National Library Week Dean’s Lecture, April 2006

Richard Wood, Dean of the Libraries

Following the completion of the library construction project in 2003, the University Library has had the opportunity and resources to establish new programs during National Library Week (NLW). During NLW 2006, on April 6th at 7:00 p.m., I am very pleased to announce an outstanding Dean’s Lecture by Dr. Sue Walker and Dennis Holt in the Auditorium. “In the Realm of Rivers: Alabama’s Mobile-Tensaw Delta.” is the title of the program, as well as their book, published in 2005 by NewSouth Books.

The text of their “coffee table” book was written by Dr. Sue Walker, chair of USA’s English Department and Alabama's (10th) Poet Laureate. Acclaimed nature photographer, Dennis Holt, combined extraordinary images with Walker’s prose, poetry and non-fiction narrative. The foreword of their book was written by Edward O. Wilson, another Alabama native, who has won two Pulitzers, numerous other awards, and is internationally known as the “father of biodiversity.”

Dr. Walker colorfully will describe what she has learned about the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. To write the book, she did extensive research and interviewed not only scientists, environmentalists, historians, preservationists, and conservationists, but also hunters, fishermen, and industrial workers. While she presents the story behind the book, Dennis Holt will wow the audience with his many spectacular and sweeping photographic images of the landscapes that range from gnarled cypress knees to wildlife of all types. Holt’s photographs capture butterflies, turtles, bears, beavers, eagles, deer, and many other animals. His landscapes include river scenes, bald cypress trees, duck hunters, and boaters. Holt is the recipient of two television Emmys for wildlife cinematography. He has been collecting photographs of the delta for more than 25 years. He is the owner of Morning Light Gallery and Studio in Fairhope, Alabama.

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CONSERVING & ENJOYING
ALABAMA’S COASTAL RESOURCES

An exhibit featuring the art of nearly seventy 4th and 5th graders in Mobile and Baldwin County will be on display in the University Library’s third floor gallery through February 28. The students participated in an art contest sponsored by the Alabama Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The purpose was to promote an awareness and appreciation of Alabama’s coastal resources. 1739 students from 40 schools participated with their art works depicting fishing, marine life, birding, marine litter, and recreational uses for our coastal resources. Over seventy winning entries are included in this year’s display. A few 2006 calendars which feature the art are available in the gallery area. Click here to see participating schools.