Special Collections Division the University of Texas at Arlington Libraries Vol. XI * No. 1 * Spring 1997

Friends Offer Diverse Programs in 1996-97
by Gerald D. Saxon

Since the last issue of The Compass Rose, the Friends of the UTA Libraries have been busy sponsoring programs and planning their annual business meeting and elections.

On December 13, 1996, the Friends hosted their annual holiday program. The Friends' special guest this year was Jeff Guinn, Fort Worth Star-Telegram journalist and author of the delightful book The Autobiography of Santa Claus: It's Better to Give. Guinn discussed how he came to write the book and then read passages from it. The book includes twenty-four chapters (one for each of the nights in December before Christmas), and each reveals little known facts about Christmas and how Santa Claus has affected our lives. The stories are heartwarming and ideal for the holidays.

After his reading, Guinn autographed copies of the book, which the Friends sold fast and furiously! Also, Guinn brought copies of the audio version of the book and, in the spirit of the season, donated half of the proceeds from its sale to the Friends. Both before and after his reading, the Friends and their guests were entertained with Christmas carols sung by the UTA Quartet, a group of talented choral students. More than 145 people attended the event and rang in the holidays in true FRIENDS STYLE!

In February the Friends sponsored a program to commemorate Black History Month. On February 21st, Dr. George Wright, UTA provost and noted historian of books on African-American history, discussed "Race Relations: A Personal and Historical Perspective." Wright grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, and has authored several books on the African-American experience in his home state, including A History of Blacks in Kentucky: In Pursuit of Equality, 1890-1980, Volume II (1992); Racial Violence in Kentucky, 1865-1940: Lynchings, Mob Rule, and "Legal Lynchings" (1990); and Life Behind a Veil: Blacks in Louisville, Kentucky, 1865-1930 (1985).

In his talk to the Friends, Wright skillfully blended anecdotes from his personal history with the information he has gleaned through his extensive research to discuss the impact that race has had on him personally and on society in general. He also revealed his strong desire as a young man to devote his professional career to studying the black experience in the U.S. After a question and answer session, the Friends hosted a reception in Wright's honor.

A picture of the car of Bonnie and Clyde from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection used as the cover of the invitation to the Friends April meeting.

As this issue of The Compass Rose is going to press, the Friends are preparing for the last program of the year, which also happens to be the business meeting and annual election. Scheduled for April 18th, the program will feature a presentation by Dr. E. R. Milner, author of the new book The Lives and Times of Bonnie and Clyde. The book has received glowing reviews, with many reviewers calling it the best book to date recounting the violent history of the notorious couple. Also, Friends President Connie Campbell will soon be appointing a Nominating Committee so that there will be a full slate of candidates to consider at the business meeting in April.

For those interested in more information about the Friends, please call Betty Wood at (817) 272-3393 or write Friends of the UTA Libraries, Box 19497, UTA, Arlington, TX, 76019-0497.

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