Behind the Cover
The Monthly Newsletter of Bemis Public Library
City of Littleton
February, 2009 Volume 13, Issue 2
Orphan Train, A Dramatic Presentation
See an historical drama, Orphan Train, written by Littleton resident Max Smith, Wednesday, February 4, 7:00-8:30 p.m. The moving story focuses on the orphaned children who were placed on trains and sent to rural communities in the Midwest and West between 1854 and 1926. For some, the journey led to happy lives with loving families; others were mistreated and ran away. This free drama will be performed by Max and Donna Smith and Dick and Kathy Peterson.
Musical Moments @ Sophie’s Place
Relax 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.
Saturday, February 14, 2:00-3:00 p.m. - Composer, singer and guitarist Tim Hanauer will perform hauntingly beautiful romantic songs for Valentine’s Day. Hanauer has produced two CDs and his music has been featured on a number of network television programs plus in an upcoming feature film.
Theater Night: An Evening of One-Act Plays About Relationships
Enjoy several one-act comedies by award-winning Colorado playwrights and featuring outstanding local actors, Tuesday, February 17, 7:00-8:30 p.m. The evening will focus on many different types of relationships. Following the performances there will be an opportunity to meet the playwrights and ask questions. Plays featured for this event, presented by Celebrationworks, are:
· That Foggy Night by Mark Ogle
When their car breaks down on a lonely road, a couple with fertility problems encounter an ET.
· Cooked Carrots by Ken Crost
Two men meet on top of a mountain.
· Brother and Sister Reunion by Carol Roper
An estranged brother and sister come home to handle a crazy family crisis.
· Inspiration Impaired by Andy Lacerte
A writer struggles for inspiration until a muse enters his life.
Getting Started as an Independent Consultant
Author and consultant Mitch Paioff will conduct a free half-day workshop on becoming successful as an independent consultant, Saturday, February 21, 9:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m. As thousands of tech and business workers join the ranks of the unemployed, one option is self-employment. Paioff will share his own personal stories, insider tips and strategies for making money with a consulting business. Companies are increasingly turning to independent contractors to work on projects left unfinished by employees who were let go as part of company-wide layoffs. Paioff is the author of a new book on independent consulting and he is one of the country’s leading experts in this field. Copies of his book will be available for purchase at the workshop as well as free in-depth handouts.
George Washington at Mount Vernon
Go back in time as George Washington, now retired from his public duties, greets you as an honored guest and takes you on a tour of his famous home on Monday, February 23, 2:00 p.m. Washington will be reenacted by Bud Jenkyns, who has performed his shows throughout America, including at Mount Vernon. Hear about Washington’s life as a truly great man who was closely tied to his farm, home, family and friends. The presentation includes slides of Washington’s home at Mount Vernon.
Don’t Miss Our Annual Dr. Seuss Celebration
To celebrate the 105th birthday of Dr. Seuss, join Inspector Magic as he takes us on a journey around the world to each of the seven continents in search of his vacationing bunny on Saturday, February 28, 10:30 a.m. Along the way we’ll discover the diversity of our planet and facts about other cultures while learning that reading is fun. Our favorite Seuss books will be brought to life with magic, juggling, and music. Here are some of the books to look forward to in the show: The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs & Ham, The Sneetches & Other Stories, Horton Hears a Who, Gertrude McFuzz, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, and Happy Birthday to You. Snacks and surprises also await! So remember to register and don’t be late. Please call 303-795-3961.
Free Tax Help!
Beginning in February, the Bemis Public Library will be providing free tax return preparation for taxpayers who cannot afford professional assistance. IRS-trained volunteers will be available in the study rooms on the lower level of the library from February 5 through April 11 on Thursday evenings from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from Noon-4:00 p.m. No pre-registration is required to receive assistance. If you would like to volunteer to help with tax assistance, contact Bob Vick at 303-697-0954.
The AARP will provide tax preparation help on the upper level of the library from February 2-April 14, Mondays and Tuesdays, 9:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Pre-registration is required for this assistance, which is provided for low and middle-income seniors aged 60 and over. To register for AARP tax assistance at the library, please call the senior volunteer at the Buck Recreation Center, 303-730-4605.
Russian Language & Literature Group
If you would like to learn Russian or practice speaking Russian, come to the Russian Language & Literature Group. We meet each month at the library from 7:00-8:30 p.m. on the following days:
· first Wednesday for beginning Russian speakers
· second Thursday for intermediate Russian speakers.
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.
English as a Second Language Classes
Learn English at the library! The spring session of English as a Second Language (ESL) is underway. Beginning English classes take place from 9:00-10:30 a.m., Monday-Thursday and 5:30-6:50 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Intermediate English classes 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 $25.00 each semester for adults 21 and older and a $20.00 charge for a textbook the first semester. 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 an instructor is provided by the District. For more information call Phyllis Larison or Dawn Munson, ESL instructor, at the library, 303-795-3961.
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.
Drawing on cutting-edge neuroscience and psychology, the author reveals that great decision makers aren't those who process the most information or spend the most time deliberating, but those who have perfected the art of filtering the very few factors that matter from an overwhelming number of variables.
On an ill-fated art expedition, 11 Americans find themselves deep in the Burmese jungle, where they encounter a tribe awaiting a leader and the mystical book of wisdom that will protect them from the Myanmar military regime.
The murder of a world-famous physicist raises fears that the Illuminati are operating again after centuries of silence, and religion professor Robert Langdon is called in to assist with the case.
Monday Evening Book Discussion Group
Meets the third Monday of each month from 7-8 p.m. Join us for:
· Feb. 23: The Red Queen by Margaret Drabble
After reading the two-hundred-year-old memoir of a Korean crown princess, an Oxford student becomes obsessed with the story and goes to Seoul where she has several love affairs.
· Mar. 16: Falling Man by Don DeLillo
DeLillo traces the way the events of 9/11 kindled or rekindled relationships and reconfigured America’s perceptions of the world.
· Apr. 20: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Two women, born a generation apart, witness the destruction of their homes and families in war torn Kabul; the losses incurred over the course of thirty years test the limits of their strength and courage.
90-year-old Jacob Jankowski remembers his time in the circus.
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:
Feb. 7: Full Metal Alchemist
Mar. 7: Invader Zim
Apr. 4: Howl’s Moving Castle
Enjoy popular interactive video games featuring a different game each month.
Feb. 19: Rock Band
Mar. 19: Shaun White Snowboarding
Apr. 16: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Feb. 27: Summer Reading Planning
Mar. 27: Summer Programs
Apr. 24: Open Agenda
Special Teen Event: Express Yourself Photography Class & Contest
Learn the basics of digital photography from the professional photographers at Sgt. Pepper’s Photography Studio in a one-hour class on Sat., Feb. 21, 1:00 p.m. Then put your newly acquired skills to work and submit your best photograph that shows the theme “Express Yourself” by Sat., March 7. The winning photo will be published on a library bookmark to be given out for the teen summer reading program. Please call the library at 303-795-3961 to register for this event.
Upcoming Teen Events
Don’t miss these teen events coming next month. Contact the library for details.
Sign up to be a volunteer Wii instructor and you could win a gift certificate to Best Buy.
Learn the fundamentals of scrapbooking and create a really cool project. Space is limited. Please call 303-795-3961 to register.
The quest for the Holy Grail is retold in the unique and hilarious Python fashion.
Children’s Programs
2009 Caldecott & Newbery Winners
Librarians from across the country attended the American Library Association’s Midwinter conference in Denver last month. The highlight of the meeting was the announcement of this year’s winners for best illustrated book by an American, The Caldecott Medal, and best story/novel by an American, The Newbery Medal.
· Caldecott Medal Recipient: The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson, illustrated by Beth Krommes
· Newbery Medal Recipient: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
· Caldecott Honor books named include the following: A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever by Marla Frazee, How I Learned Geography by Uri Shulevitz, A River of Words by Jennifer Bryant, illustrated by Melissa Sweet
· Newbery Honor books named include the following: The Underneath by Kathi Appelt, The Surrender Tree by Margarita Engle, Savvy by Ingrid Law, After Tupac & D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson
Have you tried the TumbleBook Library?
The TumbleBook Library is an online collection of animated, talking picture books which teach young children the joys of reading in a format they’ll love.
Choose a favorite book from over 100 offerings for preschool and elementary school children, then let the Tumblebook Library read the story while automatically turning the “pages.” Reading along with the included sound effects, animation and music adds to the fun. The collection contains books by Doreen Cronin, Robert Munsch and Janet Stevens, as well as bilingual books in Spanish and French. Children also can explore the activities of TumblePuzzles and TumbleGames which reinforce the pictures and concepts presented in the books.
This database is available on the library computers and on your own home PC. The next time you visit Bemis or want to have an entertaining and educational online reading experience at home, be sure to help the child in your life enjoy the TumbleBook Library firsthand.
To access Tumblebook Library from home computers follow these steps:
1. Log onto http://bemis.sirsi.net/
2. Click Databases/Websites (from the blue band near the top of the screen)
3. Choose Databases
4. Click on TumbleBook Library Children’s Site (last on the list of databases)
5. Click on the red oval that says “Story Books”
6. Choose a story, click the green “View Online” button and enjoy!
Story Times and Ongoing Activities
· 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, January 10 & 24 at 10:30 a.m.
Thirty minutes of stories, songs and other fun stuff on the 2nd & 4th Saturdays of the month. Siblings and parents are welcome too. Join us Saturday, February 28 for a special Dr. Seuss celebration. Please call to register for Inspector Magic. See Dr. Seuss Celebration article above for more details.
For readers in grades 1-5.
Saturday, February 21 from 10 a.m. - noon
Kids in grades 1-5 are able to practice reading to a visiting pet pal. Please call 303-795-3961 to register for a twenty-minute spot. Presented by R.E.A.D. Reading Education Assistance Dogs & Denver Pet Partners.
Artwork by students from Cottonwood Preschool will be on display in the Children’s Room in February.
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. Also, wireless Internet access is available in Sophie’s Place for patrons with wireless-enabled laptop computers.
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 has 12 PCs and may be scheduled for group use. We are happy to assist patrons individually at any time if you need help 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 these classes:
· Computer Comfort
Saturday, March 7, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
· How to Search on the Internet
Wednesday, April 8, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
· Introduction to Microsoft Word
Saturday, April 4, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
· Learn Internet Explorer
Wednesday, March 11, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
· Mousercise
Wednesday, March 4, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
· Travel Websites
Saturday, March 14, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
· Yahoo Email Basics
Wednesday, February 11, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, April 1, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Class Descriptions:
· Computer Comfort - Focuses on basic computer information necessary to operate a PC. Course topics include a description of the parts of a computer, how a computer functions, and how to use a keyboard and mouse.
· How to Search on the Internet - Learn how to search for information on the Internet using search engines and subscription databases.
· Introduction to Microsoft Word - Learn to write, edit and save documents using this word processing program.
· Learn Internet Explorer - Reviews Internet Explorer, the browser used at the library to search the Internet. Topics include commonly used menu items, toolbars and printing. Participants are expected to be able to use a mouse and locate keys on the keyboard.
· Mousercise - Exercises help users develop skills needed to maneuver a mouse.
· Travel Websites - Find the best travel deals online! This session will cover a variety of travel resources on the Web, including trip planning sites and online guidebooks.
· Yahoo Email Basics - Learn how to set up a free Yahoo email account.
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.
Volunteers Needed
Bemis is seeking volunteers to assist our staff in meeting the needs of the community. A commitment of a minimum of three hours per week on a set schedule is required. We have openings for volunteers to perform the following tasks:
· answering phones on Friday or Saturday
· shelving library materials
· processing books
Training will be provided. Application forms are available at the Checkout Desk or call Randy at 303-795-3961 to request the application form be sent to you via email or regular mail delivery.
Upcoming Programs at Bemis
Mark your calendars now for these library events coming next month:
Sign up for a 15-minute training session anytime this week.
Schedule of Library Events
Feb. Art Exhibit Littleton Public Schools Secondary Art Show
Monday, Feb. 2 Senior Book Club, 2:00 p.m.
Free Medical Services Van, Bemis Parking Lot, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 3 Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 4 Computer Comfort, Class Full, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Beginner Russian Language & Literature Group, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Library Board Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Orphan Train, A Dramatic Presentation, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 5 Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb.6 Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m.
Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 7 Teen Anime Club, 12:00 noon
Monday, Feb. 9 Free Medical Services Van, Bemis Parking Lot, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 10 Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 11 Yahoo Email Basics, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, Feb. 12 Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Intermediate Russian Language & Literature Group, 7-8:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb.13 Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m.
Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 14 How to Search on the Internet, Class Full, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Saturday Stories, 10:30 a.m.
Musical Moments @ Sophie’s Place with Tim Hanauer, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 16 President’s Day - LIBRARY CLOSED
Tuesday, Feb. 17 Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Theater Night: An Evening of One-Act Plays About Relationships, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 18 Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, Feb. 19 Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Teen Games: Wii, 3:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb.20 Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m.
Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 21 Introduction to Microsoft Publisher, Class Full, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Paws to Read, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Express Yourself, Teen Photography Class & Contest, 1:00 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 23 George Washington at Mount Vernon, 2:00 p.m.
Free Medical Services Van, Bemis Parking Lot, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Monday Evening Book Group, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 24 Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 25 Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, Feb. 26 Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 27 Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m.
Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.
Teen Advisory Group, 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 28 Saturday Stories - Special Dr. Seuss Celebration with Inspector Magic, 10:30 a.m.
Monday, Mar. 2 Senior Book Club, 2:00 p.m.
Free Medical Services Van, Bemis Parking Lot, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Senior Book Club, 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Mar. 3 Story Box, 9:30 & 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