November 10, 2005. The U.S. Consulate General and the Frankfurt City Library invited some 50 students of the Friedrich-Dessauer-Gymnasium to the inauguration of their America@yourlibrary partnership that officially sealed their successful cooperation on November 10 at the Höchst library branch. Public Affairs Officer Scott Rauland symbolically presented a check and emphasized in his remarks the historical legacy of Amerika Häuser and their libraries for Germany. He said the U.S. looks forward to continuing America's engagement with the German public through partnerships like this that will hopefully attract students not only to books but also to digital video conferences or web chats with notable Americans. Besides, he highlighted the state department's new web project competition "Doors to Diplomacy" for high school kids around the world and encouraged the German students to participate.
City Library Director Dr. Sabine Homilius welcomed the opportunity to provide Frankfurt's students with a broad selection of books on American culture and society.
The English Theatre Frankfurt, the continent's largest English-language theatre, contributed the most entertaining and fun part to the event: Tiger Reel and his cast of the Knightsbridge Theatre in Los Angeles performed a short section of their "Complete History of America" play and even included the excited students in their show.
The America@yourlibrary initiative will provide financial support, books and other information material to selected libraries in order to respond to local information needs on the United States, especially the needs and interests of young people. In addition, the U.S. Mission to Germany will work in partnership with libraries to develop workshops, readings and other cultural programs about the United States.
Photos: Rainer Arnold, U.S. Consulate General
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