Russian Fire-Bird Festival at the Chuchr of All Saints

September 13 I have participated in the Russian festival “Fire-Bird” organized by the Russian Orthodox Church of All Saints. It was the very first such festival and it attracted many Russians as well as many English speakers. I brought books (both for kids and adults) on Russian history, culture and Russian Orthodox Church. And I was able to check out quite a few of them – especially children’s books. I also issued library cards to people from Colorado Springs who did not know they could have ALD cards and check out books from GL. They were very happy to learn that we have a large collection of Russian books which included a good portion of kids’ books, audio-books and DVDs. I also explained to some people who came to the festival from Nebraska (!) how to get Russian books through interlibrary loan. I was surprised at how few people realized they could get our books no matter where they lived! Besides book I brought to the festival ALD handout materials (Deweys, information on the computer classes, Construction Party fliers, etc). And it was really handy, because many people came and ask for this information. In general I am glad I came to this festival: I got acquainted with Father Boris (the priest) and with many other people from the parish (both Russian- and English-speaking) who were either unaware of the Russian collection at ALD at all or were not aware of its size and versatility. I saw many familiar faces of adoptive parents and kids from the REECA camp and I was asked many times whether when we move to the new library we are going to have Russian classes or study groups. Concerning study groups: this question was mainly asked by English speakers who converted into Russian Orthodox faith and who would like to learn Russian and/or practice their language skills.