WS Chronicle

New library official bringing creativity to Malloy/Jordan 

Triad Cultural Arts (TCA) wrapped up the official citywide Kwanzaa Celebration earlier this week as dozens of locals came together to celebrate the sixth principle; “Kuumba” or creativity.  (No programs were scheduled for the seventh principle, “Imani” or faith.)

During the celebration held at the newly renovated Central Library, the talent and creativity of the city was on full display. The North Carolina Black Reparatory Company (NCBRC) Teen Assemble and the Greater Vision Dance Company brought down the house with their performances, and Larry Barron, also known as L.B. The Poet, performed during the celebration as well.

But the fun didn’t stop there.

Instead of a traditional keynote address, Wright Adams, Forsyth County Public Library manager of outreach services, discussed several exciting initiatives coming to the Malloy/Jordan East Winston Library in the new year designed to promote Kuumba across the community.

Before relocating to Forsyth County last month, Adams served as the adult service manager for the Durham Public Library. While there, Adams was instrumental in opening Durham County’s first “maker space,” a do-it-yourself space where people can come together create, and learn.

Last year, The Chronicle featured an article on Alan Shelton, a local entrepreneur who will be opening a maker space near downtown later this month. Shelton mentioned that when complete, MIXXER will include laser cutters, soldering irons, 3-D printers, sewing machines and much more.

During his presentation on Sunday, Dec. 31, Adams said soon some of the same equipment will be available at the Malloy/Jordan branch, located on East Seventh Street. Adams mentioned that as soon as February, the branch will have a brand new 3-D printer.

“Some of the other programs include Lego Robotics, Girls Who Code and Guys Who Code for teens, and Python Programming,” Adams said. “Maker spaces can cover a lot of different things from making wind turbines to making craft soaps.”

Adams said the Malloy/Jordan branch is planning to have the 3-D printer operational by Feb. 12 and a program to build solar panels will be available in May.

And the best part is all of the programs will be free of charge.

Adams encouraged residents to visit the Forsyth County Public Library Website to see a full schedule of new programs and equipment coming to the branch.

“We are still working on putting everything together but it is on the horizons,” Adams said.

Before wrapping up the celebration, Kathryn Mobley was honored for her contributions to the community and display of Kuumba. Mobley, who has served as coordinator for the National Black Theatre Festival Film Fest since its inception, also is the city’s senior video producer. She also finds time to produce for the NCBRC.

Although she was unable to attend, Mobley delivered a message that she was proud to be honored the 2017 Kwanzaa celebration. Others recognized throughout the week include Ben Piggott, RaVonda Dalton-Rann, Owen Daniels, the Rev. Toure C. Marshall and Jerry Hanes.

On the final day of Kwanzaa (Monday, Jan. 1), set aside to celebrate the principle of Imani or faith, TCA encouraged families to come together to reaffirm the best of African-American traditions.

For a complete list of honorees and other information about the 2017 Kwanzaa celebration visit www.triadculturalarts.org.