Celebrate Your Creative Spirit

ICPL's first Author in Residence

Jack Gantos has lived a colorful life. His sister once locked him out of the house naked and one of his dogs was eaten by an alligator. He sailed a boat loaded with 2,000 pounds of hashish from the Virgin Islands to New York City and spent 19 months in a Federal prison. He met the woman who would become his illustrator at a costume party where he was dressed as a large white rabbit and she was Alice in Wonderland.

Now this celebrated author of the Jack Henry, Joey Pigza and Rotten Ralph books will be the Iowa City Public Library's first Author in Residence. Gantos will talk about his books, his life and his creative process in June as part of the Library's celebration of five years in its new facility.

"Gantos is a fabulous choice for our first Author in Residence because his works prove that everyone has a story to tell, no matter what age," said Children's Services Coordinator Debb Green. "By journaling or recording your experiences, you can tap into your own creativity and reflect on and learn from those experiences for years to come."

Gantos carries a small journal with him wherever he goes, folded up like a small wallet in his front pocket. He writes every day, even if it is a journal entry about what he had for dinner. He once wrote an entire novel on small post-it notes.

"I avoid large paper. It takes way too long before you feel as if you've accomplished anything," said Gantos.

And Gantos is certainly accomplished. His works take a reader from cradle to grave, from picture books and middle-grade fiction to novels for teens and adults. Gantos also developed master's degree programs in children's book writing at Emerson College and Vermont College.

The Library will also welcome Jay Walljasper during its fifth anniversary in June. This award-winning writer chronicles stories from around the world that point toward a better quality of life and social progress. He specializes in community and urban issues, travel, current events and sustainability. Walljasper has served as editor at the Utne Reader and Ode magazine. He is the author of "The Great Neighborhood Book" and "Visionaries: People and Ideas to Change Your Life."

Attending these events is just one way you can "Be Creative @ Your Library." A variety of programs with a creative focus will run from March to September 2009, including the Library's Summer Reading Programs.

"It's much more relaxing to plan a fifth anniversary than a building's opening day," said Library Director Susan Craig. "We've had time to put together some great events, instead of worrying if all the furniture has arrived and if the lights all work. The building has seen tremendous use over the last five years and it's a good time to celebrate."

The Library invites you to be part of this celebration during the spring and summer months. Visit icpl.org/becreative for the latest news on these and other "Be Creative @ Your Library" events.