Schomburg: The Man Who Built A Library

Schomburg: The Man Who Built A Library

Juvenile biography
"Arturo Schomburg was more than a book lover, more than a
mailroom clerk at Banker's Trust, where he supervised eleven white
men, unheard-of-authority for a black man at that time. He learned
early on that history was not history unless it was complete from all
angles. Like a detective, he hunted for clues and found facts.
Affirming the role of African descendents in building nations and
shaping cultures."
Schomburg: The Man Who Built A Library is a must acquire for
school and public libraries. It's narrated in free verse by Carole
Boston Weatherford and illustrated in dynamic paintings by Eric
Velasquez, two giants of today's multicultural literature scene. It
introduces readers to Arturo Schomburg, a visionary who let nothing
get in the way of his mission: discovering and writing about the
contributions of blacks.
Schomburg was born in 1874 in Puerto Rico. In his early years
he spent time in a cigar factory. The workers paid him to occupy
their minds while they worked by reading. He became a big fan of
literacy. When he was in fifth grade his undoubtedly white teacher
dropped a bombshell. Blacks had no heroes to look up to, no history
to be proud of. Most kids in his situation would have been crushed.
He, however, was inspired to show the world whites weren't the only
ones who had a past worth celebrating.
Schomburg was only seventeen when he immigrated to America.
Although he had professional aspirations, he was unable to realize
them. His school records had been destroyed. He went to work for a
law firm as a clerk and messanger, studied English at night school,
and was active in politics.
Schomburg was anything but wealthy. Still the desire to unlock
the history of his people burned in him. Self described as having the
"book hunting disease," he became a habitué of rare book stores.
Fortunately many of the volumes he found were sold cheaply by whites
who did not recognize their worth. He became a respected participant
in the Harlem Renaissance and a writer, lecturer, and researcher.
Schomburg's collection grew by leaps and bounds until his wife
gave him an ultimatum. There were full bookcases all over their home--
even in the bathroom. A private collector made him a generous offer.
But he had other plans...
...Read the book to learn about them.
On a personal note, I've been asked how I'm doing. This time is
bittersweet. I take joy in Joey being in a good stretch thanks to
renewed appetite. But I know a cure is not going to happen.
No drugs are involved. I'm drinking even less than my modest usual.
The only addictive substances are books. My most wonderful resources
are the family members and friends who love Joey and me.
I sleep fine so far. Meals have become like the homework for a gen ed
class...not fun but ya gotta do it to pass. Decisions are confusing.
At Dunkin Donuts I went with jelly because I figured you can't go
wrong with jelly. Then telling the worker at Subway what to put on my
sandwich felt like advanced calculus.
I'm glad I have time between the semester and clean sweep to spend
with Joey and learn as much as I can about how to take the best care
of him.
A great big shout out goes out to the best little cat in the world.
jules hathaway




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