The Alternatives Library

The Durland Alternatives Library (DAL) is one of CTA's longest running projects. Starting in 1973 with a small donation of books about community, it has since grown to a large multimedia library with thousands of materials and resources. It is the only library on the Cornell University campus that is open to the public, and thanks to the pioneering efforts of Lynn Anderson, the library coordinator for the past twenty years, it is also part of the Finger Lakes Library system.  

Lynn retired at the end of 2011, and the library's new coordinator, Ryan Clover-Owens, is a local Ithacan who has an impressive background in alternative media and community organizing.

Ryan Clover-Owens, DAL Coordinator

CTA would like to thank Lynn for providing a heartfelt service to the library and all those who came through its doors. She would often say that her job was the best job in Ithaca. She positively loved what she did, and worked her magic far beyond the library's walls. In addition to growing and maintaining the library's unique collection of books, periodicals and audio-visual materials, Lynn promoted literacy to underserved populations.  

Please read the whole story, including information about Ryan's exciting new plans for the library, here.  

For more information about the library, please see:

• Alternatives Library page on CTA website 
• Alternatives Library website 
• Video about Alternatives Library 

CTA is now accepting applications for new Project Partners anywhere in New York State. Please watch this new video, produced by Moving Box Studios, about what kinds of projects we sponsor and how you can apply:

Become a Project Partner with the Center for Transformative Action

CUSLAR (Committee on U.S.-Latin American Relations) is offering a 7-week Spanish class for families with children beginning February 25. For more information click here.  

CUSLAR is also sponsoring a visit from Father Alejandro Solalinde, who is a priest, human rights leader and director of a shelter for Central American migrants in Oaxaca, southern Mexico. He will give two talks Feb 12 & 13 at Cornell University on his work and theology around poverty and migrants. For more information see the CTA calendar.

Myra Sabir, Project Director for The Life Writing Project, was featured last month in the Cornell Chronicle as she was the first "Soup and Hope" guest speaker for 2012 at Sage Chapel.  

The Tompkins County Workers' Center recently acquired their own 501(c)3 status and is no longer a Project Partner. We congratulate them on their new nonprofit status and wish them all the best.     

Groundswell Center for Local Foods & Farming, a program of Ecovillage Center for Sustainability Education, is once again offering a summer practicum in Sustainable Farming and Local Food Systems. This six-week course is available for college credit or for interested community members. For more information including course description and registration info, please click here.  

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