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!
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!
McBook 
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