Library Celebrates Centennial
By KATHY McGILBERRY
One hundred years is an impressive stretch of time, and this year McAlester Public Library marks its centennial. Friends of the Library and the Fortnightly Club will host a reception celebrating that milestone Tuesday, May 20 from 1-3 p.m. at the library. There will be cake, punch and special displays highlighting the library’s history. Look for more news about this special event as we draw closer to the date.
In the meantime, we have all our regular book clubs, movies, teen and children’s events and special programs. One of our patrons, who is moving to another state, said this week that the library in her new city is nice, “but it’s not like McAlester’s.”
And we agree. We’re pretty vibrant for a 100-year-old. Just look at all we’re doing this month:
*Today (Thursday, May 1)—The Bookies will meet from 1-3 p.m. to discuss Anchee Min’s “Pearl of China.” They’ll also distribute books for next month’s first-Thursday discussion, when the subject will be “The Last Policeman” by Ben H. Winters. Teen Game Time begins at 3:45 p.m. upstairs on this and every other Thursday in May.
*Tuesday, May 6—Anyone interested in genealogical research will want to attend a special program with Dr. Debra Spindle of the Oklahoma Historical Society at 2 p.m. in the Whiteacre Room. She will present “When Do You Need a Professional Genealogist?” and later, will present another program at the Pittsburg County Genealogical and Historical Society called “Finding the Girls” at 7 p.m. at the Society’s location at 113 East Carl Albert Parkway. The nice folks at the Historical Society do wonderful work, and partner with us on a number of projects. Take advantage of these free and informative programs, and get started on your family history research! Also on Tuesday, the Teen Yu-Gi-Oh Club will meet upstairs from 4-6 p.m.
*Saturday, May 10—For those too young or too old for last month’s Teen Movie, we’re hosting a repeat screening of the record-setting Disney movie that features the ubiquitous song “Let It Go.” Brrrrrrrr-ing the whole family to Second Saturday Cinema at 2 p.m. for this PG-rated re-telling of “The Snow Queen” story. We’ll do our best to set the thermostat at the correct temperature, so you won’t be frozen. Free popcorn, as always.
*Monday, May 12—We’ve just shelved a number of new fiction and non-fiction books, including a beautiful coffee table book called “Oklahoma @ the Movies” by Larry O’Dell. It includes information about movies shot in Oklahoma, like the one we’re featuring for Arthouse Theater. The story is set in Tulsa, and among the many stars are Eric Stoltz, James Spader, Cameron Diaz, Mary Tyler Moore and James Coburn. Come see this R-rated thriller with us. We understand some of the “Oklahoma accents” are quite amusing. The movit begins at 6 p.m. in the Whiteacre.
*Tuesday, May 13—Then Teen Challenge begins at 4 p.m. upstairs, and features the classic game Monopoly.
*Wednesday, May 14—Decorative Wall Hangings are the project of the day at the regular second-Wednesday Free Crafts Workshop. Spaces are limited, so call 918-426-0930 to register. The group meets from 1:30-3:30 in the Whiteacre. The Teen Cooking Class meets at 3:45 upstairs. On the menu? Chicken Curry. Yum.
*Friday, May 16—You’ll want to mark your calendar for this special event! Classical guitarist Peter Fletcher will perform a free concert beginning at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of All Saints Episcopal Church, 325 E. Washington. This event is made possible by the Friends of the Library and the Puterbaugh Foundation, and is open to everyone. Fletcher is on a nationwide tour promoting his new CD of Edvard Grieg compositions, and will be here for one night only. Don’t miss it.
*Monday, May 19—The Light Readers will meet at 6 p.m. to discuss Karen Kingsbury’s “Fifteen Minutes.”
*Tuesday, May 20—It’s a full day for sure. First, the Friends of the Library meet for their monthly noon luncheon, before breaking for the summer months. Then they host the 100th Anniversary reception on the main floor of the library. Please come help us celebrate our Centennial, and while you’re here, pick up information about all the great programs we’ll be hosting this summer. Then at 6:30, the Night Readers will meet in the Conference Room to discuss John Williams’s “Stoner.”
*Wednesday, May 21 through Friday, May 23—Computer Tech Anthony Smart teaches another comprehensive Computer Skills Workshop. You’ll learn all the basics, but spaces are limited. Call 918-426-0930 to register for this hands-on course. As always, it’s free.
*Saturday, May 24—Recently, we screened a most interesting documentary about something called The Toynbee Tiles. This month, we’re showing another documentary from the same company. It’s a fascinating look at the eclectic community grown up on the shores of Southern California’s Salton Sea. Terry Gilliam called it “a beautiful, quirky and ultimately moving film about the American Dream as it teeters on the edge of a desert sea.” Join us at 2 p.m. for Documentary Matinee, with (of course) free popcorn.
*Sunday and Monday, May 25-26—The library will be closed for Memorial Day. Sunday hours will be halted until after Labor Day. Remember, no Sundays in summer.
*Monday, May 27—Socrates Café meets in the Conference Room at 10 a.m. for philosophical discussion. Then at 6 p.m., our monthly Film Movement independent feature will be “The Deflowering of Eva Van End,” a Dutch film that blends satire and sincerity as it looks at a dysfunctional family transformed by the arrival of a “perfect” exchange student. This unrated film has English subtitles.
McBook 