So Much in February, We’ve Added an Extra Day
By KATHY McGILBERRY
Leaping lizards, it’s February and someone wedged an extra day onto the calendar! It’s a good thing, too, since there’s so much to do and so much to love at McAlester Public Library. So put on your leaping shoes, settle your fluttering heart and make the jump to the library.
Here’s the rundown of adult and family activities:
*Thursday, Feb. 2—The Bookies will meet at 1 p.m. in the Conference Room to discuss “The Widower’s Tale” by Julia Glass. Darlene Rising and Janice Saaranen will guide readers through an in-depth look at the story of Percy Darling, a 70-year-old whose solitary life is changed by the arrival of pre-schoolers, and more. As always, there will be free refreshments.
*Monday, Feb. 6—The first day of free tax help, courtesy of the volunteer workers from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). They will be in the Whiteacre Room every Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through tax season (except March 19 when we’ll be closed). It’s first-come, first-served.
*Wednesday, Feb. 8—Calling all crafters! We will gather in the Whiteacre Room from 1-3 p.m. to create beautiful Valentine collages using vintage magazine illustrations, cool embellishments and all sorts of pretty shiny things. Plus, we’ll make a few bonus Valentine cards from cardboard soft drink cases. Spaces are limited (usually we have enough for 10 crafters), so be sure to pre-register by checking with Ellen Barlow at the front desk, or by calling us at 918-426-0930. Also, we are once again calling all e-reader owners! The first e-reader workshop in January was so popular, Head Librarian Christine Sauro and Computer Tech Anthony Smart have scheduled a second come-and-go e-reader demonstration. Those of you with new e-readers should drop in anytime from 2:30-6 p.m. to get the lowdown on how to download e-books from the library.
*Saturday, Feb. 11—Second Saturday Cinema always features a family-friendly film. This month we’ll be enjoying the comedic tale of three men who take their bird-watching very, very seriously. Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson star in this PG rated movie—just in time for National Bird Feeding Month–and there will be plenty of free popcorn. See the posters on display in the library for the title. Showtime is 2 p.m. in the Whiteacre.
*Monday, Feb. 13—Arthouse Theater will feature another Academy Award-nominated movie. Last month we viewed “The Help,” and this month we’ll be watching another Best Picture nominee, this one starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn. Terrence Malick directed this acclaimed film, which begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room. As always, free popcorn. (Look for another nominated film in March, too!)
*Wednesday, Feb. 15—We should have books for the upcoming Spring season of “Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma” by this date. Our theme is “The Worst Hard Time Revisited: Oklahoma in the Dust Bowl Years,” and we’ll feature history, letters, novels and free verse in our literary look at one of the worst ecological and economic disasters in U.S. history. Films begin March 8 and book discussions begin March 22, so check at the front desk to sign out your books. Spaces are limited in this popular program, so sign up early to learn more about the toughness and resiliency of those who stayed here in the 1930s. The program is sponsored by the Oklahoma Humanities Council with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
*Monday, Feb. 20—The Light Readers, led by Ellen Barlow, will meet in the Conference Room from 6-7 p.m. to discuss Richard LeMieux’s “Breakfast at Sally’s.” It’s a present-day memoir of a man who learned to cope with his own economic disaster. LeMieux tells a politically and socially charged story of economic deprivation and homelessness.
*Tuesday, Feb. 21—Friends of the Library will meet for their monthly noon luncheon in the Whiteacre Room to hear a presentation from Misti Stewart of the Partners for Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). Then at 6:30 p.m. the Night Readers will meet in the Conference Room to discuss Rebecca Skloot’s “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.” The book captures the beauty and drama of scientific discovery, while making modern readers aware of the human consequences. There will be free refreshments at the discussion.
*Thursday, Feb. 23—The library will be closed for staff training. Regular hours will resume Friday, Feb. 24.
*Saturday, Feb. 25—The monthly documentary matinee will feature producer Chris Rock’s partly-comic, partly-serious study of African-American hair issues in a PG-13 rated film that begins at 2 p.m. There will be plenty of free popcorn as usual. Join us in the Whiteacre Room for a free Saturday afternoon movie, perfect for Black History Month viewing.
*Monday, Feb. 27—The Film Movement presentation for the month begins at 6 p.m. It’s “Queen of Hearts,” a romantic comedy from France. (And isn’t that appropriate for this Valentine’s Month?) All of our foreign films have English subtitles and plenty of free popcorn.
*Tuesday, Feb. 28—Let’s say you have attended one, two or even all of the events we’ve just listed. You may have even read a book or two. What happens if you have celebrated Valentine’s Day, National Bird Feeding Month and Black History Month…if you have your “Let’s Talk” books lined up…and if you’re still wondering “What does it all mean?”. Well, then, you should join us for Socrates Café, our monthly attempt to tackle the weightier issues of the day with the help of Socrates, Descartes, Rousseau and the like. We have a few brunch items and many, many questions. Help us find the answers when we meet in the Conference Room from 10 a.m. to noon.
Teen librarian Erin Austin has a full roster of activities for her groups all month long, as well. Here’s a sampling:
*Game times Feb. 2, 9 and 16 at 3:45 p.m.;
*Yu-Gi-Oh Club Feb. 7 and 21 at 4 p.m.;
*Shaving Cream Cards Feb. 10 at 4 p.m.;
*A Teen Challenge Speed Tournament Feb. 14 at 4 p.m.;
*Book Club Feb. 20 at 4 p.m.; and
*Magic Club Feb. 27 at 4 p.m.
Children’s librarian Anita Ross has her usual lineup of story times, lapsits, game times and play times for children and families. Stop by the front desk to get a calendar for all the details.
Displays this month include:
*Black History Month, as well as Janet Evanovich read-alikes, both near
the new books section;
*Movies featuring animal stars;
*Presidents;
*A look at work in the office;
*Local history, with a complete 1901 edition of The South
McAlester Capital;
And the Question of the Week, which this week asks “What secrets are here to be told?”.
Crafty Use for Old Mittens? Snow Problem!
A WINTRY LINEUP of snowmen was the result after the regular monthly session of crafts at McAlester Public Library. Participants
made snowman figures from old mittens and a variety of recycled materials. Next month, the project will be Valentine collages.
Anyone is welcome to participate, but spaces are limited, so call the library at 918-426-0939 or stop at the front desk to register. The
group meets on the second Wednesday of every month from 1-3 p.m.
Attractive Fundraiser
COLLECT ALL FIVE refrigerator
magnets, now on sale at the front desk
of McAlester Public Library, to help
support library programs. Each magnet
costs a mere $1. Look for more designs
soon.
2012 Starts with Lots to Do at the Library
By KATHY McGILBERRY
It’s here. You know what I’m talking about.
Whether you’re curled up in ball on the floor of your closet, quaking and shivering, awaiting the earth-shaking cataclysm that’s going to send you to your great reward—or whether you’re packing a picnic basket for an open-air meadow dance that will herald the ascension of your cosmic consciousness—you know that it’s 2012, and something BIG is bound to happen.
Now, I can’t say whether 2012 will bring us disasters or dividends, but I do know that 2012 will bring us all plenty of library events, starting right now. Here’s this month’s rundown:
*Thursday, Jan. 5—The Bookies will meet from 1-3 p.m. in the Conference Room to discuss Orson Scott Card’s “Ender’s Game.” Darlene Rising and Janice Saaranen are group leaders.
*Monday, Jan. 9—Arthouse Theater at 6 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room East is once again set to feature Anne Hathaway in a love story based on the David Nicholls novel “One Day.” You might recall this same film was scheduled in December, but was postponed. It’s rated PG-13.
*Wednesday, Jan. 11—The monthly Free Crafts Workshop, from 1-3 p.m. every second Wednesday of the month, will meet in the Whiteacre Room. The project is “Snow People,” made from old mittens. We always have tons of fun at these get-togethers and you’re welcome to join us. Call 918-426-0939 to register, since spaces are limited.
*Thursday, Jan. 12—The Night Readers book club has scheduled a movie special in the Whiteacre Room East, in conjunction with discussion of the book “The Help.” See the film based on Kathryn Stockett’s best-selling book. It’s rated PG-13, and we’ll have plenty of free popcorn. Please note that it’s a rather lengthy movie, so we’ll be starting at 5:30 p.m. You don’t have to be a member of the Night Readers to attend the movie; everyone is welcome.
*Saturday, Jan. 14—Second Saturday Cinema always features a family film, and this month you can watch at PG-rated movie about little blue gnomes who match wits with the villain Gargamel. La-la, la-la-la-la, la, la-la-la-la. (If the theme from the old Saturday morning cartoon is not now on a loop in your head, may I just add that the movie is very, very smurfy?)
*Monday, Jan. 16—The Light Readers, led by Ellen Mills, will meet from 6-7 p.m. in the Conference Room to discuss “End of Apocalypse” by Tim LaHaye and Craig Parshall.
*Tuesday, Jan. 17—The Night Readers will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room to discuss “The Help.” We still have multiple copies of this very popular book, so feel free to join us. Ask at the front desk to sign out a copy.
*Saturday, Jan. 28—The Documentary Matinee returns after a holiday hiatus. At 2 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room East, we’ll be watching a fun PG-rated documentary from Phil Rosenthal, the co-creator of the sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond,” as he tries to syndicate, and translate, the very American show in Russia.
*Monday, Jan. 30—The Film Movement independent film for the month comes to us from China. This unrated, English-subtitled film is “The Piano in a Factory.” It’s described as a melding of music, romance and comedy, as it tells the story of a father who builds his own piano in an effort to keep the affections of his child.
*Tuesday, Jan. 31—Socrates Café meets from 10 a.m. to noon on the last Tuesday of each month. Join us for philosophical discussion of questions big and small, all in a respectful atmosphere, and with some dandy refreshments to boot.
Over on the teen side of the activities calendar, Teen Librarian Erin Austin has all the regular events on the schedule: movies Jan. 3 and 31 at 3:45 p.m.; game times Jan. 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 3:45 p.m.; Yu-Gi-Oh Club at 4 p.m. Jan. 10 and 24; and Book Club/Teen Advisory Group at 4 p.m. Jan. 23.
In addition, she’s scheduled a fun session of Bubble Wrap Painting at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, and a macaroni-and-cheese cooking class at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18. See her for details about how to participate.
Children’s librarian Anita Ross has all her regular story times and activities as well. Check at the front desk for details.
Displays this month include:
*A look at the history of the Boys and Girls Club of McAlester, in photos, by Steve Adams;
*Some books and videos in the lobby display that will inspire you to make and keep New Year’s Resolutions;
*Mesoamerican culture (and just a teensy bit about that pesky Mayan calendar we’ve all heard so much about) in the main display near the front desk, from Christopher Elliott;
*Read-alikes of the Bill O’Reilly book “Killing Lincoln,” from Ellen Mills;
*”Marvels, Mysteries and the Unexplained” in the movie display, from Janice Saaranen;
* And as always, the Question of the Week from Nathan Forrest, who this week asks “Which college is right for me?”.
You can count on your library for answers, entertainment, community and much more as the year progresses. We hope to see you here, soon!
December at Library the Gift That Keeps Giving
By KATHY McGILBERRY
Gather all the fancy papers, clear off a goodly portion of table or floor, unspool some ribbon and whatever you do, make sure you have plenty of cellophane tape, because we’re about to wrap up the biggest, best present of all—a jam-packed December at McAlester Public Library.
Look at everything we’re stuffing into this 31-compartment container of days!
Thursday, Dec. 1—The Bookies kicked things off at 1 p.m. in the Conference Room with a look at Robert Goolrick’s book “The Reliable Wife.” Next, at 6 p.m. it was the final session of the Fall Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma reading and discussion series. Dr. Kenneth Hada presented the book “An American Childhood” by Annie Dillard. Plus, we distributed information about next spring’s historical series “The Worst Hard Time Revisited: Oklahoma in the Dust Bowl Years.”
Saturday, Dec. 10—Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford are just two of the stars in our Second Saturday Cinema feature, starting at 2 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room. You’ll see cowpokes. You’ll see spaceships. You’ll see a high-concept, PG-13 film that asks “What would happen if aliens invaded an Old West town?”
Monday, Dec. 12—Arthouse Theater at 6 p.m. features a PG-13 rated romance starring Anne Hathaway. The movie is based on the David Nicholls novel “One Day.” Now that Billy Crystal has been confirmed as the host of the next Academy Awards, we can all relax and enjoy Miss Hathaway as an actress (and not a presenter) once again. Also, this movie is certified 100% James Franco-free.
Wednesday, Dec. 14—The monthly free crafts workshop, from 1-3 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room, will feature holiday gift wrapping tips and tricks. Learn how to make unusual bows and package adornments. All supplies are provided, but spaces are limited so call 918-426-0930 to register. We always have lots of fun at these sessions. Last month we made jeweled ornaments, and had a few leftovers, so if you missed that session, try to be on hand for this one. Shiny, sparkly things!
Thursday, Dec. 15—The Night Readers will meet on a special day in order to allow members to attend the $10,000 cash drawing downtown. At 6:30, the group will meet in the Conference Room with local author (and book club member) Mary Ann Kerl to discuss her book “Angel on Trial.” As always, there will be tasty refreshments. Also at this special meeting, the group will make book choices for 2012. We are already set to read “The Help” in January (and see the movie too), and in February we will read “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot. But that leaves another 10 choices to make. If you’d like to make your recommendations, please attend this meeting.
Monday, Dec. 19—The Light Readers will meet at 6 p.m. in the Conference Room to discuss Lauraine Snelling’s “One Perfect Day.” Group leader Ellen Mills will have refreshments.
Tuesday, Dec. 20—As we have done for the past couple of years, we’ll have a radio broadcasting the live feed from the $10,000 Cash Drawing downtown. Join us indoors in the warm and snug Whiteacre Room as we listen. The library is three short blocks from the stage, so be sure to wear your running shoes and we’ll cheer you on as you dash downhill if you’re a winner!
Thursday, Dec. 22—There will be candy canes, good cheer and lots of ho-ho-ho as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus make their annual visit to McAlester Public Library. There will be two chances to see the jolly old elf, and get a free photo: from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and again from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Don’t miss it!
Dec. 23-26—The library will be closed for the holiday.
Tuesday, Dec. 27—Socrates Café begins at 10 a.m. in the Conference Room. Join us for coffee, juice and brunch-style munchies as we discuss the deeper issues of the day. Then at 6 p.m., the monthly first run independent movie from Film Movement begins in the Whiteacre Room. These unrated, often foreign films, are always a treat for serious film fans. This month’s feature is “Protektor” from the Czech Republic.
Children’s programs this month run from Dec. 1-14 and include all the regular activities: Family Play Time Thursdays at 11 a.m.; Game Time Thursdays at 4 p.m.; Lapsits Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and again at 11 a.m.; Movie Times Tuesdays at 4 p.m.; and Story Times Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
Teens will be busy all month. Regular activities include: Manga/Anime Club at 4 p.m. Dec. 5; Crafts Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. (making Duck Tape Wallets); Book Club/Teen Advisory Group Dec. 19 at 4 p.m.; Cooking Class Dec. 21 at 3:45 p.m. (making and decorating sugar cookies); Game Time Thursdays at 3:45 p.m.; Teen Movies Dec. 6 and 20 at 3:45 p.m.; and Yu-Gi-Oh Club Dec. 13 and 27 at 4 p.m.
Come in soon to see the display in the lobby of authentic Russian artifacts from Rev. and Mrs. Joedy Hendrix. That display will soon give way to a Santa collection from our own Christopher Elliott. Also in the lobby, local historian Steve Adams has a look at McAlester’s 50th Anniversary celebration.
Other displays include: the Question of the Week, right now asking “What can I do about those holiday pounds?”; movies “All About Family;” and of course, Christopher’s holiday extravaganza near the front desk.
And with that final neatly-folded corner, I think that wraps up the month. Hope to see you at the library!
From Russia, With Library Items
RUSSIA IS THE THEME of the display currently in the lobby. The items, from Rev. and Mrs. Joedy Hendrix, were arranged, along with library materials relating to Russia, by Ellen Mills.
From the Lofty to the Deep, November’s Got It All
By KATHY McGILBERRY
So far, 2011 has been a year of extremes. Here in Oklahoma, there were extreme summer temperatures. Across the nation, events moved at such an extreme pace it was hard to keep up. Occupy Wall Street exploded onto the national stage. The GOP debates made news almost hourly, it seemed. Why, I barely got my Kardashian wedding outfit back from the cleaners before I heard the terrible news about the divorce.
See? Extremes. A person could get whiplash from it all. Unless, of course, that person just decided to go with the flow, like we’re doing this November at McAlester Public Library. Here’s a look at what’s happening this month, and I think you’ll agree there are some big contrasts and eclectic happenings. And all of it will be extremely interesting.
Here’s a look at adult and family programs:
*Thursday, Nov. 3—The first big contrast of the month. The Bookies go deep with a look at “The Deep End of the Ocean” by Jacquelyn Mitchard when they meet from 1-3 p.m. in the Conference Room. Then at 6 p.m., the Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma group casts their eyes upward to consider “Everything That Rises Must Converge” by Flannery O’Connor. Dr. Trisha Yarbrough will present a scholarly program about this collection of Southern grotesque stories, and there will be the usual array of refreshments and prizes.
*Friday, Nov. 4—Computer Whiz Anthony Smart will lead a Basic Computing class at 4 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room. The contrast? How the most complicated computer problem becomes simple and understandable in Anthony’s capable hands.
*Wednesday, Nov. 9—When the Free Crafts Workshop meets on the second Wednesday of the month from 1-3 p.m., participants will turn trash to treasure. The project is jeweled ornaments. Call 918-426-0930 to register, as spaces are limited for this extremely cool project.
*Thursday, Nov. 10—The Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma movie special will feature the tale of a Vietnamese family with deep secrets. It’s rated PG, and is set to complement, not contrast with, the next book in the discussion series, which examines what happens when Vietnamese families experience the extreme culture shock of moving to the American South. The movie begins at 6 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room.
*Friday, Nov. 11—The library will be closed in recognition of Veterans Day.
*Saturday, Nov. 12—Second Saturday Cinema at 2 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room will feature the hilarious Kevin James in a PG-rated family comedy set in a zoo. The animals sound a lot like Sylvester Stallone, Adam Sandler, Cher and Don Rickles. Unrestrained fun!
*Monday, Nov. 14—Even though it’s a comedy too, Arthouse Theater this month couldn’t be a bigger contrast from the previous movie. From the slapstick fun at the zoo, we move to the comedy of errors that is this film, based on Oscar Wilde’s most famous play. See Rupert Everett, Colin Firth and Reese Witherspoon as they learn, earnestly, what’s important about Victorian manners. Rated PG.
*Tuesday, Nov. 15—The Night Readers will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room to consider what might happen to a fellow who wakes up one day with horns growing out of his head. The book is Joe Hill’s “Horns.”
*Thursday, Nov. 17—Dr. Doug Watson will present a program about Robert Olen Butler’s “A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain,” when the Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma group meets from 6-8 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room.
*Friday, Nov. 18—Anthony Smart leads another computer class at 4 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room, this one all about computer maintenance.
*Monday, Nov. 21—At 5:45 p.m. (note the special time), the final Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma movie special of the season kicks off in the Whiteacre Room. Mary Steenburgen portrays beloved American writer Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, author of “The Yearling,” in a PG-rated biopic that shows her simple life on the creek, battling runaway pigs and unruly farmhands. Over in the Conference Room beginning at 6 p.m., the Light Readers will consider Robert Whitlow’s book “The List,” which shows what happens when a young lawyer has to battle Beelzebub himself.
*Thursday and Friday, Nov. 24-25—The library will be closed for Thanksgiving.
*Monday, Nov. 28—The Film Movement first-run independent movie of the month will be “The Human Resources Manager,” an unrated film from Israel, in Hebrew, Romanian and English, with English subtitles. The human resources manager of Jerusalem’s largest bakery, with a host of personal problems, must travel to Romania to honor the memory of the victim of a suicide bombing at his company. He fights to regain his company’s reputation and his own humanity at the same time. It begins at 6 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room.
*Tuesday, Nov. 29—Socrates Café will meet from 10 a.m. to noon in the Conference Room to consider the deeper questions of the day. Join this group of philosophical inquirers for brunch and conversation.
All the extremely fun and interesting children’s and teen activities are also in full swing this month. Stop by to pick up calendars with all the details, and check out the displays too.
Hope to see you at the library!
Playing Dress-Up
FROM ELIZABETHAN TO CLEOPATRAN--Among the costumes on display at McAlester Public Library this Halloween were an Elizabethan lady, a nerd, a nurse, a watch and Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile.
Incognito
HE’S NO BOOKWORM–Gutenberg the
McAlester Public Library bookworm is
in disguise for Halloween. With those
large floppy ears and that cute little nose,
his costume is so good, nobunny could
possibly recognize him.
Enhanced Insulation Techniques
DOODLE ART drink cups were the project when the adult
crafts group met Wednesday, Oct. 12 at McAlester Public
Library. The group meets on the second Wednesday of every
month from 1-3 p.m. November’s project will be jewel craft
ornaments, made using coffee creamer container lids, styrofoam
and plastic balls and faux jewels. Spaces are limited, so
registration is required. Call 918-426-0930 to sign up.
