Collier Library Celebrates National Library Week On Campus

Mar. 23, 2012

Michelle Eubanks, UNA, at media@una.edu, 256.765.4392 or 256.606.2033

FLORENCE, Ala. - Officials with Collier Library at the University of North Alabama will host numerous events for the third year in a row to recognize National Library Week April 9 to 13. The week-long celebration will bring visiting authors, a campus ghost tour and a photo exhibit to UNA. Robert Steele, author and UNA alumnus, will speak April 9 at 3 p.m. in the library about his book "Steele Here: An Underdog's Secret to Success." Steele is a former wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys and a participant in Super Bowl XIII. He is currently associated with a handful of firms that provide sales, marketing and business development consultation in the healthcare, insurance, employee benefits, and financial services industries. Steele served in the Georgia House of Representatives, and is working on his second book about his days with the Cowboys. Author Daphne Simpkins will speak April 10 at 2 p.m. to discuss her work. She is the author of four published works, including "Cloverdale," "Miss Budge in Love," "Nat King Cole: An Unforgettable Life of Music (for children), and "The Long Good Night." For the past 25 years, Simpkins has written about what it's like living in the South and has had a number of essays published. Debra Glass, a UNA alumnus and author, will conduct a campus ghost tour and discussion April 12 at 7 p.m. beginning at the Memorial Amphitheater. Glass is the author of more than 15 books and the 1992 recipient of the National Society of Arts and Letters Alabama Screenwriter Award. Glass, a local ghost historian, will lead the free tour for UNA students, employees and members of the community. "I hope we have a good turnout," said Doris McDaniel, access services librarian. "It's going to be interesting and fun and offer something different to students." A photo exhibit featuring library staff and student workers Carl Brackin, Jr., Emily Patterson, Cody Cabaniss and Amber Rosado will also be featured in conjunction with National Library Week. The photo exhibit will offer a diverse assortment of infrared and instagram photography. National Library Week was first sponsored in 1958 and is celebrated by the American Library Association and other libraries across the United States during the month of April. For more information, contact Collier Library at 256-765-4669 or 256-765-4467.