FORT KNOX, Ky. — Award winning author Jack Ford read today at Barr Memorial Library as part of one of the many events the library hosts.
Michael Steinmacher, the Barr Memorial Library Director, introduces Jack Ford, author of “Chariot on the Mountain,” at Barr Memorial Library, Fort Knox, Ky., May 22, 2019. Ford was a part of this month’s Authors at Your Library event series. | Photo by Kyle Crawford, CST Public Affairs Office
Jack Ford, an Emmy and Peabody award-winning journalist, came to Barr Memorial Library on May 22, 2019, to discuss his newest novel, “Chariot on the Mountain”, as part of the monthly Authors at Your Library series.
Going back as far as September 16, 2010, the event series has brought well over 100 authors to Fort Knox, Kentucky. More than 40 of those authors were also New York Times Best Sellers.
Michael Steinmacher, the library director, said the idea behind the series was to, “give Fort Knox access to authors across the spectrum, whether they’re local, regional, or nationally known. Including best-selling authors and award-winning authors.”
Lt. Col. Grace Kim, Human Resources Command, meets with author Jack Ford at Barr Memorial Library, Fort Knox, Ky., May 22, 2019. After a questions and answers session, Ford sat down to autograph copies of his book, “Chariot on the Mountain.” | Photo by Kyle Crawford, CST Public Affairs Office
Steinmacher met Jack Ford in person last summer at the American Library Association conference. He received an early copy of Ford’s novel and after meeting him in person noted, “It was readily apparent he was a perfect author to bring here to Fort Knox.”
The library invites a new author each month to come and speak about their newest books. Next month on June 3, 2019, at noon, award winning novelist and journalist Bryan Gruley will discuss his new thriller, “Bleak Harbor”.
However, this is not the only event the library puts on for the personnel at Fort Knox.
Stephanie Peters, a librarian, said that Barr Memorial is a, “Very family-oriented place when it comes to programming.”
Programs like “Star Wars Reads Day” held in October, hosts costume groups, a parade, and even a movie showing. A leadership course called “Leadership at Lunch” which is led by retired Col. Mark Scrueman teaches participants different tips to become a better leader in 45 minutes. It’s easy to find something for the whole family.
The library also has a Makers Space, which includes Legos, a 3D printer and a small studio for creating podcasts or editing videos that anyone can reserve and use depending on the library’s schedule. And all of these offerings come completely free of charge.
Jack Ford, author of “Chariot on the Mountain,” signs copies of his book for fans at Barr Memorial Library, Fort Knox, Ky., May 22, 2019. Ford’s visit was a part of this month’s Authors at Your Library event series. | Photo by Kyle Crawford, CST Public Affairs Office
These programs as well as video games, movies, CDs and books are available to contractors, Department of Defense civilians, those stationed on post at Fort Knox or anyone with some connection to the military in some respect. This includes Cadets taking part in Cadet Summer Training.
“Cadets are more than welcome to come in and create an account to use the library,” Peters said. “Because we know they don’t always have access to these things during training.”
To register for an account all one has to do is bring in a military ID or common access card (CAC).
To find out more on what Barr Memorial Library has available check out their website at https://knox.armymwr.com/categories/libraries.
