Ready, Steady, Vote! Fall Program Series

Could your election season use a little non-partisan entertainment? If so, then plan to join the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies for Ready, Steady, Vote! a program series focused on getting citizens in the mood for the 2012 election season.

A combination of film screenings, community forums, debate watch events, and stump speeches, Ready, Steady, Vote! is free and open to the public. All events will take place on the 2nd floor exhibit level in the new Richard B. Russell Building for Special Collections Libraries, Georgia’s newest cultural destination. Dates and short descriptions for individual events are listed below. For more information, please contact Jan Levinson at russlib@uga.edu or call (706) 542-5788. 

Free event parking available in the Hull Street Parking Deck. For more information visit:
http://www.libs.uga.edu/scl/visit/parking.html 

To learn more about the Richard B. Russell Library, visit:
http://www.libs.uga.edu/russell

Thursday, September 6, 2012, 6:30PM-9:00PM
Film Screening, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
Auditorium, Room 271, Richard B. Russell Building for Special Collections Libraries

Doors will open at 6:30PM for light refreshments. The program will begin at 7:00PM with brief introductions from Dr. John Inscoe, Albert B. Saye Professor of History at the University of Georgia. Film run time: 129 minutes. 

Tuesday, September 11, 2012, 5:30PM-7:00PM
Community Forum, Topic: America’s Role in the World
Large Event Space, Room 285, Richard B. Russell Building for Special Collections Libraries

What does “national security” mean in the 21st century? And how do we, as citizens of the United States, think our elected leaders should go about securing our nation? Join us for this deliberative discussion where we weigh the benefits and tradeoffs of three approaches to this issue using an NIF issue guide.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012, 5:30-7:00PM
Community Forum, Topic: Economic Security: How Should We Take Charge of Our Future?
Large Event Space, Room 285, Richard B. Russell Building for Special Collections Libraries

As the nation slowly recovers from its worst recession in decades, it is a good time to ask how we can best take charge of the future, so families can feel reasonably secure, parents can help their children prosper, and everyone can move toward a financially stable retirement. Join us for this deliberative discussion where we weigh the benefits and tradeoffs of three approaches to this issue using an NIF issue guide.

Tuesday, September 25th, 2012, 5:30-7:00PM
Community Forum, Topic: Immigration in America: How Do We Fix a System in Crisis?
Large Event Space, Room 285, Richard B. Russell Building for Special Collections Libraries

Most Americans agree that our immigration system needs an overhaul. Tackling the immigration issue requires that we take a fresh look at it and get beyond the polarized debates that too often divide the country rather than bringing it together. Our challenge today is to build a system that reflects our essential values as a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants. Join us for this deliberative discussion where we weigh the benefits and tradeoffs of three approaches to this issue using an NIF issue guide.

Thursday, October 11, 2012, 6:30PM-9:00PM
Film Screening, The Contender (2000)
Auditorium, Room 271, Richard B. Russell Building for Special Collections Libraries

Doors will open at 6:30PM for light refreshments. The program will begin at 7:00PM with brief introductions. Film run time: 126 minutes. 

Tuesday, October 16, 2012, 8:00-10:30PM
Presidential Debate Watch
Auditorium, Room 271, Richard B. Russell Building for Special Collections Libraries

Witness history in the making! Visitors will gather to watch the candidates go toe-to-toe on the big screen. Dr. Jamie Carson, Associate Professor of Political Science at The University of Georgia, will introduce the town-hall style debate and facilitate discussion.

Thursday, November 1, 2012, 6:30PM-9:00PM
Film Screening, The Candidate (1972)
Auditorium, Room 271, Richard B. Russell Building for Special Collections Libraries

Doors will open at 6:30PM for light refreshments. The program will begin at 7:00PM with brief introductions from Dr. Brian Drake, Professor of History at the University of Georgia.
Film run time: 110 minutes.

Monday, November 5, 2012, 5:30-7:00PM
Art Opening and Reception, "Doors"
Richard B. Russell Library Exhibit Gallery, 2nd Floor, Richard B. Russell Building for Special Collections Libraries

In 2011, the Russell Library commissioned acclaimed painter Art Rosenbaum to create a mural in its new gallery space. The result, titled “Doors", traces Georgia’s modern political history from 1900 through the present and depicts many of the major figures and events that shaped the state. This reception will serve as an opportunity to dedicate the finished mural, with commentary from Art Rosenbaum and Russell Library staff. 

Tuesday, November 6, 2012, 12:00-2:00PM
On the Stump! Classic Campaign Speeches
from the Demosthenian Society
Richard B. Russell Library Exhibit Gallery, Richard B. Russell Building for Special Collections Libraries

Members of UGA's Demosthenian Literary Society will re-enact classic campaign speeches in the Russell Library Exhibit Gallery, atop the mighty stump inlaid in the lobby floor.