If you have realized that the news you get in the mainstream press isn’t really comprehensive or even truthful, and that a lot of news and views are filtered out of the mainstream press outlets, libraries, and thus, public debate, then you’ve found a home.

We are one of the few alternative libraries in the U.S. We carry over ten-thousand books, journals, ‘zines, videotapes, audio tapes, and newspapers by independent, non-corporate press on a wide variety of subjects.

We’re a true 501.c3 non-profit, supported by memberships, donations, community volunteers, and several community groups in Gainesville, Florida which use the Center regularly as a meeting place or office space, and make regular donations.

The CMC, the Gainesville General Membership Branch of the Industrial Workers of the World, Students for a Democratic Society, and other local progressive organizations invite you to join us from 2-8pm on the Downtown Community Plaza for our local celebration of International Workers’ Solidarity Day, aka May Day. May Day is “the original Labor Day,” created to honor the memory of the Haymarket Martyrs and all those killed in the struggle for workers’ rights the world over. “International Working People’s Day,” as it was originally called, was first celebrated in 1886 with strikes and marches throughout the U.S. during the struggle for the 8-hour work day.

Join us as we celebrate the proud history of struggles for labor, civil and human rights in our community and around the world. Events include a “Really Really Free Market” organized by SDS from 2-5pm, and music and speakers from 5-8pm.

Featured performers will inlcude: Lars Din, Gainesville Liberation Orchestra, DirtyFist, Kiiks, Cassette, and The Horror. Invited speakers include members of the Industrial Workers of the World, Alachua County Labor Party, Gainesville Women’s Liberation, and UF Distinguised Professor of History Bob Zieger.

WHEN: Thursday May 1st, 2-8pm

WHERE: Downtown Community Plaza

COST: Free! (but come on by the CMC table to renew your membership or get a t-shirt or bumpersticker)

The Civic Media Center’s annual “SpringBoard” fundraiser is set for Friday April 11th from 6pm to 10 pm. The location will be different this year—we will be moving the event to the Matheson Museum at 513 E. University Ave.

In addition to the usual vast spread of fine food from area restaurants, the art and services available for silent auction, and door prizes, we will have a very special guest speaker, Otton Solis, speaking on the topic of “Corporate Media and Resisting the Washington Consensus,” followed by Q & A.

Otton Solis is a visiting scholar at the University of Florida from his native Costa Rica. An outspoken critic of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) and US-driven “neoliberal” policies of rampant privatization, Mr. Solis, an economist, is the founder, president and two-time presidential candidate of Costa Rica’s Citizen Action Party, which narrowly lost to President Oscar Arias in 2006 (by 1%). Mr. Solis is also a strong advocate for ethics in government. He is the author of two books on the subject, as well as many articles and opinion pieces.

WHEN: Friday, April 11 @ 6pm
WHERE: The Matheson Museum, 513 E. University Ave.
COST: $10 advance (tickets available at Omni Books and Wild Iris Books), $15 at the door

David Barsamian, creator of the nationally syndicated program “Alternative Radio,” which is regularly heard on WUFT FM, and author of the recently published books “Targeting Iran” and “What We Say Goes” (with Noam Chomsky), will speak at the Civic Media Center on Thursday January 17th at 7:30 pm. Mr. Barsamian will address the topic “Iran, Pakistan & U.S. Foreign Policy.” He has just returned from travels to Pakistan and India, where he interviewed activist authors Vandana Shiva and Arundhati Roy. A $5 to $10 donation is requested to support the Civic Media Center. Seating will be limited for this event; doors will open at 6:45pm. Copies of Mr. Barsamian’s books will be available for purchase and signing by the author.

On Wednesday, October 17th, the CMC invites all of it’s members to gather in support to celebrate fourteen years of history and activism. Again, this year, the event will be held in the Spanish Court of the Historic Thomas Center. This event centers around dinner and wine catered by local businesses and our volunteers. Our honored speaker, Jennifer Van Bergen, a local activist and author will speak on “Informed Citizenry-The Foundations of Democracy.”
The Dinner will be at 7:00 PM, and the speaker at 8:00 PM. Tickets are available in advance for $15 each from the CMC, Omni Books, and Wild Iris or at the door that evening for $20. We hope to see you all there and help us honor 14 years making history.

For more information come by or call: (352) 373-0010.

The Civic Media Center is proud to welcome our newest Coordinator Samantha Acosta. Sam will be working with Sylvia Arnold once current Coordinator Jen Bame steps down. Sam, a previous CMC volunteer, is a first-year student at the University of Florida where she is studying Linguistics. In high school, Sam was President of her Amnesty International School Chapter and Vice President of the Young Democrats Chapter. She has helped to organize benefits for organizations such as Books Not Bombs and for Hurricane Relief.

Sam has already made a place for herself here at the CMC amongst volunteers and members, helping to staff and organize various events, like the hit summer fundraiser “Marx in Soho.” Sam exudes a warmth and intelligence sure to enhance community and student interest in the CMC . We can’t wait to see what life and ideas Samantha Acosta brings to the role of Co-coordinator. Congrats, Sam and good luck!

CIVIC MEDIA CENTER PRESENTS THE PLAY “MARX IN SOHO” BY HOWARD ZINN AT THE MATHESON MUSEUM

- WHEN: Saturday, July 28th at 8pm
- WHERE: Matheson Museum (513 E. University Ave)
- TICKETS: $15 in advance, $20 at the door

The Civic Media Center is proud to present the one-act play, “Marx in Soho,” written by famed historian Howard Zinn. The CMC is flying in actor Bob Weick from Philadelphia for one night only. The premise of the play is this: Marx has returned from the grave for one night to defend his ideas in modern Soho (or Gainesville!). While working on his paper, “Capital,” he sees the application of his ideas all around him–and so does the audience.

“Marx in Soho” has received tremendous critical praise. The author, Howard Zinn, has said, “(Weick)captured Marx and his ideas with the proper strength and subtlety, moving very effectively through a range of moods: humorous,angry, poignant.” In addition to being humorous and a great performance, the play has allowed people of all ages to view Marx in a new light. Douglas Keating of the Philadelphia Inquirer says, “Though Marx has been demonized by some as the father of communism, Robert Weick portrays him as a personable man devoted to his wife and family.” Other praise includes Steven Walker of The Chronicle, who says, “Actor Bob Weick[…] succeeded in showing how relevant Marx’s ideas are to modern times by speaking to the world’s current international unrest and addressing local issues.”

Tickets are now available, and can be purchased in advance at Wild Iris Books, Omni Books, Hyde N Zeek Records, and the Civic Media Center for $15. Tickets will be $20 at the door. Visit the CMC’s website for more information: www.civicmediacenter.org.

The Civic Media Center is no longer accepting applications for the job of CMC Co-coordinator. Thanks to everyone who applied, and we look forward to meeting with you. Interviews will be scheduled after the Board of Directors has a change to look over the applications and form a hiring committee. If there are any questions, please call us at the CMC. Thanks!

After spending a year as CMC Co-Coordinator, this fall, Jennifer Bame will be moving on to graduate school in New York. She wants her tenure at the CMC to be warmly remembered for her open-minded dedication to fairness, her belief in the power of film, and her desire to make the CMC and its collection lasting. She hopes to have furthered the cause of bringing alternative viewpoints to a greater diversity of people.

The Civic Media Center is currently accepting applications for the position of Co-Coordinator of the Civic Media Center. The job of Co-Coordinator is a paid, part-time position for folks who can make a long term commitment to the CMC. The CMC is looking for motivated individuals with experience or interest in fundraising, event planning, community organizing and social justice. The CMC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in candidates. You can email resumes to , or simply mail them to the CMC. All applications will be considered. The deadline for applications is June 30th. Don’t wait!

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FOR
CMC OUTREACH COORDINATOR POSITION (PDF)

The CMC will screen the Spike Lee documentary “When the Levees Broke” on the following dates:

Friday, June 8: Part I @ 6-8 PM
Intermission @ 8-8:30 PM
Part 2 @ 8:30-11 PM

Saturday, June 9: Part I @ 6-8 PM
Intermission @ 8-8:30 PM
Part 2 @ 8:30-11 PM

Sunday, June 10: Part I @ 6-8 PM
Intermission @ 8-8:30 PM
Part 2 @ 8:30-11 PM

Where: The CMC, 1021 W University Ave.
Donations Appreciated
Call (352)373-0010 for more information.