New Yorker Arthur Yorinks is known for his many picture books reflecting the speech and rhythm patterns of his native state. His best known work is Hey Al which won the Caldecott medal in 1987. Far from warm and fuzzy, his books are interestingly different, and are a commentary on living a meaningful life. His latest book introduces Quack!, the duck who visits the moon only to realize he misses his quacking friends back home. His books are filled with comical and sometimes magical situations. Readers enjoy his sense of irony and the staccato rhythm of his texts. He believes the rhythm of the text is very important, stating, "I have a pet theory that rhythm is the thread that makes a piece of art work, or not work." His characters often complain about their lives, their dreary work, and the predicaments in which they find themselves. But in the end, they discover more about who they are. "My books are primarily about the attempt to find out who you are, and to be who you are."

In addition to being an author, formed The Night Kitchen Theater Company with Maurice Sendak in 1990. Yorinks states, "This organization is devoted to creating and producing the highest quality cultural experiences for children and their families." He and Sendak believe the mission of the Night Theater is the same as the mission of their many books for children, "to cross barriers and overcome conventional thought. It is an attempt to invigorate all forms of live theater for children." Recently, The Night Kitchen Theater has taken a new direction, a "new path on the landscape of the imagination," says Yorinks, by introducing The Night Kitchen Radio Theatre, created and performed with voices, music, and sound effects. Yorinks calls it the "theater of the imagination."

The Richland County Public Library is pleased to present Arthur Yorinks as the 2004 A(ugusta) Bakers Dozen lecturer. Please join us for An Evening with Arthur Yorinks at the Main Library on Friday, April 23, 2004 at 7:00. Reception and book signing to follow.

Below is a list of books by Arthur Yorinks which are available at The Richland County Public Library.

On Friday, April 22 2005, at 7:00 Christopher Paul Curtis, an award winning, extremely popular author of books for young people, will speak at the Koger Center for the Performing Arts in Columbia, S.C. as this year's A(ugusta) Baker's Dozen lecturer. The story of his path to becoming a writer is as inspirational and compelling as his books. Although accepted into the University of Michigan in his hometown of Flint in 1971, he chose instead to continue working on the assembly line at the Fisher Body plant where he had a summer job. The money was simply too good to pass up. He found himself spending thirteen years hanging car doors on Buicks, and working on his degree in the evenings. He and his buddies took turns hanging every other door, taking a half hour break in between. It was during these breaks that Curtis began to write.

In 1993, his wife offered to support the family for a year while Curtis wrote. He wrote the bulk of his first novel, The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963, in longhand, in the Children's Room of the Windsor Public Library. His second novel, Bud, Not Buddy, is the first book to receive both the Newbery and Coretta Scott King Awards. His newest book, Bucking the Sarge, has recently been released.

Come meet and hear from the author who "has felt a burning desire to write ever since he couldn't talk his way out of problems."

This event is free and open to the public. Autographing to follow.

"In my art and in my life, I am looking for the thread that connects all of us and I'm looking for that seed of individuality." -Bryan Collier

In April, we remember a beautiful thread that connects us all, Augusta Baker. Along with being a noted librarian and storyteller, Mrs. Baker was a wonderful friend to the Richland County Public Library. Each year, we celebrate her life with A(ugusta) Baker's Dozen: A Celebration of Stories.

This year, our visiting author/illustrator is Bryan Collier. At the age of 15, he began defining himself as an artist. After graduating from the prestigious Pratt Institute, Mr. Collier began working in Harlem as the director of an art program, giving many children the opportunity to become artists. However, it was not long before he began illustrating children's books.

He has received the Coretta Scott King medal twice for Rosa with Nikki Giovanni and his own work, Uptown. Freedom River, Visiting Langston and Martin's Big Words were awarded the Coretta Scott King honor. Although Mr. Collier is illustrating full-time, he still lives in New York and still volunteers, helping children to find the artist within themselves.

Please join us Friday, April 20th,2006, for an evening with Bryan Collier and Saturday morning, April 21st for a storytelling festival. Both events are free, open to the public and include autographing sessions with Mr. Collier.