Sound Off

We'll soon be announcing the details of our quarterly Public Affairs Seminar. We've set up a separate Web log over at http://VolunteerHoosier.blogspot.com where we'll be gathering ideas and suggestions on this quarter's topic.

We've tentatively scheduled the event for Wednesday, March 2, at 7 p.m. We'll have a panel of area residents prepared to discuss (and perhaps debate) the chosen topic, but as we approach the date I'll be inviting our patrons to contribute questions and comments on the topic. One component of the quarterly seminars will be an essay contest for students; I hope those of you who are teachers will help us spread the word on that part of the seminars.

In the meantime, let me invite you to take part in the far less formal Sound Off on Monday nights at 7. Each week, we'll take a topic suggested by a patron dealing with some public matter - like home schooling or the atrocious public support for elementary school libraries or America's role in the world - and jawbone it, trying to tie it in with current or classic non-fiction or novels.

Come on down, starting next Monday, Jan. 10.