Library Programs: 2007 - 2008

American Library celebrates African-American History Month and Women’s History Month in Madurai

As part of its “60 years of service in south India” celebrations, the American Library organized a Traveling Exhibition in Madurai from February 26-28, 2008 co-sponsored by Lady Doak College.  The two-day exhibition attracted nearly 2500 students, academics, government officials, media representatives and legal professionals, from in and around Madurai.  The exhibition included book displays, film screenings, discussions and lectures on a variety of topics.  The overall theme of the event was a celebration of both African-American History Month and Women’s History Month.  The exhibition was inaugurated by Mr. S.S. Jawahar, I.A.S., District Collector of Madurai on February 26th.  Recalling his association with the American Library during his student days in Chennai, Mr. Jawahar urged students to make use of such libraries to enhance knowledge.  Highlighting the importance of reading and libraries, he also noted that “A great library contains the diary of humanity.”  In his welcome address, Mr. Wesley Robertson, Information Officer, U.S. Consulate General, Chennai, described  the resources offered by the American Library and explained how people from Madurai can make use of them.  Dr. Nirmala Jeyaraj, Principal of the College, thanked the American Consulate for choosing their college to hold such an event.  In addition to the American Library, the United States Educational Foundation in India (USEFI), displayed posters on higher education in the United States and the staff made presentations to students and faculty from several colleges in Madurai.

American Library Stall at Chennai Book Fair a Huge Success

Marking 60 years of service in south India, the Chennai American Library participated in the annual Chennai Book Fair, January 4-17, 2008.  The stall at the fair had a displayed a sample of books and journals as well as information about Library resources and services.  There was also a poster show and displays of SPAN and English Teaching Forum.  More than 700,000 people visited the book fair and over 8,000 people visited the Library stall.  Visitors were impressed with the many offerings of the American Library, which include more than 14,000 books, 140 scholarly journals, U.S. Government publications, think-tank reports, newspapers, movies and access to electronic databases.

Consulate Information Officer Wes Robertson remarked, “I am pleased with the great response we received at the Chennai Book Fair and hope we are able to make this an annual event.  Even if you were unable to attend the book fair, please come by and pay us a visit in the Library.”

Please remember to bring a valid and original photo identification which will enable easy access to the Consulate.  Acceptable IDs are passport, driver’s license, voter cards, Permanent Account Number (PAN) card, government employer issued ID, or college/university issued ID.

Library Information:

The American Library
United States Consulate General
Gemini Circle, Chennai 600 006
Telephone: 044-2857-4000
Fax: 044-2857-4307
chennairefdesk@state.gov
http://chennai.usconsulate.gov
Hours: 9:30 am to 5 pm
Monday through Friday
Online Catalog: http://americanlibrary.in.library.net

Chennai American Library Organizes An Open House At Loyola College To Begin Celebrations Of Its 60 Years Of Service In South India

From December 10-11, the Chennai American Library organized an Open House Exhibit at Loyola College, Chennai one of the leading institutions in Chennai -- to begin celebrations of its 60 years of service in south India.  The Library set up a book display, PowerPoint demonstrations on the resources and services of the Library and video showings with a back drop poster exhibit on Human Rights. The event included a discussion and quiz program on the upcoming 2008 U.S. Elections.  During the inauguration, the Principal of the College Fr. Albert Muthumalai, and Mr. Wesley Robertson, Information Officer, urged students and faculty to make use of the wide ranging resources of the American Library.

U.S. Scientist On Climate Change Interacts With Local Experts In Chennai

On November 16, 2007, the Chennai American Library hosted a roundtable on Climate Change: Trends, Impacts and Possible Actions, at the U.S. Consulate General.  Dr. V. Ramaswamy, Professor, NOAA/Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, Princeton University, moderated the discussion.  More than 40 academics, senior government officials, NGO representatives, journalists and students participated in the discussion. During his initial presentation Dr. Ramaswamy detailed the major factors and issues concerning climate change.  This was followed by a vibrant discussion on the increase in global mean temperature, emission scenarios, policy issues, awareness creation among general public, networking and sharing of data and U.S. efforts towards addressing climate change.  The group unanimously called for greater interaction between the scientific community and policy makers to address climate change.  According to Dr. Ramaswamy “The only way to get at good policy is to provide good science.”

School Focuses on Environment for United Nations Day

On October 26, 2007, Public Affairs Officer Fred Kaplan was the Chief Guest at the Environment Exhibition and United Nations Day celebrations organized by the Vidyodaya Matriculation Higher Secondary Academy, Chennai.  Addressing more than 1000 children, teachers and parents, he spoke on climate change and the significant role of the United Nations in dealing with environmental issues.  He told the students, “Your environmental exhibits and your study of the UN system show that you are preparing for the future.  By educating yourselves about the planet and about international politics, you will be in a better position to safeguard the environment for yourselves and for future generations.”  He distributed prizes to essay competition winners and inaugurated the students’ environment exhibition.

Local School Students Learn About Global Warming

On October 19, 2007, the Chennai American Library arranged a screening of an Inconvenient Truth” for more than 700 students and teachers from the Vidyodya Matriculation Higher Secondary Academy in Chennai. Introducing the film, Information Officer Wesley Robertson spoke on global warming, the U.S. government’ position on the issue and the duty of each individual to preserve the environment for future generations.  “While governments can and will have a big impact on the environment, it is up to all of us to work together to be responsible caretakers of the world we live in.”