Good Sources: World Digital Library

The World Digital Library (WDL) has been officially launched today.

“The WDL makes it possible to discover, study, and enjoy cultural treasures from around the world on one site, in a variety of ways. These cultural treasures include, but are not limited to, manuscripts, maps, rare books, musical scores, recordings, films, prints, photographs, and architectural drawings.
Items on the WDL may easily be browsed by place, time, topic, type of item, and contributing institution, or can be located by an open-ended search, in several languages. Special features include interactive geographic clusters, a timeline, advanced image-viewing and interpretive capabilities. Item-level descriptions and interviews with curators about featured items provide additional information. (WDL)”

Main Site: http://www.wdl.org/en/
See also: World Digital Library Fact Sheet
See also: World Digital Library Preview Video
See also: WDL Wikipedia entry

Keep searching,
Librarian Carl

Without a DOUBT

Very few films I've seen (made in the last decade or so, at least) rightly deserve the adjective compelling. So many deliver either a skillfully-crafted plot or singular performances by a certain actor or an ensemble cast, but seldom does the combination of both cinematic aspects meld to form a truly amazing movie. Doubt, written and directed by John Patrick Shanley, delivers the exception to the rule, and the result is a miracle to behold.

I won't divulge many specifics because Doubt is a creature that must be experienced without much foreknowledge in order to be fully appreciated. The setting is a Roman Catholic grade school, St. Nicholas, located in the Bronx; the year is 1964. The protagonist is a Sister of Charity, S. Aloysius, who is the school's principal as well as the superior of the convent. Rev. Brendan Flynn is the curate (assistant priest) of St. Nicholas Church.

Suffice it to say the two are at odds over most everything--but usually in a subdued, intellectual manner. Sister Aloysius is stern and old-fashioned; Father Flynn is relaxed and progressive. Meryl Streep is unforgettable as the principal; one can scarcely imagine any other actress breathing such forceful life into the role. Ms. Streep can infuse the tiniest act--the raising of an eyebrow, a murmured "hmm"--with oceans of disdain and derision as no other actress today. Philip Seymour Hoffman, a character actor who has justifiably garnered a reputation for his considerable talent, delivers a nuanced performance as the priest.

Another great talent is the fresh-faced Amy Adams, who plays Sister James, a young nun who is neatly--and regrettably--thrust between the two leads and their duelling philosophies of education and spirituality.

This is a thinking film. Based on the play which Shanley wrote, it is incredibly dialogue-driven, but the pacing is impeccable. From the first syllable of Father Flynn's homily at the outset of the storyline the viewer is drawn in as the leads contend inexorably with one another until one of them proves victorious.

One of the many questions the viewer will come away with after watching is: Who won? And at what cost?

Anyone who has seen this movie will tell you: "I believed X"; the crux of the drama evolves from suspicion and self-defense on the part of the nun and the priest toward one another. The polarization of opinion should lead to intense discussion among viewers. Be assured this film will appeal to a wide audience; it is not solely fixated on the Catholic Church, although those familiar with Catholicism will perhaps comprehend more fully some of the themes and issues raised in the plot. At its core Doubt speaks to sweeping concepts applicable to everyone: faith and faithlessness, optimism and pessimism, mercy and justice, right and wrong.

A gross travesty of the 2009 Oscars was that this phenomenal piece didn't receive a single gold statue (it was, however, nominated for five of them).

The Main Library has added two copies of this DVD (released by Miramax on April 7) and I invite the reader to borrow a copy and examine the credibility of Doubt.

APRIL IS...

April is a month chock-full of various national observances; here is a sampling:

ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH

April is the month designated to carefully observe one's alcohol intake. And others', as well. Drink responsibly!

CELEBRATE DIVERSITY MONTH

We both embrace AND celebrate the wonder of diversity in a special way throughout the fourth month of the calendar year.

HUMOR MONTH

Laugh yourself silly as you celebrate National Humor Month this April :- ) Ha, HA HA, HA HA HA HA!!!

NATIONAL LAWN CARE MONTH

Get out there and mow that grass! Rip out those pesky dandelions! And make your neighbors GREEN with envy at your lushly manicured blades! April is National Lawn Care Month!

POETRY MONTH

Discover your inner bard while tackling iambic pentameter, or check out a book of poetry from our collection to help celebrate National Poetry Month.

NATIONAL GARDENING MONTH

With the economy still in a terrible state, many people are discovering the joy of cultivating their own food with backyard gardens. Whether edible or ornamental, plant something and watch it grow this April as we celebrate National Gardening Month! (full disclosure: it's really Landscape Architecture Month, but "Gardening Month" sounds better...)

NATIONAL PET MONTH

Walk your dog! Wash your rabbit! Or stare balefully at your goldfish! Do SOMETHING for your best non-human buddy, because April is NATIONAL PET MONTH! (kind of the same thing--April is really Pet First Aid Awareness Month, but that sounded slightly distressing to me...)