Final Program

Our final program was held on Monday, October 25.  We welcomed Dr. Donna Winchell, Chuck McDonnell, and Lisa Martin to discuss the book and its importance in American literature.  The discussion by these panelists was very interesting.  Our lunch, prepared by the library staff, was also outstanding.

Thanks to all for making this year's One Book One College series a success.  And, remember, if you didn't get a chance to read The Color Purple, it's not too late.  Stop by the library and check out a copy today.  You might like it.

Last Program on Monday, October 25

Please join us in the library on Monday, October 25 at 12:45 pm for a discussion of The Color Purple.  Dr. Donna Winchell, retired Clemson University English professor and Alice Walker scholar, will join Chuck McDonnell and Lisa Martin of PTC's English department.

After the program, a Southern dinner will be served.  So, come one, come all! 

We wore purple!

I saw a number of PTC faculty/staff members--and even several students--wearing purple yesterday.  This was a great way to draw attention to the importance of reading books.

Here's a shot taken in the library:

Mary Lou and Cindy discuss their favorite book. 

Wear purple tomorrow, October 21.

PTC faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to wear purple tomorrow in support of One Book One College and reading in general.  So, let's celebrate The Color Purple and show our love of books and reading!

Photo Exhibit

Our drop-in today went very well.  Here a few snaps taken right after it ended.  The photographs will remain on display in the Library for the rest of the month, so if you missed them today, please come by any time and take a look.  The student photographers did an outstanding job, and we're grateful for their contributions.

Join us today!

Please join us in the Library for refreshments from 12:45 pm until 1:30 pm today, October 20.  Photographs by PTC students will be on display.  After reading the book, the students took pictures inspired by what they read.  This book has so many important themes, and I think the students captured the spirit of the book very well in their works.

So, stop by, take a break, have a bite to eat, and enjoy the pictures!

Alice Walker's Childhood Home

Here's a snapshot of the house Alice Walker grew up in a few miles out from Eatonton, Georgia.  The house she was born in has been torn down ( a victim of upscale development), but her family's church and its cemetery are still intact and visible from the road.

Eatonton is an interesting little town.  Not only was Walker born there, but Joel Chandler Harris grew up in this town, as well.  And -- only about twenty miles down the road is Milledgeville, the birthplace and home of Flannery O'Connor.  Middle Georgia did well!

Domestic Violence in The Color Purple

The book is full of references to domestic violence, and one of the overriding themes in the book is the power of human perseverance in overcoming abuse and rising above difficult circumstances.  Here are a few quotes from the book regarding violence against women.  All of the quotes are from the main character, Celie.

“Well how you spect to make her mind? Wives is like children. You have to let ‘em know who got the upper hand. Nothing can do that better than a good sound beating.”

 “Harpo ast his daddy why he beat me. Mr._______ say, ... Cause she my wife. Plus, she stubborn. All women good for—he don’t finish. He just tuck his chin over the paper like he do. Remind me of Pa.”

“He beat me today cause he say I winked at ... a boy in church. I may have got somethin in my eye but I didn’t wink. I don’t even look at mens.”

Wednesday's Program

We had a really good turnout of students and staff for our program on domestic violence.  Heather Bennett of Meg's House did an outstanding job in her presentation, and we're very grateful for her participation.

Here are a few snapshots from the event.

Alice Walker Quote

"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any."

Program Today - Wednesday, October 13

Please join us today in the Library for our first program in the One Book One College series.  Heather Bennett of Meg's House will be joining us.  October is not only National Book Month but is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  As you know if you've read The Color Purple, domestic violence is a recurring and important theme in the book.  It is also, obviously, an important issue in our community.

The program will take place from 12:45 pm until 1:30 pm in the PTC Library.  Light refreshments will be served after a question-and-answer period.

Alice Walker link

Here's a link to some good information on Alice Walker and her writings.  The Color Purple is, of course, discussed.  There is also an interview with her. Films on Demand is available to all PTC students via the library web site.  Take a look!

Films on Demand

What is One Book One College?

To coincide with National Book Month, all library programming in October will center around one book.  Each of these programs will emphasize a theme, or themes, from our chosen book, The Color Purple.  The library book club will also read the selection, and students in several English classes are reading the book, as well.

One Book One College programming has been successfully implemented in public and college libraries across the nation for several years, and this is the third year that the PTC Library has participated in this initiative.  This project is intended to foster an interest in reading and to build a sense of kinship among our students, faculty, staff, and the community at large.  It also focuses attention on the library as a meeting place for sharing ideas and coming together as one college and one community.

Please join us each week in October for One Book One College and spread the word to all of our students!

Welcome!

PTC's One Book One College series is about to get underway again.  Please check out our calendar of events for the entire month of October.  And -- start reading The Color Purple!