April 23, 2012

JHU Press staff, Charles Village students produce literary journal

Since the fall of 2011, volunteers from the staff of the Johns Hopkins University Press have been working with seventh- and eighth-grade students at the Village Learning Place, a community center near the Press’ offices in Charles Village, to plan, write, edit, design and publish a literary journal. The first edition of the journal, proudly named The Village Review, appeared last week, and the accomplishment was celebrated with a publication party on April 17.

“I am proud that the Johns Hopkins University Press played a part launching The Village Review,” writes Press director Kathleen Keane in a message included in the first issue. “It is, after all, an example of what we work hard every day to create: a brand-new publication featuring the important work of smart and talented writers.”

JHU Press staff members who worked on the project were Courtney Bond, Michael Carroll, Suzanne Flinchbaugh, Jim Fragomeni, Janet Gilbert, Rosa Griffin, Holly Haynes, Shannon Jackson, Jennifer Malat, Kara Reiter, Brian Shea and Patty Weber. The program was part of VLP’s after-school programs dubbed LINK for “Let’s Invest in Neighborhood Kids.” The Review includes the poetry, fiction and visual art of 13 Baltimore City students.

“This has been a tremendous opportunity for all involved,” says Liesje Gantert, VLP executive director. “The Village Learning Place teachers and staff members have witnessed such creativity and growth in our students, and we’re excited to share The Village Review with the community.”