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!
McBook 