April 5, 2003 – Groucho Marx once said that he learned a lot when the television was on — because he went off to read a book.
Library supporters are inviting the public to follow his example in observance of national TV Turnoff Week — and to get some inspiration by gathering at the Enid M. Baa Library courtyard at 5:30 p.m. Monday to take part in a program called "Break Free From TV."
According to a release, the program will feature presentations by:
– Margaret Epps, on games that she learned from children in Lesotho when she was a Peace Corp teacher there.
– Hollis Liverpool, Trinidad's renowned calypsonian "Chalkdust," who's currently teaching at the University of the Virgin Islands.
– Laura Moorhead, on how to make johnnycakes — with a recipe right out of her book that can be found on a shelf in the library.
– Culture bearers Glenn "Kwabena" Davis, Tulip Fleming and Gilbert Sprauve, who'll share music and storytelling.
Such a line-up of talent would be rare to find on any television show. Plus, it will be commercial free, and it even comes with refreshments.
Sponsored by the Friends of the St. Thomas Libraries and the Planning and Natural Resources Department's Division of Libraries, the "Break Free from TV" program is to encourage people to take TV Turnoff Week to heart by suggesting alternative ways of spending their time.
"This is a time when families and individuals can turn off the television, computers and electronic games as well, and interact with each other," Sharlene Harris, V.I. libraries director, said. "Many people will be surprised to learn that life can be more fun, rewarding and even relaxing when we watch less TV and do more activities."
According to the TV Turnoff Network, "Successful regional turnoffs in the past have proven that a one-week recess from TV helps establish conditions that allow for more family interaction, sports, reading, volunteering, exercising and enjoyment of nature."
Statistics show that the average American family watches television for more than four hours a day. American children ages 2 to 17 watch an average of 19 hours and 40 minutes of TV per week. By the time an average American child reaches 18 years of age, he or she has seen 200,000 violent acts on TV and watched 20,000 commercials per year.
The planners hope "Break Free from TV" will inspire families and individuals to seek out other diversions such as picnics, hikes, arts and crafts activities, planning and cooking special meals, helping neighbors, initiating community projects and, of course, reading, reading and more reading.
For more information on TV Turnoff Week, visit the national TV Turnoff Network Web site. For more information about the Baa Library event, call Harris at 774-3407.
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