Winston Sharples Jr., Rochester resident and candidate for the Plumb Library Board of Trustees, says there is a disconnect between young people and the wealth of information libraries can provide. To bridge the gap, we must embrace youth culture and the world of Kindles and tablets, he said.

“We’ve got to find a way to keep books, and turn on the coming generation to books, but we can’t be pigheaded,” Sharples said. “How can we get those kids to like books and go with Kindles? Instead of fighting it, that’s their world. It’s going to be very important.”

Sharples is running against residents Jennifer Kulak and Mary Duryea Levenson for one of two open spots on the board. The town election will be held April 11.

Sharples says if he is elected to the board, he will use his more than 40 years of experience as a film studies professor and as a film archivist for the American Film Institute in Washington, D.C., to develop programs for young people.

Sharples, 80, holds a bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology and anthropology from Harvard University, as well as a master’s in drama from Yale University. He served in the Army from 1953 to 1956 in the 118th medical battalion.

He said he learned how best to foster creativity and curiosity in young people as a professor at the City University of New York, Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Howard University in Washington, D.C.

The secret to developing youth interest in a subject is to have face-time with people, one-on-one interactions to show them you care even if that means just listening to them when they speak.

“Reading to children is a huge boost to their intelligence and literacy,” he said. “The library is a huge resource and a free resource for them.”

Sharples said he hopes to work with Library Director Gail Roberts on plans to improve the library. The current Board of Trustees has plans to expand the library in three years, but this is dependent on the economy. If elected, Sharples said he wants to use his time on the board to work with the town on getting financing without having to rely on taxpayers.

“Once their kids are out of the local school, some people don’t want to pay tax money for education,” he said. “We need to be able to persuade the town to get money for education in schools and at the library.”

This, he said, can be done through grants.  While working for the American Film Institute, Sharples was in charge of seeking grants for film projects and film preservation.

“I think what everyone does in their lives and in their jobs is a matter of advocacy,” Sharples said. “You have to persuade everyone, in one way or another, to agree with you — whether that’s persuading your boss or the public.”

Sharples was appointed Director of Documentation and Preservation at the American Film Institute. His job was much like that of a librarian in that he had to develop a catalogue system for American films. The system he created separated films by decade, people and subjects.

Sharples became involved with the Plumb Library shortly after he moved to Rochester six years ago with his wife of 30 years, Ruth. He has been a regular visitor to the library, taking part in book discussion groups and attending the current Board of Trustees meetings.

Sharples grew up in Agawam with his brother, Michael, and sister, Daisy. His father, Winston Sharples Sr., named after Winston Churchill, was a successful music composer in film and in cartoons.

Winston Sr. and Winston Jr. eventually went into business together in New York City, where they opened their own film-editing studio. Sharples said his father would write the music and he would write the lyrics. Together, they worked on cartoons such as “The Mighty Hercules” and “Casper.”

“Popeye put my kids through college,” he said.

Having raised three children – John, Hadley, and Gillian – Sharples said it was important for him for his kids to know that he supported them.  Sharples lost his mother when he was 5 years old, which he said made him appreciate the importance of family and the influence adults have on children.

“I don’t think we realize how much influence we have on kids,” he said. “You don’t have to beat them over the head with something. You nurture it. It involves support but that can be subtle.”

The term for a member of the board is three years, though Sharples said he would like to carry on with the library for as long as they’ll have him.

“Elections are not just about picking good Selectmen,” Sharples said. “I think this is a perilous time for libraries. Are books going to be lost? I’d hate to see this slip through the cracks. I’d like to continue until they tuck me away.”