An Art Show, A Conference Room and Border Crossings

This room is in the building where I first met Charles Novacek in 1996 —  Cromaine District Library where I was the library director for 21 years. We had spoken on the phone, but virtually didn’t know each other. One morning Charles surprised me and drove  60 miles from downtown Detroit to meet me in person at the library. I took him on a tour of the facility and ended up in the library conference room. It was here that he revealed his reasons for seeking me out.  But, this discussion must be the topic of another blog post!

Charles’ art show “Border Crossings Revisited” opens tomorrow night May 9, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.in that same conference room with a fundraiser for the Friends of Cromaine Library.  The room hasn’t changed too much. New paint. New carpeting. But, sadly no Charles, but of course he lives on through his art, his writing, and in my heart.

I will be speaking about Charles’ art work and book, Border Crossings: Coming of Age in the Czech Resistance. A menu of Czech foods from appetizers to soups to desserts and non-alcoholic beverages (sorry, no Czech beer) will be offered. Bayanina, an Eastern European accordionist will entertain as guests enjoy the exhibit and a book signing. Many old friends and staff members will be there.

Tickets for the evening are $35. For details contact the library at 313.632.5200 of Czech out their Facebook page and/or website. Thanks to the library staff and Friends for sponsoring this event! The art show runs through June 6, 2014 during library hours.

This is a wonderful tribute to Charles and investment in the Friends of Cromaine Library (founded in 1976 when I was library director) who single-handedly manage donations of many thousands of used books and media each year turning discards into summer music, scholars, performers, free NEW books, and much more.

Please join us if you can!