Behind the Cover

The Monthly Newsletter of Bemis Public Library

City of  Littleton

November, 2009    Volume 13, Issue 11

 

An Around-the-World Adventure

Hear about the adventures of two Denver men who went on an expedition by truck, circumnavigating the globe, Tuesday, November 3, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Steve Bouey and Steve Shoppman covered 70,000 miles, visiting 68 different countries and traveling over six continents. Along the way they met many fascinating people and encountered unusual situations, such as a confrontation with armed rebels in the Congo jungle, and participating in a Mongolian wedding. Shoppman said, “After two years of the most exciting, eye-opening experiences of our lives, we know the world is more interesting than scary.”

 

Saturday Movie Matinee: Up

Bring the family to see the animated comedy, Up, on the library’s big screen, Saturday, November 14, 2:00-3:30 p.m. An elderly curmudgeon (voiced by Ed Asner) finally fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America. The journey's scarcely begun when he discovers a stowaway: Russell, an eager Wilderness Explorer Scout who's out to earn his Elderly Assistance Badge. This imaginative film will appeal to all ages. Free popcorn and beverages will be provided. Rated PG.

 

Musical Moments at Sophie’s Place

Enjoy an espresso or delicious pastry 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, November 18, 2:00-3:00 p.m. Native American Heritage Month will be celebrated with a performance by Eric Many Winds Herrera, a talented flute player. Herrera’s music on the native flute will take the listener on a journey though nature and Native American heritage.

 

Senior Wii Bowling

Did you know Bemis has a Senior Wii Bowling League? Whether you’re an expert Wii bowler or have never tried it before, come experience the fun of Wii bowling! The group meets on the third Thursday of each month at 2:00 p.m. Join us on Thursday, November 19 and Thursday, December 17, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

 

An Old World Christmas in Denver’s Past

Ring in the holidays with a fascinating account of an 1800’s Christmas in Denver on Monday, November 23, 2:00 p.m. Learn about the customs, decorations, food and more! The program will be presented by staff from the Molly Brown House Museum.

 

Make a Miniature Snowman Scene

Learn how easy and fun it is to make a miniature snowman scene with small trees, clay carrots, buttons, decorated fence, and other small items! Expert crafter Pat Vick will present two identical workshops on Saturday, November 28, 10:00 a.m.-noon, and 2:00-4:00 p.m. These classes are open to adults and children, age eight and older, accompanied by an adult. Participants must bring $2.50 for materials. Call the library at 303-795-3961 to register for one of the workshops.

 

Food for Fines

Bemis, in cooperation with Inter-Faith Community Services, will be sponsoring the annual Food for Fines program from Monday, November 23 through Thursday, December 24. Simply bring in a non-perishable food item and have a late book fine removed from your Bemis library record. This offer does not apply to lost books. Inter-Faith Community Services helps people living in western Arapahoe County and northern Douglas County as well as unincorporated areas of Arapahoe County.

 

Buy a Gift Book at the Library!

Looking for that unique book for a holiday gift this year? The Friends of the Library and Museum are offering a special sale of “like new” used books at reduced prices from Monday, November 23 through Thursday, December 24 at the library. Choose from bestsellers, classics, cookbooks and children’s books. Bring the whole family in to find great presents!

 

Planning a Trip? We’ve Got Maps!

Are you planning a trip abroad or somewhere in Colorado? Bemis has a large collection of road maps for U.S. states and cities, as well as foreign countries and cities. Recently we added guide maps for the U.S. and foreign countries which include favorite attractions in each area so you won’t miss any famous landmarks and can easily find accommodations, restaurants and other places of interest. These new maps are laminated and tear-free for ease of use. The map file is located on the main level in front of the Reference area. One file drawer is devoted entirely to Colorado maps and includes hiking, bicycling, topographic and maps of public lands. Happy trails!

 

AARP Tax-Aide Volunteer Needed

Another tax season is just around the corner—which means that you have an opportunity to make a real difference in your community. Volunteer for the nation’s largest free tax preparation and assistance service. The AARP tax-aide program conducted at Bemis is seeking a technology coordinator to manage computer equipment. This volunteer will load the tax program software and then maintain/trouble shoot approximately seven computers. Work days will be Mondays and Tuesdays during February, March and through April 15 at Bemis. Training will be provided at Bemis on several days in December and January. For more information contact Marilyn by phone at 303-798-8720 or email at lesmar@q.com. Get the joy and satisfaction of helping out by joining the AARP Tax-Aide volunteer team today! Your expertise will be appreciated more than you can imagine.

 

English as a Second Language Classes

Learn English at the library! Beginning English classes are held from 9:00-10:30 a.m., and Intermediate English classes from 10:30 a.m.-Noon, Monday-Thursday in the classroom on the lower level of the library. Evening classes for beginning and intermediate students are being held at Littleton High School. These classes are open to teens age sixteen and over and adults who want to learn English or improve their English. There is a $30 registration fee each semester for adults 21 and older and no charge for individuals under the age of 21. 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.

·    Nov. 2:             The Black Tower by Louis Bayard

Having used his mastery of disguise and surveillance to nab France's most notorious criminals, early nineteenth-century detective Vidocq tracks down the most challenging adversary of his career, a case with ties to the missing son of Marie Antoinette.

·    Dec. 7:             Forever by Pete Hamill

Moving from Ireland to New York City in 1741, Cormac O'Connor witnesses the city's transformation into a thriving metropolis while he explores the mysteries of time, loss, and love.

  • Jan. 4:          Queen of the Road: the True Tale of 47 States, 22,000 Miles, 200 Shoes, 2 Cats, 1 Poodle, a

Husband, and a Bus with a Wil       of Its Own by Doreen Orion

The author recounts her travels with her husband cross-country in an RV. Although they experience their share of misadventures, the trip has a remarkable effect as these two polar opposites grow closer than ever.

Monday Evening Book Discussion Group

Meets the third Monday of each month from 7-8 p.m. Join us for:

·    Nov. 16:           Finn by Jon Clinch

A novel inspired by Mark Twain’s classic tales explores the mysterious life and strange death of Huckleberry Finn’s infamous father, the Judge; his brother, the sickly, sycophantic Will; and young Huck.

·    Dec. 14*:          No book scheduled for discussion; we will meet for dinner and a book planning session for 2010. Contact librarian Pam Child at 303-795-3961 to reserve a space for the dinner.

* We will meet on the second Monday in December due to the holidays.

·    Jan. 25*:          Away       by Amy Bloom

Arriving in America alone after her family is destroyed in a Russian pogrom, Lillian Leyb receives word that her daughter Sophie might still be alive and embarks on a risky odyssey that takes her from New York’s Lower East Side to Siberia to find the missing girl.

* We will meet on the fourth Monday in January due to the Martin Luther King holiday.

 

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:

  • Anime Club

First Sat. of the month @ Noon

Nov. 7 and Dec. 5

Titles to be determined.

  • Teen Writers Group

Third Tuesday of the month @ 4 p.m.

Nov. 17 and Dec. 15

All teen creative writers are welcome! We’ll be meeting once a month to critique and provide feedback on participants’ writing. Bring copies of your writing in order for other participants to provide feedback. Please contact Mark, teen librarian, for further details or to join the group.

  • Wii - Third Thursdays @ 3:30 p.m.

A different interactive video game each month!

Nov. 19:       Rock Band

Dec. 17:       Smash Bros. Brawl

  • Teen Advisory Group (TAG)

Fourth Friday of the month @ 3:30 p.m.

Nov.:             No meeting due to holidays

Dec.:             No meeting due to holidays

 

Special Teen Events

  • Christmas Craft: Quilling - Saturday, December 5, 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Create a beautiful ornament or package decoration for the holidays! Quilling, or paper filigree, is the art of using strips of paper that are rolled, shaped, and glued together to create decorative designs. Space is limited! Please call the library at 303-795-3961 or contact Mark, the teen librarian at mdecker@littletongov.org to register for this program.

  • Red Cross Babysitting Class - Monday, December 28, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Become a certified babysitter by attending an American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Course at Bemis. The class, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., is limited to 12 participants ages 11-17. The course fee is $60. To register, call the American Red Cross directly at 303-722-7474.

 

Children’s Programs:

 

Grow a Reader!

We all know that reading is wonderful at any age because it’s relaxing and entertaining, but it also is the first step to a young child’s learning and reading success. Research shows children get ready to read years before they start school. Find out what you can do to help your child “grow into a reader” on Saturday, November 7, 2:00 p.m. We’ll share the six early literacy skills taught in Every Child Ready to Read and will give you reading tips and book suggestions, too. For parents and caregivers of children under the age of 5. Please call 303-795-3961 to register for this free program.

 

Doctor Noize Lite!

The loopy Doctor Noize sings and plays his award-winning songs on guitar, keyboard and a laptop computer while interactively recording and arranging music live with lots of help from the audience on Saturday, November 21, 2:00 p.m. Utilizing wowza cool technology and crowd participation, kids add their own vocals to the mix. This high energy technological extravaganza encourages kids to explore their creativity. For families with children ages 3 and up.

 

Reading fun! A Mock John Newbery Award Event

Kids, which book would you like to see win the Newbery? Each year the best children's chapter book published in that year and written by an author living in the USA is presented this award. Beginning in November, a list of eligible books will be posted in the Children’s Room. Read some of these and vote for your favorite. After telling us what you liked about the book, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a Tattered Cover gift card. So when the skies turn white with snow, curl up inside and enjoy reading a great new book!

 

Weekly Story Times & Ongoing Activities

No Story Times Thanksgiving week, November 23-27.

  • Story Box: Ages birth-36 months—Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.

                                                                          NEW: also on Fridays at 9:30 a.m.

A special 30-minute story time for children and a caring adult to introduce the joy of rhythm, rhyme, and reading. Space is limited; free tickets are available one week in advance.

  • Preschool Story Time: Ages 3-kindergarten—Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.

Fridays at 10:30 a.m.

Thirty minutes of stories, songs, and activities featuring a puppet show the first week of the month.

  • Paws to Read: For readers in grades 1-5— Saturday, November 21

Kids in grades 1- 5 are able to practice reading with a furry friend. 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.

  • Bemis Library Dial-a-Story: Your child can listen to a story anytime by calling 303-795-3960. Enjoy a new story or an old favorite.
  • Register for Email Notification:

You can receive our monthly newsletter via email and choose to be notified of special programs. Here’s how: visit http://bemis.sirsi.net/, under Library Info click on More information and then click on Subscribe Bemis News Email. Or, fill out a paper form at any Information Desk next time you visit the library.

 

Upcoming Children’s Events

  • The Polar Express—Saturday, December 12, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Join us for our annual celebration with a reading of The Polar Express and a wintry ride on an imaginary train! A program for families with children ages 3 and up. Free tickets available beginning November 21.

 

We Can Meet Your Computer & Internet Needs

Bemis has 22 Internet access computers on the lower level of the library, plus another seven 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 laptops.

      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.

      All classes are from 9-10:30 a.m. Currently space is available in the following classes:

  • Beginning Internet: Wed., Nov. 18; Wed., Dec. 9
  • Beginning Microsoft Excel: Tues., Nov. 17; Tues., Dec. 8
  • Intermediate Microsoft Excel: Tues., Nov. 24
  • Beginning Microsoft Windows: Wed., Nov. 4; Wed., Dec. 2
  • Beginning Microsoft Word: Sat., Nov. 7
  • Computer Comfort: Tues., Nov. 3; Tues., Dec. 1
  • Microsoft Word Mail Merge: Thurs., Nov. 12
  • Windows XP File Management: Tues., Nov. 10
  • Open Computer Lab: Thursdays, Nov. 5 & 19 and Thursdays, Dec. 3 & 17

No registration required for the Open Computer Lab. Get answers to all your computer-related questions! Practice your computer skills and have a little one-on-one time with a computer class instructor.

 

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 7:00 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.

 

Artist Trading Cards Group

Artist Trading Cards are miniature works of art created on 2-˝ by 3-˝ inch card stock. Join the ATC group the second Monday of every month from 4 to 6 p.m. in Study Room #1 on the lower level of the library. Bring any cards you’ve created or come to observe and learn. There are no fees or commitments. See what the latest art trend is about and how you can participate! For additional information, contact Harriet Tiger at the library, 303-795-3961.

 

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:

  • December Art Exhibit: Paint Box Guild Art Show
  • Musical Moments at Sophie’s Place with the Smithtonians Bell Choir

Saturday, December 5, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

  • Musical Moments at Sophie’s Place: Colorado Old Time Fiddlers Assn.

Saturday, December 19, 2:00-3:30 p.m.

  • Family Film Event: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Tuesday, December 29, 2:00-4:30 p.m.

 

Schedule of Library Events

 

Monday, Nov. 2           Senior Book Club, 2:00 p.m.

                                      Free Medical Services Van, Bemis Parking Lot, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

 

Tuesday, Nov. 3          *Computer Comfort, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

                                      *Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

                                      An Around-the-World Adventure, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

 

Wednesday, Nov. 4    *Beginning Microsoft Windows,     Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

                                      *Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

                                      Library Board Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

 

Thursday, Nov. 5       Open Computer Lab,9:00-10:30 a.m.

                                      Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

 

Friday, Nov. 6             *Story Box, 9:30 a.m.

                                      Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m.

                                      Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.

 

Saturday, Nov. 7         *Beginning Microsoft Word, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

                                      Teen Anime Club, Noon

                                      *Grow a Reader! 2:00 p.m.

 

Monday, Nov. 9           Artist Trading Cards Group, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

                                      Free Medical Services Van, Bemis Parking Lot, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

 

Tuesday, Nov. 10       *Windows XP File Management,     Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

                                      *Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

 

Wednesday, Nov. 11*Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

 

Thursday, Nov. 12     *Microsoft Word Mail Merge, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

                                      Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

 

Friday, Nov. 13           *Story Box, 9:30 a.m.

                                      Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m.

 

Saturday, Nov. 14      Saturday Movie Matinee: Up, 2:00-3:30 p.m.

 

Monday, Nov. 16        Free Medical Services Van Bemis Parking Lot, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

                                      Monday Evening Book Group, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

 

Tuesday, Nov. 17       *Beginning Microsoft Excel, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

                                      *Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

                                      Teen Writers Group, 4:00 p.m.

 

Wednesday, Nov. 18   *Beginning Internet, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

                                      *Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

                                      Musical Moments at Sophie’s Place with Eric Many Winds Herrera, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

 

Thursday, Nov. 19     Open Computer Lab, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

                                      Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

                                      Senior Wii Bowling League, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

                                      Teen Wii Games, 3:30 p.m.

 

Friday, Nov. 20           *Story Box, 9:30 a.m.

                                      Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m.

                                      Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.

 

Saturday, Nov. 21      *Paws to Read, 10:00 a.m.-noon

                                      Doctor Noize Lite! 2:00 p.m.

 

Monday, Nov. 23        An Old World Christmas in Denver’s Past, 2:00 p.m.

                                      Free Medical Services Van Bemis Parking Lot, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

 

Tuesday, Nov. 24       *Intermediate Microsoft Excel, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

Thursday, Nov. 26     Thanksgiving Day - LIBRARY CLOSED

 

Friday, Nov. 27           Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.

 

Saturday, Nov. 28      *Make a Miniature Snowman Scene, 10:00 a.m.-noon and 2:00-4:00 p.m.

 

Monday, Nov. 30        Free Medical Services Van, Bemis Parking Lot, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

 

Tuesday, Dec. 1          *Computer Comfort, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

                                      *Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

 

Wednesday, Dec. 2    *Beginning Microsoft Windows, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

                                      *Story Box, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

 

Thursday, Dec. 3       Open Computer Lab, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

                                      Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

 

Friday, Dec. 4             *Story Box, 9:30 a.m.

                                      Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m.

                                      Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.

 

*These programs require a reservation or ticket. Please call 303-795-3961.

 

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:

http://bemis.sirsi.net

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