Blast Off for Retro Thrills in August
By KATHY MCGILBERRY
After two months sailing the rolling seas of the Summer Reading Program, you’d think we’d be delighted to put the Dramamine away and stand awhile on the dry dunes of August. And yes, our sensible shoes are indeed sinking slightly into the sandy dirt, but for only the briefest of breaks.
Because this month we’re launching ourselves—if not into deepest space, then at least shallower space—with displays and movies that celebrate the thrills and chills of “Retro Sci-Fi.” Follow your own personal laser beam to the library this month to see it all—it’s swell! And it’s launching now.
You’ll find spaceships and monsters in the big display created by Christopher Elliott near the front desk—the anchor that gives us our monthly theme. In the lobby, you’ll find another display of vintage comic books. Over in the children’s and teen sections, displays are filled with books for boys (but girls, don’t let that stop you…we all know you can be sci-fi nerds too).
Other displays include Steve Adams’ local history array, all about the 1973 Big Mac prison riot; Linda Haile’s continuing look at Appalachian fiction and folk ways; and Nathan Forrest’s Shelf of the Week, right now featuring the subject “Thinking About Thinking.” Sounds like something The Amazing Kreskin might have performed on a 1950s variety show, come to think about it.
There will be no children’s programming in August. But the thrills, chills, and spills continue with the following programs for teens, adults and families:
*Tuesday, Aug. 3—The 4 p.m. teen movie claims it’s not a diary, but we think that’s a wimpy cop-out.
*Thursday, Aug. 5—Bodacious Bookies meet at 1 p.m. to chill out with Anita Shreve’s “Light on Snow;” then at 3:30 p.m. its the first of three teen game times (check Sarah DiLorenzo’s calendar for details).
*Monday, Aug. 9—Arthouse Theater features an R-rated Coen Brothers movie starring Billy Bob Thornton. It’s a neo-noir thriller that is most certainly there.
*Tuesday, Aug. 10—Married couple Steve Carrell and Tina Fey go out on the town and hilarious hijinks ensue. What is it? It’s the 4 p.m. teen movie.
*Wednesday, Aug. 11—Another in our bimonthly free crafts workshops for adults begins at 1 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room. This time we’re making movie star collages, using a variety of materials. Call us at 426-0930 to register. Spaces are limited.
*Saturday, Aug. 14—Unwrap some family fun at Second Saturday Cinema by watching both versions of a classic horror tale that feature yards and yards and yards of bandages. Boris Karloff has the title role in the first film, beginning at 12:30 p.m., and Brendan Fraser stars in the second, beginning at 2 p.m. The second flick is rated PG-13.
*Monday, Aug. 16—A Night Readers movie special will be shown at 5:30 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room, but you don’t have to be a member of the book club to join us. Robin Williams stars as T.S. Garp in the R-rated adaptation of John Irving’s novel.
*Tuesday, Aug. 17—“The World According to Garp” by John Irving will be the subject (but you knew that already, didn’t you, all you budding Kreskins out there) when the Night Readers meet in the Conference Room at 6:30 p.m.
* Thursday, Aug. 19—A special movie matinee at 1 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room is open to the older set. Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this multi-layered R-rated thriller as the member of a team sent on a mind-bending mission, where all is not what it seems, and the loss of a wife may hold hidden meaning. You think we’re trying to implant a false notion here? Yeah, OK, maybe so, maybe so. But it’s a good movie, and a recent one, and it’s free.
*Monday, Aug. 23—The teen book club meets at 4 p.m. to discuss Suzanne Collins’s “The Hunger Games.”
*Tuesday, Aug. 24—At the 4 p.m. teen movie, Miley Cyrus stars in a story about family, from bestselling author Nicholas Sparks.
*Monday, Aug. 30—The Teen Advisory Group meets at 4 p.m.; and at 6 p.m. the first-run independent movie for grownups will be “The Wind Journeys.”
The movie, in Spanish with English subtitles, is described by distributor Film Movement this way: “For most of his life, Ignacio Carrillo travelled the villages of northern Colombia, playing traditional songs on his accordion, a legendary instrument said to have once belonged to the devil. He eventually married and settled in a small town, leaving the nomadic life behind. But after the traumatic death of his wife, he vows to never play the accursed accordion again, and embarks on one last journey to return the instrument to its rightful owner.
“On the way, Ignacio is followed by Fermín, a spirited teenager determined to become his apprentice. Tired of loneliness, Ignacio accepts the young man as his pupil and together they traverse the vast Colombian terrain, discovering the musical diversity of Caribbean culture. Hardened by a life of solitude, Ignacio tries to discourage Fermín from following in his footsteps, but destiny has different plans for them.”
*Tuesday, Aug. 31—The final event of the month is the teen movie at 4 p.m., when Jennifer Lopez stars in a rom-com about having a fallback position in the great game of love. Don’t forget, we have free popcorn courtesy of the Friends of the Library at all our movie screenings.
Regular children’s programming and the teen Manga/Anime Club will resume in September.
Also in September, the fall installment of “Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma” begins. The theme will be “Journey Stories,” and the books include Homer’s “The Odyssey,” Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road,” John Steinbeck’s “Travels with Charley,” Robert M. Pirsig’s “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance,” and Yann Martel’s “Life of Pi.” Books are now available, so stop by and pick up your set soon.
We hope to see you soon here at McAlester Public Library, and… Klaatu Barada Nikto!
He’s No Dummy
VENTRILOQUIST "Cowboy Don" Hall, with his little friend Jason and other characters, performed two shows for children at McAlester Public Library Wednesday, July 21. The shows were part of the "Make a Splash @ Your Library" Summer Reading Program activities. Big Wednesday shows wrap up next week with a visit from Native American storyteller Will Hill at 10 a.m., followed by a free hot dog lunch for all participants.
Staff Picks: Heavy on the Whimsy for Forrest
The “staff picks” display area currently features 10 choices with an Appalachian theme from library aide Linda Haile. The display for the past month came from Nathan Forrest, who titled it “Splish: A shallower step into the lighter side of summer reading fare.” Here are his choices and comments:
*The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks–Contains detailed instructions on proper identification and handling of zombies in the wild.
*Sir Apropos of Nothing by Peter David–Sword and fantasy, delivered with whimsy.
*Bloodsucking Fiends: A Love Story by Christopher Moore–A mystery of a murder, as investigated by the victim.
*Star Trek New Frontier, Books 1-4 by Peter David–Star Trek served with a sense of humor.
*Glory Season by David Brin–Adventures and a coming-of-age story in a world of clones.
*Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul by Douglas Adams–A mystery of an impossible murder and the unraveling of the universe.
*Appleseed Ex Machina by Masamune Shirow (DVD)–Choreography by the director John Woo makes for mesmerizing visuals.
*When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops? by George Carlin–Amusing musings from a master of observation.
*I Wouldn’t Have Missed It by Ogden Nash–A romp through poetry with all of the style and none of the pretense.
*Earth from Above: 366 Days by Yann Arthus-Bertrand–Spectacular images of stunning places on Earth.
Heed the Call! Answer the Bell! Visit the Library in July
By KATHY MCGILBERRY
We’re a bit late in getting all the library news out to you this month. Sorry! But the month here at McAlester Public Library is so jam-packed with activities, there’s still plenty to tell. So, in the spirit of the Early American town crier during this month of Independence Day celebrations, we take up our bell and don our tricorne hat and cry out “oyez, oyez, oyez,” in no way making reference to any current political movement of any stripe.
Children’s and teen programming is still paddling steadily onward, much like summertime revelers on a float trip down the Illinois River. (Bet you thought the watery Summer Reading Program themes could not be tortured any further, but you’d be as mistaken as a crappie fisherman in midsummer.) So inflate those water wings and let’s take a final look at what’s bobbing up this month for the younger set.
Children’s Librarian Anita Ross has a babysitting workshop led by workers from the OSU Extension Office all next week. Pre-registration is required for the four-day event, so hurry. Classes meet from 1-3 p.m. July 12-13 and July 15-16. Participants must attend all four sessions to get their certificates. The event is open to children 9 years old and up, but only those 12 and older will be certified.
Each day’s class will cover a different aspect of child care. Classes will include healthy snacks, games and puzzles and other babysitting tips and tricks.
Because of the babysitting workshop, there will be no Lunch Bunch the week of July 12-16. However, the regular morning activities Tuesday and Thursday will continue. That’s Lapsit at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Tuesday and Story/Craft Time at 10 a.m. and Family Play Time Thursday at 11 a.m. Regular afternoon activities—the Tuesday 2 p.m. Movie Time and Thursday 3-5 p.m. Game Time—resume July 19 and continue through the end of the month.
The big Wednesday programs for the remainder of the month include:
*Wednesday, July 14 at 10 a.m and 1 p.m.—Science Safari with Susan Campbell;
*Wednesday, July 21 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.—Ventriloquist Cowboy Don Hall and his puppet friends; and
*Wednesday, July 28—10 a.m. only—Native American Storyteller Will Hill, followed by food, fun and prizes after his program.
On the teen side, volunteers are now hosting the Scholastic Book Fair every day through July 16, with Summer Reading Program activities suspended until the fundraising event concludes. Other teen activities set for the rest of July include:
*Monday, July 19—Teen Book Club, 4 p.m., discussing “The Luxe” by Ann Godbersen;
*Tuesdays, July 20 and 27—Teen Movie Time, 4 p.m.;
*Wednesday, July 21—Karaoke Contest, 2-5 p.m.;
*Thursdays, July 22 and 29—Game Time, 3:30-5:30 p.m.;
*Friday, July 23—Deadline for short story and photo contests; and
*Wednesday, July 28—Soap and Smoothie Making, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Now on to the adult and family activities. Even though we’re a bit tardy with the news, you haven’t missed a thing. The Bodacious Bookies delayed their July meeting until today, Thursday, July 8, when they’ll be discussing Nicholas Sparks’s “Three Weeks with My Brother.” Further downstream, the rest of the month’s activities include:
*Saturday, July 10—Second Saturday Cinema, 2 p.m. Gene Hackman stars in the tale of the passengers of the S.S. Poseidon, whose lives get turned upside down, literally, in this 1970s-era disaster flick. Free popcorn as always at this PG-rated film.
*Monday, July 12—Arthouse Theater, 6 p.m. Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney star as the parents in an R-rated indie film from director Noah Baumbach about two brothers dealing with their parents’ divorce in 1980s Brooklyn. How can the titled be cleverly disguised without giving it away? Just know that it lists two aquatic creatures, one of which is used to make calamari and another whose ancestor had a passing relationship with a fellow named Jonah.
*Thursday, July 15—Open Mike Night, 6 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room. We have karaoke tunes, a microphone, and two hours. Join us.
*Tuesday, July 20—Night Readers meet at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Sisters in Crime author Stacy Juba’s New England murder mystery “Twenty Five Years Ago Today.” And finally,
*Monday, July 26—First Run Indie Movie, 6 p.m., Whiteacre East, unrated. Join us for free popcorn and a screening of Slovenia’s “A Call Girl.” Here’s the synopsis from Film Movement: “Having grown up in small-town Slovenia, 23-year-old Alexandra embraces the excitement and anonymity of big city life when she moves to the capital. She styles herself as a call girl, planning to take advantage of everything the city has to offer. But her isolated existence—English studies and mortgage payments by day, call girl lifestyle by night—is shattered when one of her clients, a visiting politician, dies of a heart attack on her watch. Alexandra must suddenly confront fear, guilt, and desperation as she finds herself pursued by a band of local pimps, as well as the cops, hot on her trail. The old village life she had escaped from might now become her only refuge.”
Christopher Elliott has everything BUT a tricorne hat in his colorful patriotic display now showing near the front desk. Linda Haile plans an Appalachian themed-display in the “staff picks” area. The lobby will soon see a new display from local historian Steve Adams, as he looks at the history of City Hall in its varied buildings and locations. Nathan Forrest’s “Shelf of the Week” area currently features the theme “Shock and Social Teleology,” and we’d be shocked if the next theme is not equally challenging. Sarah DiLorenzo has a special display of books for boys in the teen area, and the lobby display case will soon feature books and items that network quite nicely with Cell Phone Courtesy Month. Visit the library soon to see the special displays or participate in any of the activities.
Hope to see you here!
Book Fair Opens Today
BOOK FAIR DINER--Sarah and Bradlee have all you can read at the Scholastic Book Fair at McAlester Public Library July 7-16. The fundraising book sale will benefit teen programs, and will be open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The book fair will offer specially-priced books and educational products including new releases, award-winning titles, children's classics, interactive software, adult books and current bestsellers from more than 100 publishers. The book fair will be operated by local teenagers who are volunteering their time this summer to help promote reading, the library, and reading programs.
Teens Make Waves (and Sushi)
McAlester Public Library hosted two groups of teens Monday, June 14 for morning and afternoon Japanese food classes. Teens got to create and sample their own California rolls as Teen Librarian Sarah DiLorenzo and Chef Kelsey Brown assisted them in their preparations. The verdict from both leaders and participants? Yummy!
Making a Theatrical Splash
THEATER FOR YOUNG PEOPLE—Kristin Jackson was the entertainer at two programs at McAlester Public Library Wednesday, June 9. Wearing a variety of costumes, Jackson portrayed three different characters and assisted the children attending the Summer Reading Program in acting out parts from children’s stories.
Book Club Choices Available
DID YOU KNOW McAlester Public Library has sets of books available for checkout by anyone interested in starting a book club? Books from the Bodacious Bookies and Night Readers book clubs are housed on to the topmost shelves of the Mystery and Romance fiction sections. A variety of authors and genres can be found among the book club choices--see which authors are local book club favorites and judge for yourself. Up to 10 copies of each title are available. Many were featured in May in a special display by Janice Saaranen, shown here.
Wade, Swim or Float–Just Get to the Library in June
By KATHY MCGILBERRY
If you’ll recall, we collectively dived into the sparkling clear waters of summer in our May news, so now that we’re up to our wax-plugged ears in the drink, what shall we do? Let’s start with the backstroke, and let’s do three laps around the Summer Reading Program pool.
On the first lap, let’s make sure our goggles are on tight so we can see all the aquatic-themed activities Children’s Librarian Anita Ross has prepared for the younger set. The Whiteacre Room has been transformed into an ultramarine undersea fantasy where children can gather to hear stories, enjoy a meal, watch a movie or see a special program.
In June, regular activities include the Lunch Bunch at noon Monday-Friday, when anyone 18 or younger gets a free lunch. Every Tuesday in June, Lapsit begins at 10 a.m. for groups and caregivers, and at 11 a.m. for family groups. Weekly Movie Time for children is also set for every Tuesday at 2 p.m.
Thursdays are full in June, with a Story/Craft Time beginning at 10 a.m. for ages six and older, followed by family play time at 11 a.m. Game Time for children is set for 3-5 p.m. Thursdays.
But the main attractions are the big programs on Wednesdays, with 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. sessions by each presenter. Here’s the June schedule (You can see the July activities on special posters now hanging at library entrances):
*Wednesday, June 2—Wildlife specialist Benny Farrar will bring live animals, and children will be able to enjoy some hands-on activities.
*Wednesday, June 9—Kristin Jackson presents theater for young people. Children are urged to play a part in the acting fun.
*Wednesday, June 16—Nicole Norris will present a program called “Save Water, Save the Planet.” Neat stuff to see and do, Miss Anita reports.
*Wednesday, June 23—JoAnn McMillan’s puppet show will feature “The Biggest Mermaid.” See a story come alive through puppets.
*Wednesday, June 30—Derik Brock presents “Mad Science.” Wild and crazy attractions are promised.
Okay, let’s catch our breath and switch to the dog paddle as we make our way through another lap, and let’s look at all the activities for teens. Ahoy! The first thing we see is a pool party. How appropriate. Teens will gather at the Stipe Pool Friday, June 4 for a Summer Reading Program kickoff party and cookout. Everything begins at 6 p.m.
Regular teen activities include Teen Movie Time every Tuesday beginning at 4 p.m. and Teen Game Time every Thursday beginning at 3:30 p.m.
Many of Teen Librarian Sarah DiLorenzo’s programs require registration, since spaces are limited. Here’s the rundown:
*Wednesday, June 9—Quilt Making Project, 10a.m.-noon and 3-5 p.m.
*Monday, June 14—Japanese Food Class—10 a.m.-noon and 3-5 p.m.
*Saturday, June 19—Halo 3 Tournament for single players and teams, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
*Monday, June 21—Teen Book Club, 4-5 p.m., discussing “Chosen” by Ted Dekker.
*Wednesday, June 23—Sand Candle and Snow Globe Project, 10 a.m.-noon and 3-5 p.m.
*Monday, June 28—Teen Advisory Group, 4-5 p.m.
*Wednesday, June 30—Tie-Dye T-Shirt Project, 10 a.m.-noon and 3-5 p.m.
All righty then, now that we know the children and teens are safely ensconced in their activities, with many responsible lifeguards to watch over them, let’s swim a little farther from shore and take a look at the adult and family activities. Let’s be fearless and use the trudgen stroke (look it up!).
*Thursday, June 3—Camp Plea Crafts Project, 10 a.m., when I’ll be helping the young campers make hanging fish decorations from posterboard and old magazines. Then from 1-3 p.m., the Bodacious Bookies meet in the Conference Room to discuss “House Made of Dawn” by N. Scott Momaday.
*Thursday, June 10—Camp Plea Crafts Project for adults, when I’ll lead the adults in the construction of rain sticks. Date may be subject to change.
*Saturday, June 12—Second Saturday Cinema double feature, beginning at noon. There’s a comedy theme here, and it’s not that difficult to drag it out of me, but first see if you can figure it out. Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis co-star with Marilyn Monroe in the first feature, beginning at noon. Some people like the heat outside, but some may like it a little cooler, perhaps in the Whiteacre Room, where’s there’s air conditioning and free popcorn. The second feature stars Dustin Hoffman as an actor who becomes an “actress” to win a role. It’s rated PG. There’ll be free popcorn at this screening as well, and you’re welcome to bring drinks and snacks from the lobby machines. You could even bring a bag of Tootsie Rolls to enjoy. Both films are listed in the Top Ten of AFI’s Funniest Movies of All Time.
*Monday, June 14—Arthouse Theater, 6 p.m., Whiteacre Room. Dennis Quaid and Julianne Moore star in a lushly-photographed film about social roles in the 1950s. Dennis Haysbert co-stars in this PG-13 rated tour de force from director Todd Haynes. A truly great film—see it if you can.
*Tuesday, June 15—Night Readers meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room to discuss “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” by David Wroblewski.
*Wednesday, June 23—A free crafts workshop for adults is set from 1-3 p.m. in the Conference Room. A group of 8-10 participants will make decorative trivets using kitchen tile and glass decorations. Pre-registration required. Call 426-0930 to get on the list.
*Monday, June 38—The first run independent films from Film Movement return with a 6 p.m. screening of “Welcome.” This unrated drama from France won the 2010 Best Picture category at the Lumiere Awards.
It’s a fitting theme for our summer of watery references. Here’s a synopsis of the plot: “Bilal, a 17-year-old Kurdish refugee, has struggled his way through Europe for the last three months, trying to reunite with his girlfriend, who recently emigrated to England. But his journey comes to an abrupt halt when he is stopped by authorities in Calais, on the French side of the Channel. Left with no other alternatives, he decides to swim across. Bilal goes to the local swimming pool to train, where he meets Simon, a middle-aged swimming instructor in turmoil over his imminent divorce. Simon agrees to help Bilal, hoping to win back the affection of his wife, who does volunteer work helping immigrants. But what begins as a relationship based on self interest, develops into something much bigger than Simon could ever have imagined, as he too will ultimately risk everything to reach happiness.”
If the children’s, teen, adult and family activities don’t pull you into the sweeping currents of the Summer Reading Program, perhaps the colorful, bobbing buoyancy of our displays will tempt you. Christopher Elliott has a big display titled “Under the Sea” near the front desk, and there’s another display called “At the Beach” in the lobby. Nathan Forrest’s “War” display in the “Shelf of the Week” area probably includes a few naval battles. And in the children’s section, Alyce Edwards has fashioned a “Discover Your World” display in the children’s nonfiction section. That’s it. It’s time to climb up on the dock and enjoy a refreshing summer beverage. Hope to see you at the library!
A Wave of Activity
PREPARATIONS FOR SUMMER READING are currently underway at McAlester Public Library. The wave of activity includes the creation of this undersea mural in the Whiteacre Room, and other water-themed displays. The Summer Reading Program kicks off June 1. The theme for children is "Make a Splash @ Your Library," and the theme for teens is "Make Waves @ Your Library."
