For thirty-three years children were asked the question "won`t you be my neighbor?" The man asking this question was Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers` Neighborhood, which ran from 1968-2001. What set Mister Rogers` Neighborhood apart from other children`s programming was that it focused on the social and emotional needs of children. He discussed topics considered taboo for children such as death, tolerance, and divorce. He wasn`t overbearing or stern, which encouraged children to share their feelings.
In order to find an approach that properly addressed these difficult subjects, Rogers worked with Margaret McFarland, a child psychologist. McFarland believed that the first few years of a child`s life were crucial in shaping the adult they would become. She also believed that adults should use memories of their own childhood to interpret the behavior of children. When Rogers didn’t feel the script was accurately addressing the topic of the day, he would leave the set to consult with her and make changes to the script accordingly.
The last episode of Mister Rogers` Neighborhood aired on August 31, 2001. Eighteen years later his words are still being used as comfort, especially during times of tragedy. When he was a child and told his mother he was upset by what he saw in the news, she told him to "look for the helpers." Rogers became one of those helpers. When we look back at his work, we are reminded that there are always helpers we can look to and that we too can be helpers.
Want to learn more about Mister Rogers` Neighborhood? Check out the available books, CDs, & DVDs from our catalog here
Join us for a movie matinee at the main branch
When: Friday, Dec. 20th @ 2:30
Where: 3rd floor computer lab
Running time: 58 minutes
Watch trailer here
In this PBS retrospective hosted by Oscar nominee Michael Keaton, enjoy memorable segments from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, including visits with Koko the Gorilla & the iconic trip to the Crayola crayon factory. Hear from stars including Whoopi Goldberg, John Lithgow, & Caroll Spinney as they share their favorite memories of Fred Rogers.
Additional movie matinees at the main branch
The Russian Five
When: Friday, Jan. 17th @ 2:30
Where: 3rd floor computer lab
Running time: 99 minutes
Watch trailer here
Sports and politics clash in this compelling historical documentary about five Russian hockey stars who defected to America to join the Detroit Red Wings in the late 1980s, leading to the team's back-to-back Stanley Cup championships.
When: Friday, Feb. 21st @ 2:30
Where: 3rd floor computer lab
Running time: 93 minutes
Watch trailer here
Inspired by the book Reflections in Black by photo historian Deborah Willis, this documentary features the hidden and unknown photos shot by African American photographers about the lives, experiences and perspectives of African American families that is absent from the traditional historical canon.
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