From authors like Maggie Tokuda-Hall who discusses issues about banned books, to Alan Miller whose poetry explores the gay Black experience, to world-renowned authors like Gene Luen Yang, the Berkeley High School library is buzzing with author talks. These vibrant talks foster a love for reading, and a sense of community. These events must continue, while also becoming more accessible to students.
Allyson Bogie, BHS librarian said, “I think hearing authors speak about their work just really can deepen your understanding of the books.” Bogie, and fellow librarian Meredith Irby organize all author talks at BHS. Bogie and Irby collaborate with bookstores, and use spaces such as the community theater, the little theater, and of course, the library.
Just recently, author Carla Trujillo came to the BHS library to present her story, covering stories about gender and sexuality. Her first book, “What Night Brings” examines the cultural contradictions regarding Chicana lesbianism. For this book, students who are in the LGBTQIA+ community, or students who wish to learn more, can gain insight on her experiences and garner knowledge to apply to their own life.
Author talks are specifically beneficial for BHS students who are interested in writing. “A couple of my friends like writing, and they liked the author talks because it helped give them ideas and showed them how you can actually become a writer,” said sophomore Naomi Chambers. For students who aspire to be authors, talks can help students gain a better understanding of the process of becoming an author.
Additionally, less than 20 percent of teens read books regularly, while 80 percent use social media every day. With the increased use of social media, teens must continue to read books. “After I've seen an author speak, I'm much more likely to pursue their books,” Boogie said. These book talks can bring teens a greater understanding of a book, and help students at BHS feel more involved in these books, hopefully leading them to read more.
Nevertheless, some might say students at BHS are too busy to come to these book talks, as many of them are either after school or during class time. To make author talks more accessible to students, class time should be set aside to attend these events, specifically if they relate to the curriculum. In order to boost participation and engagement, teachers should actively be promoting book talks by putting up fliers in their rooms or making announcements. When Gene Luen Yang came to talk at BHS, freshman students were permitted to leave their sixth period classes to hear him talk about his book. One of his books was included in the Universal 9th Grade English curriculum that year. “It was great, seeing an author talk about their book, ” said Chambers when asked about the Gene Luen Yang author talk.
All in all, author talks are essential here at BHS. With a wide variety of books and topics, students can learn countless things from these figures. Whether students are interested in a book, want to hone in on their writing skills, or see themselves reflected in a storyline, author talks offer many benefits. Additionally, BHS should make these events more accessible to students, and integrate them into literature classes. Active events such as these offer a refreshing and educational alternative to traditional class time.