By KATHY McGILBERRY
Although we honor the descriptive and literary powers of Frank Sinatra in most instances (see: “doo, doobie-doobie,” not to mention “ding, ring-a-ding”), this month we’re taking issue with his contention that “the days grow short when you reach September.” Too much is happening at McAlester Public Library this month to allow for shorter days, as you’ll soon see, so despite what Ol’ Blue Eyes had to say, let’s keep our clocks stretched out to their full capacities and let’s get going.
Just as surely as leaves change color in the fall, library displays change around the first of the month. Here’s what you’ll find at various spots around the building as we turn the calendar page. Ellen Mills highlights the mystery genre in her crime scene display in the New Books section. Nathan Forrest looks at social welfare problems and services and says “Ack!” in his Shelf of the Week display, then does double duty with a large display about computers and computing near the front desk. Local historian Steve Adams turns his attention from the 1973 prison riot to the tastier subject of Local Eateries, Past and Present. (Your contributions are sought for the display as well. We have special forms for anyone who wants to share a memory about a local diner, drive-in or eatery. Ask at the front desk.) Other displays include one from Teen Librarian Sarah DiLorenzo, who will place her selections in the Staff Picks display. Library volunteer Camilla Whittaker shares her tea and chocolate sets in a Japanese Culture display in the lobby.
Banned Book Week will be marked Sept. 25 through Oct. 2, so look for special displays then. As always, any library materials on display may be checked out.
Resuming in September are all the regular children’s programs, as well as Children’s Librarian Anita Ross’s Family Fun Night and Grover Walker’s Saturday math tutoring sessions.
Children’s programming includes: Lapsits (age 3 and under) for groups and caregivers at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, and for families at 11:15 a.m. Tuesdays; Story Times (age 3 and over) at 10 a.m. Wednesdays; Children’s Movies at 4 p.m. Tuesdays; Children’s Game Time at 4 p.m. Thursdays; and Family Play Days at 11 a.m. on the first, third and fourth Thursdays.
Teen programming includes: Teen Movies at 4 p.m. Tuesdays; Teen Game Times at 3:30 p.m. Thursdays; the Manga/Anime Club at 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13; a Sing Star Karaoke contest at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15; a meeting of the Teen Advisory Group at 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 20; and a meeting of the Teen Book Club at 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27, when the group will discuss Carl Deuker’s “Gym Candy.”
Computer Whiz Anthony Smart has scheduled weekly Basic Computer Classes in September, and more classes are coming in October and November for both basic and advanced subjects. In September, all classes focus on the basics, and all meet from 4-5 p.m. Dates are: Wednesdays, Sept. 1, 8 and 22; Tuesday, Sept. 14; and Thursday, Sept. 30.
Here’s a closer look at the adult and family programming:
Thursday, Sept. 2—Bodacious Bookies meet in the Conference Room at 1 p.m. to discuss Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” It is a truth universally acknowledged that a reader in possession of a love of literature must be in want of a book club, and the Bodacious Bookies are a welcoming group.
Wednesday, Sept. 8—Nostalgic photo frames and mats will be project for the Free Crafts Workshop that makes its debut as a regular monthly feature. The group will meet on the second Wednesday of every month from 1-3 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room. Spaces are limited, so be sure to call us at 918-426-0930 to register.
Thursday, Sept. 9—Back by popular request, it’s another Open Mike Night beginning at 6 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room. Come out to speak, sing, tell jokes or just be part of the audience.
Saturday, Sept. 11—Second Saturday Cinema will feature the latest version of Alice, down the rabbit hole and straight into Wonderland. This version is rated PG and stars Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp, and begins at 2 p.m. Free popcorn for this and all movies at McAlester Public Library is provided by Friends of the Library.
Monday, Sept. 13—Arthouse Theater at 6 p.m. features the PG-rated story of TV newsman Edward R. Murrow from George Clooney. It stars David Straitharn. Join us for this noir-ish biopic.
Thursday, Sept. 16—A special movie matinee from 1-3 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room is designed for visiting groups, but anyone may attend. The monthly movie will feature new releases, and last month featured “Shutter Island.” What will be the surprise flick this month? Join us to find out! And at 6 p.m. on the same day, participants in this season’s “Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma” program will gather to view a film version of Homer’s “Odyssey.”
Monday, Sept. 20—The movie version of Odysseus’ long, strange trip will conclude. Free popcorn at the 6 p.m. screening.
Tuesday, Sept. 21—Friends of the Library will meet for a noon luncheon, when the program from Jeanne Nelson and Frankie Rayburn will be “McAlester Eateries.” Family Fun Night begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Whiteacre. And finally, Night Readers will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room to give their “Readers’ Choice” offerings and select books for 2011.
Thursday, Sept. 23—It’s the first fall session of “Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma,” the reading and discussion program sponsored by the Oklahoma Humanities Council and Friends of the Library of McAlester. Dr. Alvin O. Turner will give a scholarly presentation about Homer’s classic, then the group will discuss “The Odyssey.” Tedi Graham is scheduled to be the discussion leader. There will be free refreshments and door prizes.
Monday, Sept. 27—A family-friendly documentary is this month’s offering from Film Movement. “Only When I Dance” is the title of the First Run Indie Movie in September, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Whiteacre East. The film tells the story of Irlan and Isabela, two teenagers from the violent favelas of Rio de Janeiro, as they pursue their dreams of becoming professional ballet dancers. Film Movement says this inspiring story takes the viewers from Rio, where the communities must raise the funds to support the dancers’ ambitions, to exhilarating ballet competitions in New York and Switzerland. It’s a film about their determination to dance, and the price one must pay for talent, ambition and success.
Thursday, Sept. 30—Another “Let’s Talk” movie special begins at 6 p.m. with a film that tells the story of Beat Generation icon Neal Cassady. It’s rated R.
Well, the days dwindled down, and it’s still a long, long time until December, so let’s now take the advice of the Chairman of the Board and keep looking forward. The best, he assures us, is yet to come. Hope to see you at the library!
McBook 