Free Santa Photos, Much More in December

By KATHY McGILBERRY

Free photos with Santa Claus on Wednesday, Dec. 17 are the centerpiece of our holiday month of activities at McAlester Public Library. Surrounding that special event are visits from local authors, festive book club discussions, holiday movies and crafts and the launch of a brand-new group for community-minded teens.

We don’t mind if you unwrap December’s events to take an early peek. To be sure you don’t miss anything, find us on Facebook and Twitter for last-minute additions, listen to our regular segment at 11 a.m. on KNED’s Party Line each first Wednesday of the month and visit our website at http://www.mcalesterlibrary.net.

Here we go-ho-ho!

Wednesday, Dec. 3—The Teen Advisory Group and book club will meet at 3:45 p.m. upstairs and draw for the winner of a free Kindle. The December book is The Maze Runner by James Dashner.

Thursday, Dec. 4—You can meet Southeast Oklahoma author Erman Sands from noon-1 p.m. Sands is the author of Shad and Spirit of the Wolf. His latest book is The Battle of Whiskey Valley, a tale of Depression-era moonshiners. Then at 1 p.m., join The Bookies for their first-Thursday meeting. Jo Baker’s Longbourn is the featured book. Teen and Children’s Game Times are at 3:45 p.m. today and every Thursday afternoon.

Monday, Dec. 8—Clint Eastwood directed a movie version of a Broadway hit telling story of The Four Seasons and their lead singer, Frankie Valli. See that film at 6 p.m. at Arthouse Theater. It’s rated R, and free popcorn will be provided.

Tuesday, Dec. 9—Teen Yu-Gi-Oh Club meets at 3:45 p.m. Then at 6 p.m, the Night Readers book club hosts a special movie based on this month’s book. See Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis in the lead roles of the film based on John Grisham’s Skipping Christmas. We have plenty of copies of the book available, so stop by and pick up yours, then join the group for a fun discussion later in the month.

Wednesday, Dec. 10—Creative Craft Time at 1:30 p.m. will feature giant paper snowflakes, Santa tree ornaments made from cardboard tubes, and Christmas carolers from cardboard tubes. We always have fun, and enjoy a relaxed and productive afternoon, at adult crafts. Call us to register, since spaces are limited. Then at 6 p.m., join the SteamPunk group for discussion of China Mieville’s Perdido Street Station. Refreshments will be provided.

Thursday, Dec. 11—Teen Game Time will combine with Craft Explosion at 3:45 p.m. for a Sharpie Mug project. See Teen Librarian Sarah Standish for more information.

Saturday, Dec. 12—We have an afternoon of holiday fun planned for you! First, join us at 2 p.m. for Second Saturday Cinema. Eric Roberts and Vivika A. Fox star in a heartwarming family holiday movie. Enjoy some free popcorn. Then stick around until 3:30, when local veterinarian, state legislator and author Brian Renegar joins us for a book signing featuring his new children’s book Cody Goes to Work with Dr. Brian. It’s a real book birthday party, since it’s also the birthday of Children’s Librarian Anita Ross, so cake and punch will be served at this festive event.

Monday, Dec. 15—The Light Readers will put on their ugliest sweaters and meet at 6 p.m. to discuss Robert Tate Miller’s Forever Christmas. In addition to the usual table of refreshments, there will be a prize for ugliest sweater.

Tuesday, Dec. 16—The Friends of the Library will meet for their regular noon luncheon. Meatballs, zucchini casserole, pasta salad and a dessert are on the menu—all available for a $3 donation—and a special holiday program will entertain you. Then at 3:45 p.m., Community Action Teens will have their first meeting. The group will discuss ways to make an impact in the community. They will make dog treats for the Pittsburg County Animal Shelter during the meeting. To round out the evening, the Night Readers will gather at 6:30 p.m. to discuss John Grisham’s Skipping Christmas. Brochures with the group’s reading choices for 2015 are now available, and will be distributed at the meeting.

Wednesday, Dec. 17—Good old Santa Claus is taking a break from his busy schedule to sit for photos at the library all day. What a guy! Our first session will be from 10 a.m. to noon. Following a lunch break for the jolly old elf, the next public photo session will be from 3-6 p.m. Bring those little ones, and bring your camera too! We don’t mind if you take all the photos you want. We’ll be providing free 5×7 photos from the library, too.

Thursday, Dec. 18—It’s the final Game Time before the Christmas holiday, at 3:45 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 22—The Teen Lacqueristas and Lacqueristos will have their second meeting at 1:45 p.m. Don’t sit around drumming your fingernails on the table—bring them to the library for a fresh coat!

Tuesday, Dec. 23—Teen Cooking Class at 1:45 p.m. will feature Cream Cheese Wontons and Mug Cakes. Sounds delicious!

Wednesday/Thursday, Dec. 24-25—The library will be closed.

Saturday, Dec. 27—Documentary Matinee at 2 p.m. features a Johnny Depp-produced film that looks at the life of artist Ralph Steadman, longtime collaborator with Hunter S. Thompson. We’ll have plenty of free popcorn at this R-rated film.

Monday, Dec. 29—The TAG Book Club will meet at 3:45 p.m. See the Teen Librarian for the book title and details. Our monthly foreign film begins at 6 p.m. in the Whiteacre. It’s Ilo, Ilo, a family drama from Singapore. Free popcorn, as always.

Tuesday, Dec. 30—Socrates Café begins at 10 a.m. in the Conference Room. Last month, this discussion group settled on the question “Is violence ever justified?”. You can help us decide the subject in December—everyone is welcome to attend.

Check the children’s calendars for more details about children’s events, and visit the library often. We have special holiday displays, with something new happening everywhere you look. Hope to see you here!

 

 

 

 

It’s a Banquet of Activities at Library in November

By KATHY McGILBERRY

November is stuffed with library activities, so be sure to stop by and see us. We’re as fired up as deep fryer in the driveway. Here’s what’s on the menu:

Tuesday, Nov. 4—Things begin on this and every Tuesday with Lap Sit story times for the little ones at 10 and 11 a.m. In the afternoon, there’s a kids movie at 3:45, and a teen Yu-Gi-Oh meeting upstairs. Of course, we all know it’s Election Day, too. Show off your I Voted sticker at the library.

Wednesday, Nov. 5—Children’s Story Time is at 10 a.m. on this and every Wednesday. The SteamPunk group will meet at 6 p.m. to discuss Captain Nemo by Kevin J. Anderson. The group also plans to discuss upcoming books and movies, make choices and set a schedule. You’ll want to be there to make sure your favorite book is on the list.

Thursday, Nov. 6—The library will be closed for our annual staff training day, when library workers from across the service area of the Southeastern Public Library System of Oklahoma will converge to learn how to serve you better. Then at 5:30, we will open the doors for only those attending the Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma program. At 6 p.m., Dr. Paul Lehman will present Dr. W.E.B. DuBois’s The Souls of Black Folk. We watched a wonderful documentary about DuBois last Thursday, and we look forward to an interesting discussion. Refreshments will be served, and all are welcome.

Saturday, Nov. 8—Second Saturday Cinema is a double feature this week. We begin at 2 p.m. with the classic animated film based on the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. Then at 3:15, Angelina Jolie stars as the villain with the unforgettable headdress in an updated take on the classic. Free popcorn, as always.

Monday, Nov. 10—Teen Cooking Class begins at 3:45 upstairs. What scrumptious dish will they be making? Come to the library to sniff it out. Then at 6 p.m., Arthouse Theater features a strange tale from the filmography of Robert Altman. Bud Cort and Shelley Duval star. It’s unrated.

Tuesday, Nov. 11—The library will be closed for Veterans Day.

Wednesday, Nov. 12—We’ve located a project that’s half origami, half regular craft. We’ll be making folded paper leaves for use as napkin rings, and centerpieces too, at our regular monthly crafts group at 1:30 p.m. You should call ahead to register, as spaces are limited.

Thursday, Nov. 13—The Bookies will meet at 1 p.m. on this special day, due to the previous week’s staff training. They’ll be discussing The Homesman by Glendon Swarthout. At 3:45, game times for kids and teens will begin on this and every Thursday in the Whiteacre Room and mezzanine meeting room, respectively. Then at 6 p.m. Clark Gable stars in a 1935 film based on Jack London’s The Call of the Wild. It’s part of our Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma program. You’ll want to come back a week later for discussion of the book.

Monday, Nov. 17—A new group for teens will have its first meeting at 3:45. They are called the Lacqueristas and Laqueristos. You can nail down just exactly what the group does when you attend. The previous sentence was a hint. The Light Readers will meet at 6 p.m. in the Conference Room to discuss The Sign Painter by Davis Bunn.

Tuesday, Nov. 18—Lots going on today! The Friends of the Library will hear local author Sharon Ervin discuss her latest book when they meet for lunch at noon in the Whiteacre Room. At 3:45, children can enjoy a crafts program with Miss Anita, and teens will meet for Teen Challenge upstairs. Then at 6:30 p.m., the Night Readers will meet to discuss And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini. The group will also vote on book choices for 2015.

Wednesday, Nov. 19—The busy schedule continues with the first of three computer classes at 3 p.m. Today’s lessons will be Facebook and Email. You don’t have to attend all three days, but you do need to call ahead to register. As always, computer whiz Anthony Smart will be the instructor. Then at 6 p.m., the SteamPunk group will meet to discuss Warlord of the Air by Micahel Moorcock and James Cawthorn.

Thursday, Nov. 20—The second day of computer classes will focus on Internet Search and Computer Safety. It all begins at 3 p.m. Call now! Next, Dr. Robert Greenstreet will present the final book in The Gilded Age series, The Call of the Wild by Jack London. Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma begins at 6 p.m. in the Whiteacre. We’ll have a light supper following his presentation, then group discussion. We’ll also be gathering the final ballots as we decide our discussion theme for Fall 2015. If you want a voice in this lively program, attend and cast your ballot.

Friday, Nov. 21—Anthony’s computer classes wrap up with a look at Microsoft Office and Computer Tip and Tricks. Don’t miss these interesting, free classes.

Saturday, Nov. 22—Documentary Matinee returns at 2 p.m. with look at the famous West Memphis Three case. We’ll have free popcorn. The film is Rated R.

Monday, Nov. 24—Teen Craft Explosion will meet at 3:45 p.m. for sidewalk chalk drawings. Sounds like colorful, dusty fun! Then at 6 p.m., we will show the Film Movement indie movie The Auction. This drama looks at a Canadian farm family’s challenges. It’s unrated.

Tuesday, Nov. 25—Last month at Socrates Cafe, we discussed whether we need untruths to survive. What will be the subject in November? You can help us decide by attending and participating in this philosophical discussion group. Things begin at 10 a.m. and end around noon, sometimes a little later, if we really get wound up. The Teen Yu-Gi-Oh Club will meet at 3:45 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 26—The SteamPunk group will gather at 6 p.m. for a movie. See Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law as Holmes and Watson in a PG-13 rated Steampunk-tinged hit. Free popcorn as always.

Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27-28—The library will be closed for Thanksgiving. We hope you have a great holiday.

Monday, Dec. 1—The Teen Book Club will meet at 3:45 p.m. to discuss The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.

Remember to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. If we have additional news and announcements, that’s where to find us throughout the month. Hope to see you at the library!