Salt Lake County Library System

Story contest searching for submissions

Every life has a story; every family has a heritage.

"The most powerful stories are true ones, rising from the lives of ordinary people in our community and from voices around the globe," says Paulette Stevens, a member of the Utah Chapter of the Association of Personal Historians, which is launching an initiative this summer to help people read, write and collect some of those stories.

They are partnering with the Salt Lake County Library system, which is promoting the American Library Association's 2011 Summer Reading Program, with the theme of "One World, Many Stories."

And they are offering a series of free workshops throughout June and July at nine participating libraries along the Wasatch Front to provide guidelines and life-story writing tips to help people start writing their life histories with at least one meaningful story.

As part of the program, Utah residents are also invited to submit a 900-word story, in English and based on a personal experience, with the theme "Seeking Freedom and Dignity." Story categories are International & Refugee, Military & Government, Community, Family Relations, Education, Workplace, Environment, Health & Wellbeing and Other.

Story submissions are due online by Aug. 1. A number of stories will be selected for publication, and their authors will be honored at a celebration on Oct. 1. Copies of the book will be donated to participating libraries and will be available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds will go to "Your Story: Record and Remember," an audio recording service at the Wellness Center of the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

"Everyone has a story to tell," says Stevens. "In America, we take for granted our freedom of speech Compared to those in many other places, we are at liberty to say what has happened to us and share the wisdom we have gained from it."

The following free workshop sessions will be offered:

Columbus Library, 2530 S. 500 East, South Salt Lake, Wednesdays, June 15, 29, July 13, 20; 10:30 a.m.

Herriman Library, 13198 S. 5600 West; Mondays, June 20, 27, July 11, 18; 2 p.m.

Tyler Library, 8041 S. Wood Street, Midvale; Mondays June 20, 27, July 11, 18, 2 p.m.

West Valley Library, 2880 W. 3650 South, West Valley City, Tuesdays June 7, 21, July 12, 26; 11 a.m.

Whitmore Library, 2197 Fort Union Blvd., Cottonwood Heights; Tuesdays, June 14, 28, July 12, 26; 11 a.m.

Bountiful Library, 725 South Main; Wednesdays, June 15, 29, July 13, 20; 2 p.m.

Books for Discussion-- Salt Lake County Library System Book Club ...

In 1940, Iris James is the postmistress in coastal Franklin, Massachusetts. Iris knows more about the townspeople than she will ever say, and believes her job is to deliver secrets. Yet one day she does the unthinkable: slips a letter into her pocket, reads it, and doesn't deliver it. Meanwhile, Frankie Bard broadcasts from overseas with Edward R. Murrow. Her dispatches beg listeners to pay heed as the Nazis bomb London nightly. Most of the townspeople of Franklin think the war can't touch them. But both Iris and Frankie know better...

Salt Lake County Library System master plan, adopted by the Salt Lake County Board of Directors on October 19, 1994

5-year plan for development of library services in Salt Lake County, 1973-1977

Challenges for the 80's, an explanation and guide for library officials and staff members concerning the philosophy, goals, and objectives of the Salt Lake County Library System in the 1980's

Annual report

Great library promotion ideas VI, JCD Library Public Relations Award winners and notables, 1990