CULLMAN, Ala. – The Friends of the Public Libraries of Cullman County (FPLCC) will welcome local author Johnny Burks, who recently released his memoir, “I Just Want You to Know My Name,” Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 5:30 p.m. at Cullman City Hall.
The event is free, but pre-registration is required due to COVID-19 limitations on capacity.
Burks is a former coach and science teacher at Cullman Middle School and Cullman High School. In his memoir, he writes about his difficulties growing up in foster care, as well as his adoption.
Burks’ book and event are timely, as November is National Adoption Month, a month set aside to raise awareness about the urgent need for adoptive families for children and youth in foster care.
FPLCC board member Susan Hauk’s family and Burks’ family have been close friends for many years, she said. “There’s a family connection and an adoption connection as well. During the process of adopting our daughter, Johnny shared with me his experiences and his need to put his memories on paper, deeply motivated by the loss of his older brother, who was also adopted, that just never overcame some of those scars.”
The families remain close friends, and now Burks and his wife, Alana Burks, are godparents to Hauk’s granddaughter.
Said Hauk, “I am thrilled because of what he has been able to do and get on paper and hopefully give some sense of closure to what he’s needed to do for most of his life. Also, for us. It is a good way for us to jump into this aspect of what we hope to do which is highlight local authors.”
FPLCC board member Renee Welsh is also excited to welcome Burks to this special event.
She said, “Part of our strategy is not only fundraising, but the encouragement of all patrons of Cullman County and all branches to utilize and recognize the vast opportunity and necessity of a library.”
The pandemic has challenged the library system to find ways to safely accommodate its patrons.
“The Cullman City Hall auditorium has a practice of ensuring that social distancing is accurate,” said Welsh. “Masks will be worn. Johnny has agreed to come and share a bit of his birthright history. We will have a 45-minute to an hour-long event where Johnny gets to promote his book and sign copies while patrons can come and learn about Friends of the Library.”
The event is in line with the FPLCC’s mission to enhance reading and to promote local authors, poets and artists. Welsh is hopeful that more events promoting local writers can be planned soon.
Due to the sensitive subject matter, it is strongly encouraged that children do not attend Tuesday night’s event. To register, contact Susan Hauk at 256-339-2787 or Renee Welsh at 860-818-7601. To learn more about the FPLCC, visit www.facebook.com/fotplocc.
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