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 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:
Growing Ester's Biodiversity: seed library program 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:
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