May 31, 2008 08:52:00 PM
By Robert LaHue/Appeal-Democrat
A special grant project offered through the Sutter County Library this summer will have area teens using digital media to take a closer look at the world around them.
Sutter County was one of 21 libraries statewide to receive the grant for "How I See It: My Place" from the California Council for the Humanities.
"The kids I've talked to already are really interested in it," said James Ochsner, the library's services coordinator.
The 21 libraries will use a curriculum and equipment package developed and provided by the council, including digital cameras, printers and computers. They will also receive a $1,000 grant to cover additional program expenses.
This isn't the library's first time participating in the project. It was part of a five-library pilot project last year, Ochsner said. Libraries in Santa Monica, Fresno, Riverside and San Diego participated as well.
According to the council's Web site, local students last summer "focused on photographing the good and bad aspects of life in their town" and produced a PowerPoint presentation on what they learned.
This year, the project is based on the work of Harvard University landscape historian John Stilgoe, particularly his book "Outside Lies Magic," which discusses exploring the everyday world.
"This time, all the libraries are doing similar ideas of just exploration," Ochsner said.
The 10-week project starts June 16.
Ochsner said the teens will be showing how they are looking at the world differently in photos, demonstrating "the idea of the layering, transformation, mystery and serendipity" taking place in the landscape. This would include things such as buildings being constructed or houses that have been remodeled several times.
Ideally, 10 to 15 students will participate in the project, Ochsner said.
"If we don't get 10, that's all right," he said. "If we get more than 15, we'd do everything we can to have as many kids as possible."
Ochsner said interested students can come to the library at 750 Forbes Ave., Yuba City. Some information is available at the branches in Sutter and Live Oak, but students will need to come to the Yuba City branch at least once a week.
"I'd like to have them see their community; more of an ownership of their community," Ochsner said of the project's goals. "And at the same time learn some skills that will help them."
Contact Appeal-Democrat reporter Robert LaHue at 749-4713 or rlahue@appealdemocrat.com
# # #