McALESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY was a big presence at the annual Baby Fair, held Saturday, April 12 at the Expo Center on Highway 270 West. Manning the booth were Ellen Barlow, Janice Saaranen, Terry Saaranen, Candy Larkins and Melissa Barron. Among the many activities available for fair-goers were a photo cutout booth, a bean-bag toss, coloring pages, and many free handouts about library services and programs. The library also gave away toys, books and favors.
By KATHY McGILBERRY
Forgive the lateness of this month’s newsletter—so much is sprouting up this season we can barely keep up. I know you’re busy too, so let’s just cut to the chase. It’s April—book sale month, Baby Fair month, Earth Day month and so much more. Here’s what’s blooming during the rest of April at your library:
*Wednesday, April 9—The crafts group will meet to make seashell wind chimes at 1:30 p.m. Then at 6 p.m., the Adult Anime group will watch a PG-13 movie starring Lily Collins.
*Thursday, April 10—The always-engaging Dr. Trisha Yarbrough will be on hand to tell us about Louise Erdrich’s novel “The Bingo Palace,” for the 6-8 p.m. session of Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma. We’ll have tasty refreshments and delightful door prizes.
*Friday, April 11—Our History at High Noon series comes to a close with a visit from Carolyn Clifton of the OSU Extension Office, who will tell us about cooking during territorial times. We’ll enjoy a down-home style bean dinner and much more. The annual Friends of the Library book sale kicks off at 6 p.m. at St. John’s Gym, with the $5 admission pre-sale. You’ll want to go early to snag the best bargains.
*Saturday, April 12—Visit our booth at the annual Baby Fair at the Expo Center west of McAlester. We’ll have lots to give away at this year’s circus-themed festivities. And don’t forget, back in town, the free admission book sale begins at 8 a.m. at St. John’s and continues until noon. We hope you’ll attend and buy lots and lots of books, in support of your local library and its programs. Next, it’s family movie time at 2 p.m., when Second Saturday Cinema features a “Ramona” movie starring Selena Gomez. This G-rated film is being shown in honor of author Beverly Cleary’s birthday. Join us for family fun and free popcorn.
*Monday, April 14—National Library Week begins with our regular Arthouse Theater, this month showing a movie based on our Night Readers book club choice. It’s rated PG-13 and begins at 6 p.m. It stars Kal Penn.
*Tuesday, April 15—Friends of the Library will meet at noon in the Whiteacre Room to continue the National Library Week celebration with a luncheon honoring library employees. The theme this year is “Lives Change at Your Library.” Learn how your life can change for the better by attending library programs—join the Friends group. They’d love to have you. At 6:30, the Night Readers meet in the Conference Room to discuss Jhumpa Lahiri’s “The Namesake.”
*Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, April 16-18—Join Anthony Smart for another three-day computer workshop, where you’ll learn everything you need to know to get started on a computer, and the internet. Classes run from 2:30-4 p.m. each day. Call 918-426-0930 to register.
*Thursday, April 17—A Let’s Talk movie special beginning at 6 p.m. features an all-Indian cast in a movie based on a Sherman Alexie short story. Join us for free popcorn at this PG-13 movie, designed to complement the “Native American Writers of the Plains” series.
*Friday, April 18—Look for information at the library about our annual essay and short story contest, opening on this date. You could win simply by telling us how the library has changed your life.
*Sunday, April 20—The library will be closed for the Easter holiday.
*Monday, April 21—The Light Readers will meet at 6 p.m. in the Conference Room to discuss Kim Vogel Sawyer’s “What Once Was Lost.”
*Tuesday, April 22—For Earth Day, come to the library to hear Richard Askew present a special program about McAlester’s Community Garden. His talk will begin at 6:30 in the Whiteacre Room. We have a number of new books on the subject, and we’ll have refreshments and some special prizes too.
*Wednesday, April 23—The Adult Steampunk group will meet at 6 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room to discuss “Goliath” by Scott Westerfeld. All are welcome to attend.
*Thursday, April 24—Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma concludes with Dr. Lewis Parkhill’s presentation of “Medicine River” by Thomas King. Please join us for this final spring session to get a sneak preview of our fall series on The Gilded Age, and to vote for your choice of reading/discussion theme for Spring, 2015. The program begins at 6 p.m. and as always, features refreshments and door prizes.
*Saturday, April 26—Documentary Matinee focuses on National Child Abuse Prevention Month with a serious look at child abuse. Join us at 2 p.m. for a gripping documentary on this subject.
*Monday, April 28—Our Film Movement Indie Movie of the month is “Watchtower,” an unrated drama from Turkey, with English subtitles. Free popcorn can be had at the 6 p.m. show time.
*Tuesday, April 29—Socrates Café begins at 10 a.m. in the Conference Room. Join us for brunch and philosophical discussion.
*Thursday, May 1—The Bookies meet at 1 p.m. to discuss “Pearl of China” by Anchee Min. Then we conclude our Let’s Talk movie specials with a 5 p.m. show time for Kevin Costner’s Oscar-winning epic look at Native American culture.
*Tuesday, May 6—Mark your calendars now for a special genealogy program presented in cooperation with the Pittsburg County Genealogical and Historical Society. Dr. Debra Spindle will present “When Do You Need a Professional Genealogist?” from 2-3:30 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room. She is a research librarian and genealogist for the Oklahoma Historical Society.
Plus, plenty of teen and children’s programs can be found on the website, www.mcalesterlibrary.net, or on the printed calendars at the front desk. Hope to see you at the library.
McBook 
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