Behind the Cover
The Monthly Newsletter of Bemis Public Library
City of Littleton
October, 2008 Volume 12, Issue 10
An Evening with Gloria Steinem
Feminist leader and author Gloria Steinem will speak at Bemis on Tuesday, October 28, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Critical election issues, such as the economy, healthcare and the environment, will be the focus of her talk. Following the presentation, Steinem will be in Sophie’s Place Café at the library from 8:30-10:00 p.m. for conversation and discussion. Free tickets for this event will be available at the library beginning October 10. Steinem travels worldwide as a lecturer and is a frequent media spokeswoman on issues of equality. She co-founded Ms. magazine in 1972 and was one of its editors for 15 years. She also helped to found New York magazine, where she worked as a political columnist. Her books include the bestsellers Revolution from Within: A Book of Self-Esteem, Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions, and Moving Beyond Words. Steinem helped found the Women’s Action Alliance and the National Women’s Political Caucus. She also is a founding president of the Ms. Foundation for Women, a national, multiracial women’s fund that supports grassroots projects to empower women and girls. For additional information call the library at 303-795-3961.
Colorado Ballot Issues 2008
Take an objective look at the important ballot issues and the arguments of those on each side, Tuesday, October 14, 7:00-8:00 p.m. The fall 2008 Colorado ballot promises to stir up strong emotions in the state. With potential issues ranging from a constitutional amendment defining "personhood" as beginning with a fertilized egg, to "right-to-work" issues that pit business and labor against each other, there is no shortage of controversy. This program will be presented by Active Minds, an organization that expands lives and minds with community-based educational programs.
International Craft Sale
An array of handmade craft items from around the world will be available for purchase at Bemis on Saturday, October 18, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Items for sale will include handmade Russian craft items, olive-wood carvings from Palestine, beautiful tie-dye scarves and beaded jewelry from Uganda, Bulgarian jewelry with stunning natural stones, crafts from El Salvador and from Ten Thousand Villages, an organization that works with over 100 artisan groups in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Game Night
Enjoy a great family after-hours program on Friday, October 10, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Board games and computers will be on hand for fun! Wii games, Guitar Hero, and Dance Dance Revolution will be available. Pizza and drinks will be provided.
Ghost Hunting in Denver & House on Haunted Hill
Learn about some of Denver’s most haunted spots, Friday, October 24, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Bryan Bonner and Matthew Baxter of The Rocky Mountain Paranormal Research Society are seasoned ghost hunters who use scientific methods to investigate ghosts. Their investigations have produced some fascinating photos and spooky tales of things that go bump in the night! See some of the equipment used to explore haunted houses! Following the presentation, the film, House on Haunted Hill, starring Vincent Price, will be shown from 8:30-10:00 p.m. Free popcorn and lemonade will be provided.
Musical Moments at Sophie’s Place
Relax with a smoothie or a cup of tea while listening to music in Sophie’s Place at the library. Monthly performances feature a variety of musical talent from Littleton and the Denver metro area.
Wednesday, October 8, 2:00-3:00 p.m. - Hawaiian Melodies with Keoni Coelho
Authentic music and songs from Hawaii performed by a native Hawaiian.
Lifelong Learning & the Aging Brain
Learn about the latest scientific findings on how the brain ages and what we can do about it on Monday, October 27, 2:00 p.m. The traditional model of the brain has changed to one that includes far more flexibility and capacity for growth than previously believed. The link between “exercising your mind” and a lower risk of dementia/Alzheimer’s disease will be covered as well as what types of activities provide the most benefit. Presented by Active Minds for Life.
Featured Art Exhibit: Picturing America
Stop by the library October 1-November 28 to see the exhibit Picturing America, featuring 40 reproductions of notable American art focusing on our nation’s history and culture. The exhibit comes to Bemis as a result of a new initiative from the National Endowment for the Humanities to bring masterpieces of American art into classrooms and libraries nationwide. The exhibit will be located on the lower level of the library.
English as a Second Language Classes
Learn English at the library! The fall session of English as a Second Language (ESL) has begun. Beginning English classes will be held from 9:00-10:30 a.m., Monday-Thursday and 5:30-6:50 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Intermediate English classes will take place from 10:30 a.m.-Noon, Monday-Thursday, and 7:00-8:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. These classes are open to teens age seventeen and over and adults who want to learn English or improve their English. There is a registration fee of $25 each semester for adults 21 and older. In addition, for the first semester only, there is a charge of $20 for a textbook. You may register for the classes at the library’s main floor Information Desk anytime during the year. The ESL classes are held in conjunction with Littleton School District Six and instructors are provided by the District. For more information call Phyllis Larison or Dawn Munson, ESL instructor, at the library, 303-795-3961.
Russian Language & Literature Group
If you would like to learn Russian or practice speaking Russian, come to the Russian Language & Literature Group, which meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month, 7:00-8:30 p.m., at the library. In addition to improving language skills and learning about Russian culture, the group reads and discusses a book about Russia each month. For additional information, call Zoya Doennebrink at the library, 303-795-3961.
Multicultural Dialogue & Film Series
We invite you to join us in celebrating the diversity of Littleton with our monthly Multicultural Dialogue & Film Series held on the last Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Join us on Mon., Oct. 27, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. for God Grew Tired of Us (PG). For more information please call Daiga Keller at 720-891-3273.
Book Groups at Bemis
We have a variety of Book Groups that meet throughout the month. Choose a group that suits your interests and schedule. Then, join us for some stimulating discussions.
Senior Book Club
Meets the first Monday of each month at 2:00 p.m.
Cut from the Cleveland Browns after the worst performance in the history of the NFL, Rick Dockery, desperate to play football, is hired by the Panthers of Parma, Italy. Rick discovers the wonders of Italian culture and finds romance.
An unlikely extended family is formed when a high school teacher helps a pregnant student make a home with two elderly bachelor ranchers (set in Colorado).
Thousands of impoverished Northern European immigrants were promised that the prairie offered "land, freedom, and hope." The disastrous blizzard of 1888 revealed that their free homestead was not a paradise but a hard, unforgiving place.
Monday Evening Book Discussion Group
Meets the third Monday of each month from 7-8 p.m. Join us for:
The story of the Land family set in the early 1960s in rural Minnesota. Davy Land kills two young men who have broken into the Land home; he is put on trial for murder and escapes jail. The Land family sets out in search of him and this becomes a heroic quest.
An unlikely alliance forms between Kafka Tamura, a fifteen-year-old runaway, and the aging Nakata, a man who has never recovered from a wartime affliction, as they embark on a surreal odyssey through a strange, fantastical world.
· Dec. 15: No book scheduled for discussion. We will meet for dinner and a book planning session for the coming year. Bring book suggestions with you.
Teen Central
For more information, call teen/outreach librarian Mark Decker at the library, 303-795-3961 or check the Bemis teen blog site online at http://bemisteen.blogspot.com. Join other teens for the following activities:
Watch an episode of an anime feature, draw, play games, and discuss future meetings.
October 4: Teknoman
In 2087 humanity is about to lose its position as the dominant life form on planet Earth when an endless swarm of biomechanical beings descends from space.
November 1: Metropolis
In the industrial tri-level world of Metropolis, Duke Red is a powerful leader with plans to unveil a highly advanced robot named Tima. Duke Red’s violent son Rock distrusts robots and intends to find and destroy Tima.
December 6: FLCL (Fooly Cooly)
Naota is attacked one day by a mysterious guitar-wielding woman on a Vespa which releases a mysterious power within him. The result of this power is an inter-dimensional portal in his forehead capable of summoning forth all manner of robots, ranging from helpful to violently psychotic.
Enjoy this popular interactive video game featuring a different game each month! We’ve added Rock Band to our Wii games! Come take a turn on the drums, guitar, or microphone.
Oct. 16: Rock Band: Battle of the Bands
Nov. 20: Wii Sports & Wii Play
Dec. 18: Super Smash Bros Brawl
Oct. 24: Winter Program Planning
Nov. 21: Open Agenda
Dec. No meeting in December
Upcoming Teen/Family Event
Teen Read Week - October 12-18:
This year’s Teen Read Week theme is Books with Bite @ Bemis Public Library. During Teen Read Week the library will be hosting a Book & Game Swap. Teens can trade in their used paperbacks, hardbacks or video games for books or games of equal value; a ticket will be given for each item contributed. Tickets, or “book bucks”, can be used to buy items offered at the Book & Game Swap. Each participant in the Book & Game Swap will have their name entered in a drawing for a $30 gift certificate to AMC Theatres.
Upcoming Programs at Bemis
Mark your calendars now for these exciting events coming to Bemis next month:
Free Medical Services Offered
If you do not have medical insurance and need to see a doctor, take advantage of the free medical services being offered by Adventist Community Services (ACS) and Littleton Adventist Hospital. ACS is providing a van equipped as a medical office and staffed with a medical doctor and a nurse. It will be in the Bemis parking lot on Mondays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Services offered include exams, checkups, screenings, and treatment of chronic conditions. Arrangements for this service were negotiated by the Health Care Committee of the Littleton Immigrant Integration Initiative. For more information, please call ACS at 303-935-7389.
Bemis Knitting Group
Knitters of all ages are invited to the library’s knitting group which meets on Friday afternoons at 2:00 p.m. in Sophie’s Place. Bring a pair of needles and a skein of yarn and get ready to knit! Beginners will learn skills such as casting on, knitting, purling, and casting off, while experienced knitters will get project ideas and provide hints and tips for the rest of the group. The group is working on creating gloves, scarves and hats for people who use the free medical van services at the library.
Homebound Delivery Service
Bemis offers a free delivery service to City of Littleton residents who are unable to visit the library due to physical limitations. If you are temporarily or permanently confined to your home because of illness, age or physical disability, we will deliver library materials to you. Available materials include books (even Braille), magazines, CDs, audio books, and videos. If you are interested in this service, please contact librarian Pam Child at 303-795-3961 and let us know what materials you are interested in having delivered to your home once a month by library staff or a wonderful volunteer. Volunteers are needed for this program. Call the library at 303-795-3961 to volunteer.
Volunteer at Bemis!
Bemis is seeking volunteers who are willing to make a three hour per week commitment for at least three months. We have openings for volunteers to perform the following tasks: shelving, delivering books to homebound patrons, processing materials, mending, and assisting with programs for both Adult and Children’s Services. Training will be provided. Please call the library at 303-795-3961 for more details.
New Sophie’s Place Café Hours
Sandwiches, salads and quiche along with divine desserts and hot or cold beverages are available at Sophie’s Place Café at the west end of the reading lounge. Meet your friends at the library for a bite to eat, a cup of hot coffee or tea and a nice chat!
Sophie’s Place Café New Hours:
We Can Meet Your Computer & Internet Needs
Bemis has 22 Internet access computers on the lower level of the library, plus another six located in the Children’s Room for use by our patrons in 5th grade and younger.
Our computers use Microsoft operating systems and software that includes Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint. All of our PCs are linked to printers. Printing costs are $0.10 a page for black only or $.0.25 a page for color. Our computer lab, which has 12 PCs, may be scheduled for group use. We are happy to assist you individually at any time if you need help in using the computers or the Internet.
We also offer free computer and Internet classes on a regular basis. To find out about group use of our computer lab, upcoming classes, or to place your name on a call list for notification when future classes are scheduled, call the library at 303-795-3961 or stop by the Information Desk.
Currently, space is available in the following classes:
Saturday, November 1, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
· Keyword & Boolean Search Strategies Saturday, December 6, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, November 12, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Class Descriptions:
· Keyword & Boolean Search Strategies - Covers how to create a search strategy using keyword and Boolean search techniques to find the information you are looking for in the library’s online catalog and subscription databases.
Children’s Programs
Special Children’s Programs
· Magical Interactive Storytelling
Friday, October 17 at 2:00 p.m.
Cerridwen the Witch will present an enchanting performance of amazing magical illusions and storytelling. Incorporating lots of audience participation and humor, Cerridwen will light her fiery cauldron and weave her mysterious tales of the season. Not too spooky, but just right for children ages 5 and up.
· Costumes on Parade
Thursday, October 30 - 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Friday, October 31 - 10:30 a.m.
Join us either day for our annual Preschool Story Time Costume Parade. The parade will begin in the children’s room and end in the large meeting room for stories, songs, sweet treats and punch. Younger siblings are welcome to join the parade.
· Paws to Read
Sat., October 18, 10:00 a.m.-noon
For readers in grades 1 - 5
Presented by R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) & Denver Pet Partners. Kids practice reading to a doggie pal. Please call 303-795-3961 to register for a 20-minute spot.
Weekly Story Sessions
· Story Box
Ages infant - 36 months
Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 9:30 & 10:30 am.
A thirty minute session for children and a caring adult to introduce the joy of rhythm and reading. Space is limited; free tickets are available one week in advance.
· Preschool Story Time
Ages 3 - Kindergarten
Thursdays at 10:30 am & 1:30 pm.
Fridays at 10:30 am.
Thirty minutes of stories, songs, and activities with a puppet show the first week of the month.
· Saturday Stories
Ages 3-Kingergarten
Saturdays, Oct. 11 & 25 at 10:30 am.
Thirty minutes of stories, songs and other fun stuff on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. Older siblings and parents are welcome too.
Family Concert Coming Next Month
Celebrate the season of giving with a Thanks for Giving Concert featuring Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta Music with Katherine Dines on Saturday, November 22, 2:00 p.m. Songwriter Dines will share her love of music by performing both original and traditional songs about caring and sharing. In the spirit of giving, we encourage those attending to bring items for Inter-Faith Community Services including non-perishable food, clothing, and new toys. The concert is for families with children ages 3 and up. For more information on Inter-Faith Community Services see their website at http://www.ifcs.org/.
Schedule of Library Events
Oct. Art Exhibit Picturing America
Wednesday, Oct. 1 Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Banned Books Week Film Storm Center, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Library Board Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 2 Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 3 Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m.
Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 4 Computer Comfort, Class Full, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Teen Anime Club, 12:00 noon
Monday, Oct. 6 Senior Book Club, 2:00 p.m.
Free Medical Services Van, Bemis Parking Lot, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 7 Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 8 Introduction to Windows, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Musical Moments @ Sophie’s Place, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 9 Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Russian Language & Literature Group, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 10 Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m.
Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.
Game Night, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 11 Learn Internet Explorer, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Saturday Stories, 10:30 a.m.
Oct. 12-18 Teen Read Week
Monday, Oct. 13 Free Medical Services Van, Bemis Parking Lot, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 14 Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Colorado Ballot Issues 2008, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 15 Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, Oct. 16 Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Teen Games: Wii, 3:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 17 Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m.
Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.
Magical Interactive Storytelling, Ages 5 and up, 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 18 Paws to Read, 10:00 a.m.-noon
International Craft Sale, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 20 Free Medical Services Van, Bemis Parking Lot, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Monday Evening Book Discussion Group, 7-8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 21 Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 22 Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, Oct. 23 Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Russian Language & Literature Group, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 24 Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m.
Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.
Teen Advisory Group, 3:30 p.m.
Ghost Hunting in Denver & Movie: House on Haunted Hill, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 25 Saturday Stories, 10:30 a.m.
Monday, Oct. 27 Lifelong Learning & the Aging Brain, 2:00 p.m.
Free Medical Services Van, Bemis Parking Lot, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Multicultural Dialogue & Film Series, God Grew Tired of Us, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 28 Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
An Evening with Gloria Steinem, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 29 Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, Oct. 30 Costumes on Parade & Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 31 Costumes on Parade & Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m.
Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 1 Introduction to Windows, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Find specific program details elsewhere in this newsletter.
Bemis Public Library
City of Littleton
6014 South Datura Street
Littleton, CO 80120
Phone: 303-795-3961
Fax: 303-795-3996
TDD: 303-795-3913
E-Mail: bemislib@earthlink.net
Web Site: http://www.littletongov.org/bemis/default.asp
Online Catalog:
Phone Renewal: 303-797-0566
Dial-a-Story: 303-795-3960
LIBRARY HOURS: M-Th 9-9; F-Sa 9-5; Su 1-5
If you are disabled and seeking an accommodation
to participate in a Library program, please notify the Library
one week in advance in writing or by calling 303-795-3961 or TDD 303-795-3913.
Behind the Cover is published monthly by Bemis Public Library.
Behind the Cover Designer/Editor: Julie Clark Kingery
Contributors: Bemis Library Staff