Barstow Community College (BCC) is proud to announce the successful launch of Barstow Reads, a groundbreaking community project aimed at fostering literacy, engagement, and dialogue across the High Desert region. Made possible through the generous support of the Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) grant, amounting to $50,000, Barstow Reads is set to become an annual event enriching the cultural and intellectual fabric of our community.
Initiative Leadership and Goals
Led by BCC Professor of English and Guided Pathway Lead, Susan Nylander, and with widespread support from across the College, Barstow Reads aims to ignite conversations around pertinent themes of place, identity, ethnicity, and belonging. At the heart of this initiative is the selection of Tommy Orange's seminal work, "There There," a powerful narrative resonating deeply with the diverse indigenous and multicultural tapestry of our region.
Community Engagement and Outreach
The journey of Barstow Reads commenced with the establishment of a dedicated Steering Committee in September 2023, spearheaded by Professor Nylander. Throughout the fall 2023 semester, concerted efforts were made to ensure widespread accessibility to Orange's work. Copies of "There There" were distributed at no cost through various channels, including giveaways at the BCC Library and targeted outreach to key community stakeholders.
Professor Nylander’s outreach extended beyond the college campus, with engagements at the Barstow Optimist Club, Barstow City Council, and the Barstow Chamber of Commerce. The overwhelming enthusiasm and support from these interactions underscored the community's eagerness to embrace this literary endeavor.
Events and Activities
As the initiative gained momentum, a series of engaging events and activities were rolled out, including faculty Lunch and Learn sessions, community lunches, and the much anticipated Share Your Story Video Contest, generously supported by the Brown Family Gift. These initiatives not only promoted literacy but also provided platforms for individuals to creatively engage with the themes of Orange’s work.
Highlight Event with Tommy Orange
The pinnacle of Barstow Reads was reached on May 3, 2024, with a special event featuring acclaimed author Tommy Orange. Attendees were treated to an enriching conversation with the author, followed by a book signing session. The event witnessed a remarkable turnout, with participants hailing from diverse backgrounds, including students, community members, and BCC faculty and staff.
Positive Impact and Future Plans
The resounding success of Barstow Reads has reaffirmed the importance of fostering a culture of literacy and dialogue within our community. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a desire for more such events in the future. As we reflect on this inaugural edition, we look forward to building upon this foundation and establishing Barstow Reads as a cornerstone of our community’s intellectual and cultural landscape for years to come.
Barstow Community College extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) grant for their generous support, as well as to all individuals and organizations who contributed to the success of Barstow Reads. Together, we embark on a journey of discovery, learning, and community building, united by the transformative power of literature.
For more information on upcoming events and initiatives, visit the Barstow Community College website at https://www.barstow.edu/academics/barstow-reads, or contact Professor Susan Nylander at snylander@barstow.edu.
Join us as we continue to celebrate the joy of reading and the boundless possibilities of community engagement through Barstow Reads!
Media Contact: Amanda Simpson Director, Public Relations, Communications, and Marketing Barstow Community College asimpson@barstow.edu
