Special Library Program for MLK Day Begins ‘Lucky 2013’

By KATHY McGILBERRY

What’s your lucky number? Mine’s 13. My twin sons were born 13 minutes apart on July 13. Before novelist Nevada Barr wrote the thriller “13½,” I was calling my work product “File 13½.” I was once even 13 years old.

So you can well imagine the year 2013 has me as expansive as my Size 13 shoes. (OK, I don’t really wear shoes that big, but why waste a perfectly good joke opportunity?)

Here at McAlester Public Library, we begin the year 2013 with so many extras, we might have to put a full Bakers’ Dozen of months on the calendar just to fit it all in. Lucky us! And lucky you, with all these free programs and activities to attend.

We’re proud to announce that Al Bostick of Oklahoma City, renowned performer affiliated with the Oklahoma Arts Council, will present a special program for Martin Luther King Day on Monday, Jan. 21. His poetry and spoken word performance “Black Voices of the Harlem Renaissance” will be something you won’t forget. Make plans now to attend, and be sure to stop by the library to check out books from our special display on the Harlem Renaissance near the New Books section.

Thanks to Head Librarian Christine Sauro and Director Wayne Hanway of the Southeastern Public Library System of Oklahoma, we’ll have special performances like this one every month, all the way to summer! Folk tales, topical panel discussions, “An Evening with ‘Will Rogers,’” author readings, a Western humorist…even a performance by an improv comedy group. That’s right, you’ll have the chance to see a real “Whose Line Is It Anyway?-style” show. And we’re adding more events like these all the time.

Just take a look at how “Lucky 2013” begins:

Thursday, Jan. 3—The Bookies meet from 1-3 p.m. in the Conference Room to discuss Susanna Kearsley’s “The Winter Sea.” It’s described as “deliciously romantic,” as well as “brooding and haunting.” You’re welcome to join group leaders Darlene Rising and Janice Saaranen as they brood about the meaning of this historical tale. Lots of yummy refreshments too.

Wednesday, Jan. 9—As of this writing, there’s still an opening or two for the monthly crafts workshop. The project is Faux Tin Tiles. We’re making a raised-pattern, painted version of those old tin ceiling tiles you once found in drug stores and other high-ceiling-ed establishments. The base material? Disposable bakeware. We undertake the project at 1 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room. Many thanks to the J.G. Puterbaugh Foundation, who provide funds for this and other library programs.

Saturday, Jan. 12—Kids love the “Diary of the Wimpy Kid” books. And now there are three movies based on the popular series. We’ll be showing the newly-released third installment for Second Saturday Cinema at 2 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room. It’s Rated PG. Free popcorn!

Monday, Jan. 14—The Criterion Collection of DVDs showcases important classic and contemporary films. We’ll be screening one of the best–a Billy Wilder film starring Kirk Douglas as an amoral reporter—for Arthouse Theater at 6 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room. Thanks to the Friends of the Library, we always have free popcorn for movie-goers.

Tuesday, Jan. 15—And speaking of Friends of the Library, that group meets at noon for their monthly luncheon, in the Whiteacre Room. You’re welcome to attend. Then at 6:30 p.m., the Night Readers meet in the Conference Room to discuss John Connolly’s “The Book of Lost Things.” It’s a fantastic coming-of-age tale, and we’ll have fantastic refreshments, too.

Monday, Jan. 21—The Light Readers will meet at 6 p.m. in the Conference Room to discuss Nicki Arana’s “Winds of Sonoma.” At 6:30 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room, don’t miss Al Bostick’s striking performance of “Black Voices of the Harlem Renaissance.” Hear poetry readings and spoken word performance from the works of James Weldon Johnston, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston and Paul Laurence Dunbar, among others. This special program marking Dr. Martin Luther King Day is made possible by SEPLSO, the AEP/PSO Company, and Bill and Meta Milligan.

Friday, Jan. 25—The Friday Foodies gather at 4:30 p.m. in the Conference Room for a recipe exchange with the theme “Valentine’s Dinner for Two.” Hostess Ellen Barlow is planning a drawing for a gift certificate from a local eatery, so don’t miss it!

Saturday, Jan. 26—The monthly Documentary Matinee comes from Disney, is narrated by Tim Allen and features a chimpanzee. That’s all we can tell you, except it’s Rated G. Bring the whole family!

Monday, Jan. 28—The Film Movement first-run independent movie this month is a French romantic comedy. And you know what that means. That’s right, subtitles. See “The Day I Saw Your Heart” beginning at 6 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room. Free popcorn, oui oui.

Tuesday, Jan. 29—Socrates Café meets from 10 a.m. to noon in the Conference Room to discuss…well, everything. Last month, we talked about Christopher Hitchens, Elie Wiesel, the bed of Procrustes, Alain Badiou, Marx and identity politics. Join us! We have questions, opinions and brunch. We always try very hard to use our indoor voices.

This month we have all the regular children’s programs, a special display from Christopher Elliott about the state of American education, and a history display about the OSP Prison Rodeo.

Teens meet for Game Times every Thursday at 3:45 p.m. Other activities this month include Yu-Gi-Oh Club Jan. 8 and 22 at 4 p.m.; a Mario Party Teen Challenge Jan. 15 at 4 p.m.; and a Teen Movie Jan. 29 at 3:45 p.m. Creative Corner Jan. 9 at 4 p.m. features Origami crafts, and Cooking Class Jan. 16 at 4 p.m. features Chocolate Pie. The Teen Advisory Club will meet Jan. 23 at 4 p.m.

Next month is Black History Month, and one of our special programs will be a class in online research about African-American heritage. Steve Beleu of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries will show us how to find records on the American Memory website. The site includes the papers of Frederick Douglass, interviews of former slaves and information about “The Black Church of the South.” Spaces for this free and informative workshop are limited, so be sure to call early to register. The class will meet in the afternoon Tuesday, Feb. 5.

Be sure to check our website at http://www.mcalesterlibrary.net for more information about these and other programs.

Hope to see you at the library!

 

It’s the Final Countdown of Library Activities (For the Year)

By KATHY McGILBERRY

Here we are, mere days away from December 21, 2012, variously thought to be (a) the end of days, (b) the Winter Solstice marking the end of one great age and the beginning of another, or (c) another day your library will be open to serve you.

No matter which option you choose, it’s the end of the year (as we know it) and we feel fine. As in every other month, we have a host of activities and displays for the whole family. Climb out of that bunker and find your way to the library this month. Here’s what’s happening:

*Wednesday, Dec. 5—Teens will take to the streets for another Sidewalk Chalk “Creative Corner” activity at 4 p.m.

*Thursday, Dec. 6—The Bookies will meet at 1 p.m. in the Conference Room to discuss David Morrell’s “The Spy Who Came for Christmas.” Janice Saaranen and Darlene Rising lead this lively group, and the refreshments are often fitted to the book’s theme, and always tasty. Then at 3:45 p.m. it’s Game Time for the teens, with other Game Times set for Dec. 13 and 27 as well.

*Saturday, Dec. 8—See Kevin Durant of the OKC Thunder in this newly-released family film. Durant plays a basketball star who switches talents with a klutzy 16-year-old fan. It’s rated PG, and we’ll have free popcorn as always.

*Monday, Dec. 10—It was the sleeper hit of the summer! It even inspired a host of hipster Halloween costumes. At 6 p.m., see Bruce Willis, Ed Norton, Bill Murray and Frances McDormand in a funny Wes Anderson film. It shows what happens when a youthful pair flees their New England town, causing a local search party to fan out and find them. This quirky film is rated PG-13. Free popcorn, of course.

*Tuesday, Dec. 11—The Yu-Gi-Oh Club will meet upstairs at 4 p.m.

*Wednesday, Dec. 12—Beautiful tinfoil stars will be created at the Free Crafts Workshop at 1 p.m. (plus some other paper craft gift wrap embellishments.) Call 918-426-0930 to register to attend. Spaces are limited, but there are a few spots still left. Then at 4 p.m. the teens meet for their regular cooking class. On the menu? Nacho Dip.

*Saturday, Dec. 15—Bring the kids to a fantastic, free holiday puppet show in the Whiteacre Room. The Dallas Puppet Theater’s show “Holiday on Strings” will begin at 2:45 p.m., but come early at 2 p.m. for music, games and refreshments. Here’s more about the giant marionette show: http://bit.ly/VkuNlo. Take some time from holiday shopping and preparations to enjoy this great family activity.

*Monday, Dec. 17—The Light Readers will meet at 6 p.m. with hostess Ellen Barlow to discuss Debbie Macomber’s “Angels at Christmas.” Ellen will have some yummy refreshments, as she always does.

*Tuesday, Dec. 18—The Friends of the Library will meet for their annual holiday luncheon, when Stroud Holt will present a special program. It all begins at noon in the Whiteacre Room. Not to be outdone, teens will enjoy a special event with a 3:45 p.m. dinner-and-a-movie program that features a just-released movie starring Christian Bale as a certain masked avenger. Then at 6:30 p.m., the Night Readers will meet in the Conference Room to discuss Irving Wallace’s “The Miracle.” There will be free refreshments here too.

*Wednesday, Dec. 19—Ho, ho, ho! It’s the annual visit from Santa Claus. Bring the kiddies from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., or from 3:30-5:30 p.m. As usual, we’ll be taking photos and handing out free 3×5 prints, but you’re welcome to bring your own cameras, too. Also on this day, the TAG (teen advisory group) will meet at 4 p.m. upstairs.

*Thursday, Dec. 20—As we have done for the past few years, we’ll be keeping the Whiteacre Room open for a $10,000 Cash Drawing watch party. Don your running shoes (It’s three blocks downhill if you win, and we’ll cheer you on!) and join us as we listen to the radio broadcast, where it’s warm and dry.

*Saturday, Dec. 22—Assuming of course we all survive Dec. 21, we will gather in the Whiteacre Room at 2 p.m. for Documentary Matinee. Showing this month is a story about video game culture, Donkey Kong and two rivals who take their competition seriously. It’s rated PG-13 and we’ll have plenty of free popcorn. (This is one of Morgan Spurlock’s 100 Documentaries to See Before You Die, so celebrate 2012 survival by seeing this film!)

*Sunday-Tuesday, Dec. 23-25—The library will be closed for the Christmas holiday.

*Wednesday, Dec. 26—Because of the holiday, the Film Movement first-run independent movie has a special date this month. “Corpo Celeste” (one of the recommendations in this month’s Film Comment magazine) begins at 6 p.m. This unrated drama from Italy tells the story of 13-year-old Marta, who has recently moved back to southern Italy with her mother and older sister. She struggles to find her place, restlessly testing the boundaries of an unfamiliar city and the catechism of the Catholic church. Free popcorn courtesy of the Friends of the Library, as always.

*Friday, Dec. 28—Also on a special date due to the holiday, Socrates Café meets at 10 a.m. for brunch and philosophical discussion. Last month (at the suggestion of one of our participants) we each were given three poker chips, to be “spent” on abrupt changes of subject. I’m happy to report we ended the discussion of “What is good leadership?” with many chips left unspent and hardly any French Toast uneaten. Speaking of food, join Ellen for another meeting of the Friday Foodies at 4:30 p.m., when “appetizers” will be the theme of this fun recipe exchange.

All the regular children’s activities are on the schedule, too: Lapsits at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Tuesdays, and Story Times at 10 a.m. Wednesdays. Check the calendar or the website for more information.

Look for some big announcements in January, 2013 as we prepare some special one-time-only programs. Can’t wait to see you at the library!