Write This Down: November Is Novel at the Library

By KATHY McGILBERRY

Tomorrow, November begins. The night is sure to be dark. It may or may not be stormy. It could be the worst of times. Then again, it might be the best of times. We just don’t know.

We’re positive, however, that November 1 marks the beginning of National Novel Writing Month. You can learn more about it here, http://www.nanowrimo.org/, where “the world’s largest writing event and nonprofit literary crusade” is located.

Call me Ishmael. Call me Ishkabibble. Call me woefully unenlightened, but I learned that many successful novels, including “Water for Elephants,” got their start during this special month. So if you’ve ever wanted to write a novel, now might be the time. And if you’re looking for inspiration, come to McAlester Public Library to check out the latest bestselling novel, or a classic story by a master.

And when you decide to take a break from your storytelling, please attend any of these library programs. You just might gain the gift of laughter, or the sense that the world is mad. We guarantee you won’t be an invisible man or woman.

Here’s what’s happening this month:

*Thursday, Nov. 1—The Bookies will meet at 1 p.m. to discuss Susan Hill’s “The Woman in Black.” At 3:45 p.m., teens meet upstairs for the first of three Game Times this month. The others are Nov. 8 and 29.

Then at 6 p.m., Dr. Joshua Grasso of ECU in Ada, a speaker new to us here at the library, will deliver a scholarly presentation about Michael Pollan’s “In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto.” It’s part of the ongoing “Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma” reading and discussion program sponsored by the Oklahoma Humanities Council. All are welcome to attend; reading the book is not a requirement. And we always have great refreshments.

*Friday, Nov. 2—Anthony Smart begins another month of free computer classes with a 3 p.m. session on Basic Computing. Other Friday classes this month will be on Facebook, Computer Maintenance and Computer Tips and Tricks. You must register to attend. Call 918-426-0930 to get your name on the list.

*Saturday, Nov. 3—Teen Librarian Erin Austin will lead the fifth annual International Games Day at the library. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., teens may participate in Mario Kart, Halo and Super Smash Bros. tournaments, or play other video and board games.

*Monday, Nov. 5—Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen co-star in a funny and heart-tugging movie about two friends dealing with a cancer diagnosis. The Arthouse Theater film is rated R, and there will be plenty of free popcorn as always.

*Tuesday, Nov. 6—The Teen Challenge will be “Percy Jackson Trivia.” See Erin for details.

*Thursday, Nov. 8—We continue our food-themed programs as part of the “Much Depends on Dinner” series with a Let’s Talk About It movie special at 6 p.m. Kerri Russell stars as a waitress with a dream and a talent for making delicious pies. This PG-13 movie also stars Nathan Fillion. Join us! You don’t have to participate in the book series to watch the related movies.

*Saturday, Nov. 10—Second Saturday Cinema at 2 p.m. is always a family-friendly film. This month we’ll enjoy a movie new to DVD release. This PG-rated film follows the story of Santa’s youngest son, as he undertakes an urgent, special mission. It’s a perfect movie for “Dear Santa Letter Week,” and the beginnings of the holiday season.

*Sunday and Monday, Nov. 11-12—The library will be closed in observance of Veterans Day.

*Tuesday, Nov. 13—Yu-Gi-Oh Club meets at 4 p.m. upstairs.

*Wednesday, Nov. 14—The Crafts Workshop will be dazzling and be-jeweled, when the group meets at 1 p.m. to use beautiful craft jewels to adorn projects brought from home. (I’ll be jazzing up an old bottle and some votive candle holders. What will you bring?) Call 918-426-0930 to register, since spaces are limited.

*Thursday, Nov. 15—The library will be closed as the staff meets for the annual In-Service Training Day. Then at 6 p.m., doors will open for the Let’s Talk About, It Oklahoma book discussion ONLY. Again, ONLY the book discussion will be held in the Whiteacre Room, when Dr. Doug Watson presents Molly Wizenburg’s “A Homemade Life” at 6 p.m.

*Monday, Nov. 19—We have two programs on this night. The Light Readers will meet in the Conference Room at 6 p.m. to discuss Gracia Burnham’s “In the Presence of My Enemies.” At the same time, over in the Whiteacre East, we’ll be showing another movie as part of our Let’s Talk series. Meryl Streep and Amy Adams star as Julia Child and blogger Julie Powell in this inventive PG-13 tale.

*Tuesday, Nov. 20—Why would a woman marry a man who has already been married eight times? Night Readers will discuss this question, and the book “The Ninth Wife” by Amy Stolls, when they meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room. Free refreshments, as always, at this and all our other book clubs.

*Thursday and Friday, Nov. 22-23—The library will be closed for the Thanksgiving Day holiday.

*Saturday, Nov. 24—Each fourth Saturday of the month, we show an interesting documentary film. Our PG movie on this day takes a look at the Star Trek fan phenomenon. You’ll want to join us as we enter Space: The Final Frontier, or at least the Whiteacre Room. Showtime is 2 p.m.

*Monday, Nov. 26—Film Movement films are independent artsy movies, often from other countries. This month’s unrated film is “Free Men,” the story of an Algerian man who joins the Resistance in World War II Paris. It’s presented in French, with English subtitles. Please join us at 6 p.m. for popcorn and a movie.

*Tuesday, Nov. 27—Socrates Café will meet from 10 a.m. to noon in the Conference Room. Join us as we learn how to speak to one another, challenge one another and learn from one another. There’s always a nice brunch, too.

*Wednesday, Nov. 28—The Teen Book Club will meet at 4 p.m. to discuss “The Running Dream” by Wendelin Van Draanen.

*Thursday, Nov. 29—Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma concludes at 6 p.m. with Dr. Lewis Parkhill, who will present “Secrets of the Tsil Café” by Thomas Fox Averill. Don’t miss this final course of what has been a scrumptious literary banquet.

*Friday, Nov. 30—And don’t forget our newest group as we close out the month! The Friday Foodies, led by Ellen Barlow, will meet to share all things delicious and cookery. This recipe exchange and food enthusiast group will focus on cookies and candies, just in time for holiday baking and treat-making, and will commence at 4:30 p.m.

Children’s activities will follow their usual schedule. Check the website or pick up a calendar at the front desk for details.

Good luck to you during National Novel Writing Month. The first lines of novels we referenced at the beginning of this newsletter were: (1) It was a dark and stormy night…—Edward George Bulwer-Lytton, “Paul Clifford” (1830); (2) It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…—Charles Dickens, “A Tale of Two Cities” (1859); (3) Call me Ishmael. —Herman Melville, “Moby-Dick” (1851); (4) He was born with a gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad. —Raphael Sabatini, “Scaramouche” (1921); and (5) I am an invisible man. —Ralph Ellison, “Invisible Man” (1952).

Hope to see you at the library!

 

Happy Halloween

 

ANOTHER HALLOWEEN, ANOTHER LINEUP of scary, funny costumes at McAlester Public Library.

We hope you have a safe and happy holiday too.

Special Saturday Magic Show at Library

Magician Steve Crawford, a frequent performer during Summer Reading Program events at McAlester Public Library, will present a special show Saturday, Oct. 20 here.

Crawford has been an entertainer for more than 40 years, traveling from coast to coast as a magician, hypnotist, actor and escape artist. He has won numerous awards and has performed at state fairs, shared the stage with greats such as Henry Winkler, opened for rock stars including Alice Cooper, worked for Evil Knievel, and entertained at more than a thousand corporations.

Magician Steve Crawford

He has also performed at Six Flags and Sea World theme parks. He won the Nabisco “Unlock the Magic” award, a national competition involving hundreds of magicians. Crawford holds the world record for speed escapes from handcuffs, in less than two seconds, and was featured on Fox’s “Magical Mystery Tour.”

Saturday’s show will begin at 1 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room and is free to all ages. Parents and grandparents are urged to bring children to the show, which will feature Crawford’s special “Night Magic” show, as well as “Presto the Rabbit.”

Children’s Librarian Anita Ross will have free refreshments prior to the show.

“Be here no later than 12:30 p.m. to sign up for prizes and have some snacks,” she said. “Only children are eligible for the prizes, but everyone is welcome to refreshments. And every child will get something to take home.”

For more information on this or any other library program, call 918-426-0930.

 

 

A Banquet of Information, Activity at the Library in October

By KATHY McGILBERRY

It’s a feast of fall activities at McAlester Public Library in October, with a food-centric “Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma” series, a new Friday Foodies group and many more morsels of goodness, including a special Saturday program for children that’s sure to be magically delicious.

Here’s what’s on the menu:

*Thursday, Oct. 4—The Bookies will meet at 1 p.m. in the Conference Room to discuss Elmore Leonard’s “The Hot Kid.” Next month’s book will be “The Woman in Black” by Susan Hill, by the way. Then at 6 p.m. we begin the first of five book discussions in the “Much Depends on Dinner” Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma series. Dr. Trisha Yarbrough will be here to give a presentation on Nicole Mones’s novel “The Last Chinese Chef.” Even if you have not read the book, you’re welcome to attend and sample the refreshment table.

*Friday, Oct. 5—A second helping of fall computer classes begins with this 3 p.m. Basic Computing session with instructor Anthony Smart.

*Monday, Oct. 8—The Rotten Tomatoes movie rating website has a 78% favorable rating for our Arthouse Theater movie, which begins at 6 p.m. in the Whiteacre East. Jason Segel and Ed Helms star in what Roger Ebert called a “feel sorta-good” movie about a Baton Rouge slacker. It’s rated R and we’ll plenty of free popcorn.

*Tuesday, Oct. 9—We all know what zombies like to eat. So, be sure your brains are well protected as teens in Teen Librarian Erin Austin’s group gather at the retaining wall at the lower parking lot off 2nd Street at 4 p.m. for a huge “Zombie Sidewalk Chalk Decorating” event.

*Wednesday, Oct. 10—The Knitting for Fun class meets at 11 a.m. in the Conference Room with instructor Frances Mills Walker. Already the group has learned to knit and purl, and has created some lovely potholders. This week, they’ll start a scarf project. Then at 1 p.m., the monthly Free Crafts Workshop will meet in the Whiteacre Room to create shell art projects with seashells donated by member Diane Hood. It’s a pity we didn’t get to enjoy the seafood they contained, but their beauty will have to suffice.

*Thursday, Oct. 11—The plot of the first “Let’s Talk” book centered on a huge Chinese banquet. Our “Let’s Talk” movie special at 6 p.m. centers on a huge Italian banquet. This R-rated, critically-acclaimed film stars Tony Shalhoub, Stanley Tucci, and Marc Anthony, and has other stars you’ll recognize in supporting roles. Join us in the Whiteacre Room and enjoy the free popcorn.

*Friday, Oct. 12—Have a new e-reader? Then you’ll want to attend the second free computer class of the month at 3 p.m., when Anthony teaches everyone how to borrow e-books. It’s in the Whiteacre.

*Saturday, Oct. 13—Just in time for Halloween season, Second Saturday Cinema at 2 p.m. will feature a PG-rated Disney movie, based on the Ray Bradbury novel “Something Wicked This Way Comes.” It stars Jason Robards, Jonathan Pryce, Diane Ladd and Pam Grier. Free popcorn as always.

*Monday, Oct. 15—The Light Readers will meet at 6 p.m. in the Conference Room to discuss Sally John’s “Ransomed Dreams.” Refreshments will be served.

*Tuesday, Oct. 16—The Friends of the Library know all about good meals. They meet at noon every third Tuesday of the month for lunch and a program. This month, Susie Graves of the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma will be the speaker. Then at 6:30 p.m., the Night Readers will consider Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Masque of the Red Death,” before they make their book choices for 2013. If you’d like to have input in what books are discussed by the group next year, be sure to attend. Free refreshments, of course.

*Wednesday, Oct. 17—Knitting for Fun begins at 11 a.m. in the Conference Room. The yummy Teen Cooking Class will meet at 4 p.m. upstairs to make Skillet Lasagna.

*Thursday, Oct. 18—Another “Let’s Talk” movie special begins at 6 p.m. in the Whiteacre. This PG-13 rated documentary examines how Zen Buddhism intersects with a chef’s life. Food for thought indeed.

*Friday, Oct. 19—Computer Class at 3 p.m. in the Whiteacre focuses on genealogy resources. Heritage Quest, Ancestry.com and census records will be the subjects. Are you registered yet? Call 918-426-0930 to get on the class list.

*Saturday, Oct. 20—It’s a special weekend children’s program! Magician Steve Crawford will present a “Night Magic” program at 1 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room. Check with Children’s Librarian Anita Ross for details about other activities before and after the program.

*Monday, Oct. 22—The Teen Book Group will meet at 4 p.m. to discuss John Boyne’s “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.”

*Tuesday, Oct. 23—It’s “Dinner and a Movie” for the teens. They’ll be meeting at 3:45 p.m. upstairs to watch Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron in this new version of the Snow White tale. It’s rated PG-13.

*Wednesday, Oct. 24—Knitting for Fun meets at 11 a.m. in the Conference Room.

*Thursday, Oct. 25—After the two-week movie break, the “Let’s Talk” group gets back to the business of book discussion, when Dr. Kenneth Hada presents the Calvin Trillin collection “The Tummy Trilogy.” If you’ve enjoyed Trillin’s droll poetry in the past, you’ll be sure to love his trio of food-related memoirs. Join us for refreshments and more at 6 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room.

*Friday, Oct. 26—The final computer class of the month tackles Word, Excel and other programs in a 3 p.m. session in the Whiteacre. Then at 4:30, a new group will meet with leader Ellen Barlow. The Friday Foodies recipe exchange will get underway with pumpkin and apple recipes galore. There will be a drawing for a free gift.

*Saturday, Oct. 27—See the just-released PG-rated documentary about legendary musician Neil Young at 2 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room. We have documentary films every fourth Friday, with free popcorn.

*Monday, Oct. 29—The Film Movement movie this month is “Foreign Letters,” an unrated movie in English, Hebrew and Vietnamese, with English subtitles. Free popcorn, too.

*Tuesday, Oct. 30—Socrates Café meets at 10 a.m. in the Conference Room to discuss issues of the day. This group enjoys brunch and lively conversation. All are welcome.

*Wednesday, Oct. 31—As usual, the scary staff at McAlester Public Library will come to work all dressed up in their Halloween costumes. You’ll want to visit the library just to see the spectacle.

Plus, all month long we’ll have regular children’s and teen activities, and the usual array of informative and fun displays.