil liberties and civil rights.

Founded in 1951 as the New York affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union, it is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization with eight chapters and regional offices and nearly 50,000 members across the state. Its mission is to defend and promote the fundamental principles and values embodied in the Bill of Rights, the U.S. Constitution, and the New York Constitution.

ention the University Club, and some may think of a handsome building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or an elegant setting for a dinner or reception. For many it is the site of special family events and memorable occasions. While these things are true, the Club and its not-forprofit Foundation also offer unique opportunities to experience Albanys outstanding arts and culture.

The Pinkster Day Celebration with readings from local authors, the Snow Scenes luncheon and lecture on the The NYCLU believes that New Yorkers have inalien- collection of Walter Launt Palmer paintings in the able rights that cannot be taken away by the govern- Clubs dining room, and a reception and presentation ment or by majority vote. They are: on the centennial of the Great Capitol Fire of 1911 are just a few examples of well-received public programs Freedom of speech, press, petition and asheld in 2011. sembly. Even unpopular expression is protected from government suppression and censorship. Founded on the belief that each generation has a re Freedom of religion. Each of us has the right sponsibility to embrace, preserve and promote its to exercise his or her own religion, or no religion, free from any government influence or compul- shared history, the University Club of Albany Foundation, Inc., a 501c3 corporation, was formed to recsion. ognize and maintain the unique historic and architec Privacy. We have the right to be free from unwarranted and unwanted government intrusion tural significance of the University Club building, its into our personal and private affairs, papers and historic neighborhood and the city of Albany where it possessions. has been located since its inception in 1901. Due process of law. We have right to be treated fairly by the government whenever the loss of For more information, please visit liberty or property is at stake. Equality before the law. We have the right to www.universityclubalbany.com be treated equally regardless of nationality, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or disability or socio-economic status.

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