Faulkner Award finalist Ron Rash and author and journalist Claudia Smith Brinson discuss their work on Gilbert-Summit Branch Library Facebook page videos. Rash discusses his book, “In the Valley: Stories and a Novella Based on Serena.”

Rash’s new book contains 10 stories. He discusses an allegory of the times we live in. This includes capitalism, hunts for profit, destruction of body and soul and substance abuse. Of his 10 stories, “Baptism” was selected by Roxane Gay for the Best American Short stories of 2018. “Neighbors” was selected by Jonathan Lethem for the Best American Mystery Stories of 2019.

Brinson discusses her book “Stories of Struggles.” Her book is a pioneering study of the struggle for civil rights in South Carolina. Her book details the brutality black South Carolinians endured during that time. She discusses the courage, devotion, dignity and compassion of those who risked their lives for equality.

Brinson’s book includes interviews with over 150 civil rights activists whose stories were never shared.

She chronicles over 20 years of activities for equality that altered civil rights in our state. The library has new books and DVDs, and videos on its Facebook page to be viewed anytime.

CONGRATULATIONS to Gilbert High football players Colton Mason and Bryce Smith. They were chosen as SC Football Coaches Association 2020 All State Players.

BIRTHDAY WISHES to Seretha Sox, Dorothy Smith, Janet Power, Wesley Binkley, Connie Sease, Mary Bosworth, Donna Dooley, Donna Leaphart, Steven Woodyard, Peyton Woodard, Wyatt Binkley, Taylor Gantt, Regina Heywood, Randy Power, John Wilson, Marcia Talbert, Stephanie Kosciuch, Tatyana Bromberg, Reagan Goff, Dennis Harmon, Jim Lewis, Josh Rimer, Maggie Harmon, Theresa George, and James Price.