Library Programs

Library programs are overseen by the Events & Programs Committee. The Ester library has two programs so far. The Board of Directors approved a Program & Activities Development Plan & Policy at its August 2011 meeting. The policy provides for a proposal development process that encourages the involvement of the membership in creating and maintaining library programs, events, and activities; any library member may submit a proposal for a program. Library members are encouraged to review and comment on each proposal, which are posted on line as well as kept in hard copy form at the JTEL Business Office. The Board of Directors is considering the creation of a Programs Committee to oversee program development and operation.

The following programs have been adopted or are under development:

Ester Library Lecture Series
(ongoing; begun October 2009)

See the Library Lecture Series page for more information on previous and upcoming speakers.

The JTEL lectures are a series of free talks that are presented by writers, artists, adventurers, scholars, entrepreneurs, musicians, craftspeople, and colorful characters from, visiting, or of interest to Ester. The broad range of topics has so far covered art, travel and geography, Ester and Alaska history, the craft of writing, fables, and Passiv Haus design. Speakers have included poets Marjorie Kowalski Cole and John Haines; historians Matthew Reckard, Jennifer Jolis, and Ross Coen; photographer Monique Musick; adventurer Scott Darsney; artists Jamie Smith and Igor Pasternak; philosopher Walter Benesch; and builder Thorsten Chlupp. The lecture program's purpose is to:

• educate library members and the public on a broad range of subjects;
• highlight and help develop local expertise by offering a venue for a broad range of speakers;
• build and support community awareness of the library, the knowledge base and human expertise within the local area, and the cultural opportunities within Ester;
• support community understanding and appreciation of Ester's history, art, music, literature, performance, geography, enterprise, trades, and culture.

Growing Ester's Biodiversity: seed library program
(under development, slated to begin 2012; proposal approved 8/9/2011)

See the GEB page for more information about the program and associated events.

Seed library programs preserve and strengthen local biodiversity; encourage gardening and local food production; support the local economy; promote health; and educate the public about seed saving, biodiversity, gardening, botany, cultural traditions concerning foods and plants, food preparation and preservation, and more.

The Growing Ester's Biodiversity program, or GEB, will function as a lending and educational program: participants “check out” seeds, grow them, and then selected growers “return” or donate seeds each fall. GEB will offer lectures, field trips, and workshops, and will highlight pertinent books and movies in its publicity, in library displays, and in program events and reading/movie groups. The GEB program partners with agricultural institutions and farms in the area. Its purpose is to:

• create an accessible and affordable source of regionally-adapted seeds that grow well in the Ester area that is maintained by a local community of caring farmers and gardeners;
• educate library members and the public about biodiversity, garden and plant ecology, sustainable food production, food sovereignty, cultural traditions concerning food and agriculture, heirloom varieties, Ester and Alaska’s agricultural history, and related topics;
• build community awareness and connections through partnerships between the library and local nonprofits, food producers, horticulture businesses, gardeners, educational institutions, health practitioners, artists, and others; and
• strengthen the JTEL’s connections to its community, membership, and volunteers; broaden the relevance of the library to area residents; set an example for other libraries and organizations; and support and supplement the other educational programs of the JTEL.

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