Behind the Cover
The Monthly Newsletter of Bemis Public Library
City of Littleton
May, 2009 Volume 13, Issue 5
Sophie Center Celebration!
Celebrate the library’s Sophie Resource Center and the many resources available for the visually impaired on Saturday, May 2, 1:00-4:30 p.m.
1:00-2:00 p.m., Sophie’s Place:
Enjoy folk, blues and bluegrass music performed by this popular local band.
A list of DVDs, DVS Videos, Audio Books and Braille titles currently in the Bemis collection will be available on a free CD.
2:00-4:30 p.m., Lower Level:
The true story of a group of blind Tibetan teenagers who climbed Mt. Everest with acclaimed author and climber Erik Weihenmayer. Jeff Evans, who was the main climbing guide and doctor for the expedition, will introduce the film and answer questions following the film.
Alien Volcanoes: A Cosmic Tour
Astronomy artist and science writer Michael Carroll will introduce you to some out-of-this-world volcanoes, Tuesday, May 5, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Using his incredible paintings and other media, Carroll will discuss discoveries being made about volcanoes on other planets and moons. Alien volcanoes, including bizarre superchilled geysers on ice moons, are often very different from volcanic eruptions here on earth. Carroll’s space art has been published in books and magazines throughout the world. Time and Smithsonian magazines have showcased his art and he has frequently written for Astronomy and Popular Science magazines. Copies of Carroll’s new book, Alien Volcanoes, will be available for purchase.
Looking for a Job? The Library Has Workshops for You!
The following free workshops will be presented at the library by staff from Arapahoe/ Douglas Works:
A successful job interview is key to gaining employment. The impression you make directly influences the hiring manager’s decision. There are no second chances to make a great first impression. Attend this class to learn the essential features of a successful job interview.
This class sheds light on the fundamentals of salary negotiation and provides tools to assist job seekers to communicate their worth to the employer in a positive manner, enabling a win-win outcome for the job seeker and the employer. It is a must for those desiring to learn how to better position themselves to get the pay they are worth.
Saturday Matinee Movie: Australia
Enjoy the epic romance, Australia, on the library’s big screen, Saturday, May 16, 1:30-4:30 p.m. An English aristocrat (Nicole Kidman) travels to Australia, where she meets a rugged cattle driver (Hugh Jackman) and reluctantly agrees to join forces with him to save the land she inherited. Together, they embark upon a transforming cattle drive across hundreds of miles and face the bombing of the city of Darwin by the Japanese forces that attacked Pearl Harbor. Free popcorn and beverages will be provided. Rated PG-13.
Stories & Tales from Rocky Mountain National Park’s Past
Storyteller and former Colorado State park ranger Dan Overholser will entertain you on Monday, May 18, 2:00 p.m., with four stories from the history of Rocky Mountain National Park: Estes Park pioneer Abner Sprague’s colorful life story; a touching tale of an eight-year-old girl who climbed Longs Peak with famed mountaineer Enos Mills; a tall tale about the fabled furbearing trout of Lulu City; and the story of two Arapaho tribal elders who returned to Rocky Mountain National Park in 1914 and recalled the life of the Indians there before the white man arrived. Overholser has presented stories at libraries, on the radio and at festivals throughout Colorado.
Brides of the Multitude: Prostitution in the Old West
Hear the fascinating account of why prostitution ran rampant in the Old West during the prudish Victorian era, Tuesday, May 19, 7:00-8:30 p.m. With facts and colorful anecdotes, author Jeremy Agnew will talk about the “fallen” women who conducted business throughout the frontier and the conditions under which they worked. Agnew debunks many of the myths associated with prostitution in the Old West and he will describe a definite social order that existed among prostitutes. Copies of the author’s book, Brides of the Multitude, will be available for purchase.
Summer Reading Programs
Summer reading programs begin on Tuesday, May 26th. Stop in to register; we have a program to suit every reader.
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.
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.
The descent into madness of sixty-one-year-old George Hall goes largely unnoticed due to his family members' preoccupations with their own individual relationship crises.
In the late 1980s, a female baby elephant’s family is slaughtered, and the baby is transported to America to be sold. Bob Norris is a cowboy with an enormous empathy for animals. The two come together and experience a life-changing bond.
After the death of her immigrant father, Antonia works as a servant for neighbors in the farmlands of Nebraska. She leaves for an unfortunate affair with an Irish railway conductor, but returns home, marries and raises a large family in true pioneer style.
Monday Evening Book Discussion Group
Meets the third Monday of each month from 7-8 p.m. Join us for:
Ninety-something-year-old Jacob Jankowski remembers his time in the circus as a young man during the Great Depression, his friendship with Marlena, the star of the equestrian act, and Rosie, the elephant who gave them hope.
A novel of a September wedding in Mississippi in the 1920's, at Shellmound, the plantation of the Fairchild family.
A tale set against a backdrop of slave rights conflicts in the nineteenth-century Chesapeake Bay region finds young runaway Liz Spocott inadvertently inspiring a slave breakout from the attic prison of a notorious slave thief.
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:
First Sat. of the month @ Noon
May 2: Pumpkin Scissors
June 6: Fighting Spirit: Champion Road
Enjoy popular interactive video games featuring a different game each month.
May 21: Shaun White Snowboarding
June 18: Special Event Time 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Contest with prizes: Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?
Fourth Friday of the month @ 3:30 p.m.
May 22: Facebook at the Library
June 26: Open Agenda
Special Teen Events
Enjoy a great after-hours family program. Board games and computers will be on hand for fun along with Wii, Rock Band, and Dance Dance Revolution! Pizza and drinks will be provided.
Become a certified babysitter by attending an American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Course at Bemis. The classes, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., are limited to 12 participants ages of 11-15. The course fee is $60. To register, call the American Red Cross directly at 303-722-7474.
Online registration begins May 26th and continues until the program ends on July 31st. The registration link will be located on the Bemis Library home page and on the Bemis Library teen blog: http://bemisteen.blogspot.com. There will be a number of creative programs and events celebrating this year’s theme, Express Yourself. All participants completing the program will receive a free book. Prizes will be awarded to participants throughout the program. Watch the newsletter for details about summer reading!
Teen Summer Film School
Are you a teen in grades 6-12 who is interested in writing, acting, directing, or editing your own movie? For the past five years, over 200 students have created amazing films at the Film School, part of the Summer Reading Program at Bemis. In eight weeks, you will learn professional movie-making techniques that include how to write scripts, storyboard, act, and of course, film masterpieces. This year, students will create six original movies based on the theme, Express Yourself. Each movie will be shown to the public at a World Premiere Red Carpet Event in August. Beginning June 2, the Film School will meet Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Binning Family Foundation, 1269 W. Littleton Blvd. Cost for the class is $75 per student and scholarships are available. Pick up your application at Bemis beginning May 1. Space is limited; please reserve your spot as soon as possible. You could be the next Stephen Spielberg! For details, contact librarian Mark Decker at 303-795-3961.
Upcoming Teen Events
Watch for news to find out how to register for these creative and fun summer programs!
Join professional actor/singer/storyteller Bett Kopit for a fun and exciting acting class. Explore mime, improvisation, comedy and dialects.
Participants will draw a design and then burn the design onto wood blocks.
Bring your writing for critiques and tips from a published writer.
Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader? Compete in a contest for prizes and prove whether you’re smarter than a 5th grader!
A professional artist and cartoonist will introduce participants to basic Manga drawing techniques and styles; proportion; expression; "evil" and "good" characters; action; and useful Japanese language characters----all to create your own intriguing characters and comic strips!
Learn the “ins” of writing songs with a professional musician. During the program, participants will, as a group, write and perform an original song which will be recorded and later e-mailed to those interested. No instruments or musical knowledge needed.
We’ll be having a talent show competition in July! Contestants will be divided into two age categories. Auditions will take place 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the library on Wednesday, June 17 (for contestants in middle school or junior high) and 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the library on Wednesday, June 24 (for contestants in high school or teen graduates). Watch for news about this fun-filled event!
We are excited to announce that the Littleton Police Department will be offering a fascinating seminar for teens interested in the science of solving crime. This very special seminar will include three separate, three-hour classes and will be limited to ten teens. Watch for news about registering for this program.
Children’s Programs
Mother/Daughter Tea Party
Mothers and daughters: don’t miss Fairies-all-at-Tea with Rosy, the Tree Fairy on Saturday, May 9, 2:00 p.m. Wear your “fairy” best for a fantastical afternoon of tea, treats, magic and crafts. Reservations are required; for young ladies in grades 1-5 and their mothers. Please call 303-795-3961 for additional details.
Be Creative @ Bemis with our Children’s Summer Reading Program
Bemis is the place to be this summer, with tons of books, entertainers and fun activities, too! Register at the Children’s Information Desk beginning May 26th for Be Creative @ Bemis, our summer reading program for children from birth through those entering 5th grade in the fall. Record the time you spend reading or being read to and collect prizes along the way, including a book to keep and entry into a weekly prize drawing after completing six hours of reading. Pick up a Reading Record when you register and get started! Bemis will be hosting a variety of summer entertainers, activities, crafts, puppet shows, story times, and more! Watch the newsletter for upcoming events.
Summer Reading Kick-Off Entertainer
Join us for the Kick-Off of Be Creative @ Bemis, our 2009 Summer Reading Program on Tuesday June 2, 2:00 p.m. with the Great American Street Organ Jubilee! Master magician Mark Strivings, takes young and old on a hysterical journey with his magical organ grinder. You never know what’s around the next corner! For ages 3 and up.
Summer School-Age Programs Begin
We’ll be getting creative throughout the summer with school-age programs each week during June and July. Don’t miss our first two programs in June:
Wednesday, June 3, 2:00 p.m.—For kids going into grades 1-3
Spend an hour listening to books by some of your favorite authors/illustrators, then
create your own work of art in a similar style. Authors include: Eric Carle, Denise
Fleming, Lois Ehlert and Leo Lionni. Reservations required one week in advance.
Please call 303-795-3961.
Thursday, June 4, 2:00 p.m.—For kids going into grades 4 & 5
Presenting Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney. Read Book 1 where we meet Greg, his B.F. Rowley, and a diabolical piece of cheese that inhabits the playground! Speculations about Book 4, set to arrive in October, indicate it may be about Greg’s summer break. Join us for trivia, snacks, a prize drawing and other fun (not wimpy) stuff and get your summer break off to a hilarious reading start! Reservations required one week in advance. Please call 303-795-3961.
Music for Kids with Eric West
Join us for Music for Kids with entertainer Eric West on Tuesday,
June 9, 2:00 p.m. In addition to musical instruments from all over the world, Eric will bring a collection of homemade instruments created from recycled junk. There also will be singing, storytelling and audience participation for ages 3 and up.
Reminder: No Story Times in May. Programs resume the week of June 2.
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, PowerPoint and Publisher. 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 upcoming classes or group use of our computer lab, call the library at 303-795-3961 or stop by the Information Desk.
Currently, space is available in the following classes:
Wednesday, July 1, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, June 10, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Saturday, July 18, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Saturday, June 20, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, July 22, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, July 8, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, June 17, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Saturday, June 6, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, July 15, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Class Descriptions:
NEW! Open Computer Lab
Practice your computer skills and have a little one-on-one time with a computer class instructor. Beginning in May, every Thursday morning from 9:00-10:30 a.m.
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.
Upcoming Programs at Bemis
Mark your calendars now for these library events coming next month:
Tuesday, June 2, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 16, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 17, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Monday, June 22, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 27, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Schedule of Library Events
May 1-2 Exhibit of Tactile Art by artist Ann Cunningham
May 4-31 Heritage Fine Arts Guild Art Show
Friday, May 1 Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 2 Computer Comfort, Class Full, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Teen Anime Club, 12:00 noon
Sophie Center Celebration: Musical Moments with Stray Dog, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Film: Blindsight, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Monday, May 4 Senior Book Club, 2:00 p.m.
Free Medical Services Van, Bemis Parking Lot, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 5 Alien Volcanoes: A Cosmic Tour, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 6 Beginning Windows, Class Full, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Library Board Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 7 Open Computer Lab, 9-10:30 a.m.
Friday, May 8 Job Interviewing Workshop, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 9 Mother/Daughter Tea Party, 2:00 p.m.
Monday, May 11 Free Medical Services Van, Bemis Parking Lot, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 13 Mousercise, Class Full, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Thursday, May 14 Open Computer Lab, 9-10:30 a.m.
Friday, May 15 Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 16 Beginning Internet, Class Full, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Saturday Movie Matinee, Australia, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Monday, May 18 Stories & Tales from Rocky Mountain National Park’s Past, 2:00 p.m.
Monday Evening Book Group, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Free Medical Services Van, Bemis Parking Lot, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 19 Brides of the Multitude: Prostitution in the Old West, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 20 Beginning Word, Class Full 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Thursday, May 21 Open Computer Lab, 9-10:30 a.m.
Teen Games: Wii, 3:30 p.m.
Friday, May 22 Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.
Teen Advisory Group, 3:30 p.m.
Game Night, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Monday, May 25 Memorial Day - LIBRARY CLOSED
Tuesday, May 26 Summer Reading Program Registration Kick-Off:
Musical Moments with harpist Hannah Jackson, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Musical Moments with harpist Gale Brown, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Free Chair Massages, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 27 Beginning Excel, Class Full, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Thursday, May 28 Open Computer Lab, 9-10:30 a.m.
Friday, May 29 Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 30 American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Course, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Monday, June 1 Senior Book Club, 2:00 p.m.
Free Medical Services Van, Bemis Parking Lot, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 2 Children’s Summer Reading Kick-Off:
Entertainer Magician Mark Strivings, 2:00 p.m.
An Evening with Thomas Jefferson & William Clark, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 3 Computer Comfort, Class Full, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Author Art, Grades 1-3, 2:00 p.m.
Library Board Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 4 Diary Day, Grades 4 & 5, 2:00 p.m.
Teen Acting Workshop, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Friday, June 5 Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 6 Mousercise, Space Available, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Teen Anime Club, 12:00 noon
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