Behind the Cover

The Monthly Newsletter of Bemis Public Library

City of  Littleton

September, 2009    Volume 13, Issue 9

 

Your Library Card - Best Bargain in Town!

Bemis will be celebrating National Library Card Sign-up Month in September with the theme Bemis Public Library—The Best Bargain in Littleton! A library card is your greatest discount card since you can check out a wide array of free materials at the library, including the latest movies, audio books and best sellers, as well as have access to free computers and WiFi. Teens and adults, sign up for a library card in September and you will receive a free book. Children will receive a prize. Every new cardholder’s name will be entered in a drawing for a Wii video game console. If you already have a library card, you can enter your name to win a $50 gift certificate to Borders.

 

America and the Middle East: Are our Interests and Values in Conflict?

Author and Dean of DU’s Graduate School of International Studies, Tom Farer, will give insights on the Middle East, Tuesday, September 15, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Farer will focus on whether the United States’ policies and practices have been consistent with our national values over the past sixty years. He will discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, our relations with Iran, the best U.S. policies to reduce the threat of Jihadi terrorism, religious-fundamentalist immigrant communities in secular/liberal countries, and what President Obama can do to address these issues. Farer is the author of the recent book, Confronting Global Terrorism and American Neo-Conservatism, published by Oxford University Press.

 

Antique Appraisal Fair

Ever wonder what a family heirloom might be worth? Find out from the experts at the library’s free Antique Appraisal Fair on Friday, September 18, from Noon-7:00 p.m. Bring dishes, jewelry, coins, toys, books, lamps, glassware and other antiques and collectibles to be evaluated by local appraisers. A maximum of three items will be appraised. Photos of large pieces of furniture are preferred. Appraisers will explain the history, significance and approximate value of each item. To register for a 15-minute time slot with an appraiser, call the library at 303-795-3961.

 

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, September 23, 2:00-3:00 p.m.: Pianist and composer Larry Meeks will play popular songs, jazz and Broadway melodies. Meeks has a career spanning more than 50 years and worked with Benny Goodman, Helen O’Connell, Tennessee Ernie Ford and Julie London.

 

Saturday Movie Matinee: 17 Again

Zac Efron stars in the comedy, 17 Again, about a man who is given another chance at life when he is miraculously transformed back to the age of 17. The movie will be shown on the library’s big screen, Saturday, September 26, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Free popcorn and beverages will be provided.

 

Afternoon with Eleanor Roosevelt—First Lady, Author and Activist

Meet First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in 1937 during her husband’s second term as president on Monday, September 28, 2:00 p.m. Hear her views on what makes life worth living in the midst of a strife-filled world—views as relevant today as they were seven decades ago. Susan Marie Frontczak will portray Eleanor Roosevelt and her presentation will include a question and answer session.

 

Ethiopia Reads – Bringing Books and Literacy to Ethiopia

Celebrate Banned Books Week, September 26 - October 3, by coming to a special presentation by staff from Ethiopia Reads on Tuesday, September 29, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Learn about the exciting work that is being done in Ethiopia to promote reading and build libraries. Since Ethiopia Reads opened the first free children’s library in 2003, thousands of children have experienced the joy of reading for the first time. The organization has helped to open 30 free libraries in Ethiopia and has published many bi-lingual books for Ethiopian children. The founder of Ethiopia Reads, Yohannes Gebregeorgis, a native of Ethiopia, was selected as a Hero of the Year by CNN in 2008. You are welcome to bring a new or gently used children’s book to the program as a donation for Ethiopia Reads. Every person who comes to this program will have his/her name entered to win a $25 gift certificate from the Tattered Cover bookstore.

 

Beginning Genealogy Research Course

The Columbine Genealogical and Historical Society is offering a 5-week beginning course on genealogical research starting Friday, October 2, 9:30 a.m. to noon, at the library. The course is designed for folks just getting started and casual researchers. Participants will have the opportunity to do hands-on research in the library’s computer lab and the final session will be a field trip. Class size is limited and registration is required; forms are available at the library’s Information Desk. There will be a nominal charge to cover cost of the materials.

 

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., 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.

 

Bemis Library on Twitter

You can find all the latest Bemis Library news on the library’s new Twitter site, http://twitter.com/bemislibrary. Bemis also has a second Twitter account, http://twitter.com/bemislibrarydvd for information and reviews on new DVDs in the library collection. Now you can stay in touch with Bemis every day!

 

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.

  • Sept. 14*:    Interred with Their Bones by Jennifer Carrell

Receiving a mysterious box from her eccentric mentor, who claims it contains a newly found work by Shakespeare, theater director and scholar Kate Stanley is horrified when her theater is burned to the ground and her mentor killed.

We will meet on the 2nd Monday in Sept. due to the Labor Day holiday.

  • Oct. 5:          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.

  • 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.

Monday Evening Book Discussion Group

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

  • Sept. 21:      Lace Reader by Barry Brunonia

Having left her hometown of Salem, Massachusetts fifteen years ago under troubling circumstances, psychic Towner Whitney reluctantly returns after her eighty-five-year-old great-aunt Eva suddenly disappears.

  • Oct. 19:       Year of Fog by Michelle Richmond

This novel traces a traumatic year in the life of photographer Abby Mason after she loses her fiancé's six-year-old daughter on a beach. She desperately searches for the truth behind the child’s disappearance.

  • 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.

 

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

Sept. 5:        Martian Successor Nadesico

Oct. 3:         Toward the Terra Movie

  • Teen Writers Group

Third Tuesday of the month @ 4 p.m.

Sept. 15, Oct. 20 and Nov. 17

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!

Sept. 17:      Super Smash Bros Brawl

Oct. 15:       Wii Sports

  • Teen Advisory Group (TAG)

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

Sept. 25:      Discuss Oct. Teen Read Week

Oct. 23:       Winter program planning

 

Special Teen Events

  • Bemis Teen Battle for the Best Book

Teens can vote for the best teen book at Bemis by sending their votes via email to teen librarian Mark at mdecker@littletongov.org. Each week, two books from the nominated titles will be chosen to “battle” against one another. Teens will vote for the book they’d like to see remain in the competition. The losing title will be removed. The battle will continue during September and early October, with the final winner announced during Teen Read Week, Oct. 18-24. Teens who participate in this contest can win prizes. For every nomination or vote a teen provides, their name will be entered into a drawing. The drawing will take place in October during Teen Read Week. Drawing winners will receive a copy of a book of their choice. Monitor the Battle for the Best Book at the Bemis teen blog site, http://bemisteen.blogspot.com/, or by visiting the library.

 

Children’s Programs

 

Kid’s Book Club

Have you read Diary of a Wimpy Kid? Join us at Kid’s Book Club on Sunday, September 20, 2:00 p.m. for snacks, trivia, and fun. We’ll be talking about books two and three: Roderick Rules and The Last Straw and making predictions about book four which hits the shelves on October 12. This free program is for grades 3-5 and reservations are required. Please call 303-795-3961 to reserve your place.

 

Animal Adventures with Safari Sally

Get up close and personal with a variety of exciting live animals on Sunday, September 27, 2:00 p.m. Learn about the unique and often outrageous adaptations of animals. This is a furry, fun, and factual program for families with children ages 3 and older.

 

September is National Library Card Sign-up Month

Celebrate our library by getting a card or using the one you already have. Kids, show your new card and receive a prize at the Children’s Desk.

 

Weekly Story Times & Ongoing Activities

  • Story Box: Ages birth-36 months—Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 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, September 19

Kids in grades 1- 5 are able to practice reading to 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

  • Annual Children’s Costume Parade!

Thursday, October 29, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Friday, October 30, 10:30 a.m.

Join us either day for our annual Preschool Story Time Costume Parade. The parade begins in the Children’s Room, winds through the library and ends downstairs where we’ll share songs, stories, treats, and more. Younger siblings may join the parade, too!

 

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., Sept. 23; Wed., Oct. 21

  • Beginning Microsoft Access

                  Thurs., Sept. 17

  • Beginning Microsoft Excel

             Tues., Sept. 15; Tues., Oct. 20

             Thurs., Oct. 8

  • Intermediate Microsoft Excel

                   Tues., Oct. 27

  • Beginning Microsoft PowerPoint

                   Wed, Sept. 30; Thurs. Oct. 22

  • Beginning Microsoft Publisher

                   Tues., Sept. 29

  • Beginning Microsoft Windows

Wed., Sept. 9; Wed., Oct. 14

  • Beginning Microsoft Word

                   Tues., Sept. 1; Tues., Oct. 6

  • Intermediate Microsoft Word

                   Tues., Sept. 8; Tues., Oct. 13

  • Computer Comfort

                   Wed., Sept. 2; Sat., Oct. 3

  • Email Lab

                   Wed., Sept. 16; Wed., Oct. 28

  • Job Hunting Online

                   Sat., Sept. 19

  • Mousercise

                   Sat., Sept. 5; Wed., Oct. 7

  • Searching with Google

                   Sat., Oct. 17

  • Open Computer Lab

Thurs., Sept. 10; Thurs., Sept. 24

Thursdays, Oct. 1, 15 & 29

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 2-½ by 3-½ 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.

 

Senior Wii Bowling

Join the Bemis Senior Wii Bowling League and find out how much fun it is to bowl using the Wii gaming system. Meetings are held at 2:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month and last for one hour. Whether you’re an expert Wii bowler or have never tried it before, come experience the fun of Wii bowling!

 

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:

  • International Craft Sale - Saturday, October 17, Noon-4:00 p.m.
  • Musical Moments at Sophie’s Place with Planina-Songs of Eastern Europe -      Sat., Oct. 17, 2-3:00 p.m.
  • Teen Read Week - October 18-24
  • Ghost Hunting & Poltergeists! - Friday, October 23, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday Movie Matinee: Earth - Saturday, October 24, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
  • A Pirate’s Tale! - Monday, October 26, 2:00 p.m.
  • Teen Halloween Event - Friday, October 30, 5:30-8:00 p.m.

 

Schedule of Library Events

 

Tuesday, Sept. 1         *Beginning Microsoft Word, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

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

 

Wednesday, Sept. 2   *Computer Comfort, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

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

 

                                      Library Board Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

 

Thursday, Sept. 3      *Beginning Microsoft Excel, Class Full, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

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

 

Friday, Sept. 4            Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.

                                      Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m.

 

Saturday, Sept. 5       *Mousercise, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

                                      Teen Anime Club, Noon

 

Monday, Sept. 7          Labor Day Holiday - LIBRARY CLOSED

 

Tuesday, Sept. 8         *Intermediate Microsoft Word, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Friday, Sept. 11          Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m.

 

                                      Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.

 

Monday, Sept. 14       Artist Trading Cards Group, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

 

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

 

                                      Senior Book Club, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

 

Tuesday, Sept. 15      *Beginning Microsoft Excel, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

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

 

                                      Teen Writer’s Group, 4:00 p.m.

 

                                      America & the Middle East: Are Our Interests & Values in Conflict? 7:00-8:30 p.m.

 

Wednesday, Sept. 16 *Email Lab, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

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

 

Thursday, Sept. 17    *Beginning Microsoft Access, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

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

 

                                      Senior Wii Bowling, 2:00 p.m.

 

                                      Teen Wii Games, 3:30 p.m.

 

Friday, Sept. 18          Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.

 

                                      Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m.

 

                                      *Antique Appraisal Fair, Noon-7:00 p.m.

 

Saturday, Sept. 19      *Job Hunting Online, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

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

 

Sunday, Sept. 19        Kid’s Book Club, 2:00 p.m.

 

Monday,    Sept. 21    Monday Evening Book Group, 2:00 p.m.

 

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

 

Tuesday, Sept. 22      *Intermediate Microsoft Excel, Class Full, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

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

 

Wednesday, Sept. 23 *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 Pianist Larry Meeks, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

 

Thursday, Sept. 24    Open Computer Lab, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

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

 

Friday, Sept. 25         Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.

 

                                      Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m.

 

                                      Teen Advisory Group, 3:30 p.m.

 

Saturday, Sept. 26     Movie Matinee: 17 Again, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

 

Sunday, Sept. 27        Animal Adventures with Safari Sally, Ages 3 & Older, 2:00 p.m.

 

Monday, Sept. 28       Afternoon with Eleanor Roosevelt, 2:00 p.m.

 

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

 

Tuesday, Sept. 29      *Beginning Microsoft Publisher, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

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

 

                                      Ethiopia Reads - Bringing Books & Literacy to Ethiopia, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

 

Wednesday, Sept. 30 *Beginning Microsoft PowerPoint, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

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

 

Thursday, Oct. 1      Open Computer Lab, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

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