An interview with Rebekah Manley, coordinator of the Texas Center for the Book.<\/p>\n

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\nRebekah Manley says she notices and values the small details around her and enjoys gathering the tiny moments — but she’s doing big things at the Texas Center for the Book and has big plans. Lone Star Lit was able to catch Rebekah at the Texas Library Association Annual Conference in Austin and  then chat more via email. <\/em><\/p>\n

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Lone Star Literary Life: You run the Texas Center for the Book<\/span><\/a><\/u>, which sounds like a heavenly place to this book nerd. Please tell us about the center.<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Rebekah Manley<\/strong>: <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Oh, this is one of my favorite subjects! There is actually a Center for the Book in every state, and we are under the National Center for the Book at the Library of Congress. Established in 1984, we seek to stimulate public interest in books, reading, literacy, and libraries. We get to build partnerships with library professionals, educators, authors, publishers, and booksellers who share a mission to promote a love of literature and reading. Heavenly is pretty accurate.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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The Texas Center for the Book<\/span> is under the direction of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/u> (TSLAC). My team at TSLAC is incredible. There is no way I could do my job without their support. <\/span><\/span>Our agency\u2019s downtown location is at Lorenzo De Zavala State Archives and Library Building<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/u> in Austin, Texas. We now have a physical Center for the Book\u2014it\u2019s small but mighty. I\u2019m seeking to emulate the Young Readers Center at the Library of Congress. However, we will focus on Texas-authored books. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

One of the coolest parts of my job is getting to go to the Library of Congress twice a year for collaboration with the other coordinators\/directors of the state centers. I learn so much from my colleagues. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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How did this job land on your radar? What is your position with the organization? What programs are you responsible for?<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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I was at a librarian happy hour and met the prior communications officer, Stephen Siwinski, at the TSLAC. Later, he found me on Facebook and sent me the job description. As soon as I opened it, I knew there was no going back. This was the job for me. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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I\u2019m the coordinator and the only Texas Center for the Book employee. However, we have an amazing communications team in the executive office at TSLAC. They support me as I run the TCFB by directing some core initiatives. Those include the Texas Authors Celebration, <\/strong>which kicks off the Texas Book Festival the Thursday before the weekend festival, where we host our Texas Great Read author and showcase the Texas Center for the Book Literacy Award recipients; the Texas Center for the Book Literacy Award<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/u>, which<\/span> honors qualified nonprofit organizations that have made outstanding contributions to increasing literacy in Texas; the Texas Great Read<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/u> <\/strong><\/span>for which TSLAC<\/span> <\/strong><\/span>and the CFB choose a work by a Texas Author to represent the rich cultural identity of the Lone Star State; Letters About Literature<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/u>, which is<\/span> <\/strong><\/span>a reading and writing contest for students in grades four through twelve; Read Across Texas<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/u>; <\/strong><\/span>the <\/span>Little Free Library Continued Partnership<\/span><\/a><\/u> <\/strong>in which we encourage the spread of Little Free Libraries across Texas; and Lone Star D\u00eda<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/u> <\/strong>Awareness, <\/strong>which is a year-long, multicultural celebration that links children and families to books.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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This year\u2019s Read Across Texas theme is \u201cKnow Your Neighbor: Cultivating Communities of Compassion.\u201d Why was this theme chosen for 2019, and which books are featured this year? How can organizations take part? <\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Read Across Texas<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/strong> <\/span><\/em>is <\/span><\/em>our biannual Statewide Read program which encourages communities to engage in challenging, insightful, and transformative conversations. <\/span><\/span>In 2017, we launched our first Read Across Texas: The Veteran Experience. Those <\/span><\/span>resources<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/u> remain available online. As we brainstormed our theme for the next program, I knew I wanted compassion to be at the heart of the discussion; I just didn\u2019t know how. The goal of this program isn\u2019t to force anything on anyone. However, this seems to be a time where we could really use the chance to know our neighbors and empathize with them. We put out a survey for books from trusted book lovers and librarians and mulled over the titles for a long time. It was important that we chose four different books that could speak to the subject and engage Texans from all over the state. Ultimately we chose <\/span><\/span><\/span>four suggested reads<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/strong> <\/span>that approach this subject from multiple angles.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Essentially, we are trying to give Texas libraries and organizations a ready-made toolkit to have discussions on the theme. Organizations are invited to utilize all our evergreen resources<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/u> and register<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/u> their program so we can put it on the map<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/u>. Each Read Across Texas, we have a limited number of books we are able to provide in support of programs. This year, due to the generosity of the Friends of the Libraries & Archives of Texas<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/u>, we were able to administer close to sixty book grants to libraries and nonprofits across Texas. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>If anyone has theme ideas for the 2021 Read Across Texas, they can email me at <\/span><\/span>TCFB@tsl.texas.gov<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/u>. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Please tell us about the Texas Great Read, and what is the book for 2019? How is each year\u2019s read chosen?<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Each year, states are asked to highlight a book representative of the region\u2019s literary landscape at the National Book Festival. We look for incredible stories that are rich in Texas characters, setting, or both. We make that our book for the year and create materials to distribute statewide at festivals, the Texas Library Association Conference, and at the Library of Congress National Book Festival. As you might remember, the Texas Center for the Book chose Shame the Stars<\/em> by Guadalupe Garc\u00eda McCall (2018), News of the World<\/em> by Paulette Jiles (2017,) and Wish Girl<\/em> by Nikki Loftin (2016). <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>I\u2019m excited to share that we haven\u2019t chose our book yet and are still gathering title suggestions. Our survey is open<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/u><\/span><\/span> until Memorial Day<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/u>, and we would value Lone Star Literary Life readers\u2019 input.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Lone Star Literary Life has partnered with the Texas Center for the Book to work towards identifying Texas candidates and certifying them as American Library Association Literary Landmarks\u2122.  Can you share with readers about the Literary Landmarks\u2122 program? How many Literary Landmarks\u2122 does Texas have now?<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Many of the other state centers have a focus on literary heritage as well. That is something I would like to see grow with the TCFB. We are so pleased to partner with Lone Star Literary Life to help make this happen by identifying and establishing more Literary Landmarks\u2122 in Texas. As there are only five landmarks<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/u> established in our state, I\u2019m still learning more about them. Originally, in 1982, the <\/em>Literary Landmarks Association was founded by a former Friends of the Library USA (FOLUSA) president, Frederick G. Ruffner, to encourage the dedication of historic literary sites. In 1989, the Literary Landmarks project became an official FOLUSA committee. Literary Landmarks\u2122 continues with United for Libraries, the division of ALA created by the joining of FOLUSA and American Land Title Association (ALTA).
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The Texas Center for the Book is housed in a certified Literary Landmark\u2122, the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building. What are your plans for certifying more Literary Landmarks\u2122 in Texas? How can the reading public help?<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Designating a Literary Landmark takes some time and financial resources. It\u2019s important to note that if a landmark is focusing on a particular author, that author can no longer be living. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>It\u2019s our hope to identify and establish one a year. I know we have a ton in Texas that deserve to be recognized. If readers have ideas for locations, they can complete the survey<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/u> to bring it to our attention. We\u2019d love your ideas! And if you would like to donate funds to make this happen, you can do so by donating to the Friends of Libraries & Archives of Texas (FLAT) and <\/span>emailing me<\/span><\/a><\/strong> <\/span>so I can let FLAT know that designation. Once we have the funding and sites that qualify for this award, there is a list of procedures<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/u> to become official. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Were you bookish from a young age? Did you always want to work in the book world?<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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When my twin sister and I were about six, we created the \u201cFrog Dog Library\u201d\u2014we only had those two rubber stamps and we wanted to make our collection visually official. We marked Post-it Notes with the title of the book, the frog and dog stamp, and \u201cN\u201d for names. On our favorite books we were sure to put multiple sticky notes, as we were sure those would fly off the shelves, and we\u2019d need ample space. When we opened our doors, we expected a standing-room-only situation. To date, my mom is our only known patron. It\u2019s sweet to see that she checked out as many titles as possible. I brought a sampling of the Frog Dog\u2019s collection to my interview for the Center for the Book, and they remain in my office.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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You have an MFA in children\u2019s literature. Please tell us about your own writing and why you chose children\u2019s literature?<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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While working for Carnival Cruise Lines out of college, I asked myself the question, \u201cWhat would I do if I could not fail?\u201d That answer was to write at a professional level. I have a distinct memory as a child of talking with adults and seeing them give that \u201cside glance\u201d to each other. The one that they think kids don\u2019t see. I decided, in that moment, that I was going to gather my kid experiences like treasures. That way, when I grew up, I would be able to relate to children and, hopefully, they would know that I understood. I hope that this transfers into my writing. Therefore, when I contemplated programs, I knew I wanted a program with an emphasis in children\u2019s literature, as I wanted to learn specifies genres like picture books, and I realized that literary education would \u201ctransfer up,\u201d so to speak. I was pleased to discover Hollins University had a high-residency children\u2019s lit program. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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You have a blog called \u201cBrave Tutu.\u201d Tell us more about that.  <\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Oh\u2014my other favorite subject! <\/span><\/span>Brave Tutu<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/u> is all about taking courage and delight in small moments. Each piece focuses on one small event in time, could be an encounter in an elevator or at the gym, and blows it up on the page with some introspection. They are really short and hopefully, readers feel more empowered in their everyday lives to connect with courage and the tiny treasures that surround us. I\u2019m absolutely accepting submissions and there is a <\/span><\/span>submissions page<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/u> on the site. My goal is to have more guest authors and shine lights on the talent of other artists.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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What\u2019s next?<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Well, I signed with an agent, and we are constantly working on projects. Maybe next time I\u2019ll be able to say more!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Lightning Round Questions: <\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

*Favorite book? <\/span><\/span><\/strong>As a kid, I related a lot to <\/span><\/span>Jillian Jiggs<\/span><\/span><\/em> by<\/span><\/span> Phoebe Gilman<\/span> <\/span> Still do. Creativity should always come before cleaning.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

*Number of books on your nightstand? (are they eBooks or print?) <\/span><\/span><\/strong>About six. I\u2019ve never gotten into eBooks. I do, however, love audio books.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

*Strange habit? <\/span><\/span><\/strong>I have a hard time throwing away plastic cups. I like to keep them and <\/span><\/span>re-use<\/span><\/span> them. They can take over.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

*Interesting writing ritual? <\/span><\/span><\/strong>I need at least an ice water and maybe a secondary and tertiary beverage close by to write well! Right now, I\u2019m really into fresh lime and bubble water.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

*Favorite quote? <\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u201c<\/span><\/span>Be who you are and say what you<\/span> <\/span>feel because those who mind don\u2019t matter and those who matter don\u2019t mind<\/span>.\u201d \u2013 Dr. Seuss<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

*Something interesting\/funny\/unique that few people know about you? <\/span><\/span><\/strong>I had an imaginary friend named DiDoDo. She looked just like my mom and had a child named Flower (that was me).<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

*Pet peeve?<\/span><\/span><\/strong> I hate to say it, but it irks me when people text with lowercase letters\u2014like \u201ci will cu later.\u201d <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

*Most underappreciated author\/hidden gem author? <\/span><\/span><\/strong>I\u2019m pretty excited for the career launch of <\/span><\/span>Lindsay Leslie<\/span><\/span><\/span>. Her debut picture book, <\/span><\/span><\/span>This Book Is Spineless,<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em> just came out and <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span>Nova the Star Eater<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em> <\/em>releases this month.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

*Team Oxford comma? <\/span><\/span><\/strong>Sans cussing, I seem to side with Vampire Weekend on that subject.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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