Behind the Cover

The Monthly Newsletter of Bemis Public Library

City of Littleton

January, 2010    Volume 14, Issue 1

 

 

A Mighty Long Way - Memories of Integration in Little Rock

Carlotta Walls LaNier will share her experiences as one of the “Little Rock Nine”, who integrated Little Rock Central High School in 1957, Thursday, January 7, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Carlotta was 14 years old when she walked up the steps of Central High School, surrounded by a white mob and escorted by troops. The first African-American students, the Little Rock Nine, suffered constant harassment at school and the suffering went beyond the classroom. Carlotta’s father had a hard time finding a job and her home was bombed. Hear about this watershed moment in civil rights history and its impact on our history. Copies of A Mighty Long Way will be available for purchase and signing.

 

Ranches of Colorado with John Fielder

Renowned nature photographer John Fielder will show photographs and talk about his latest book, Ranches of Colorado, Friday, January 15, 7:00-8:30 p.m. The slide show, enhanced with symphonic music by Aaron Copland, will include over 250 of the project photographs. From the eastern plains to mountain valleys of the Rockies, the photographs depict areas of Colorado that very few have seen. Fielder will tell stories about his experiences working with Colorado ranchers and exploring their ranches. Copies of Ranches of Colorado will be available for purchase and signing.

 

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.

Saturday, January 23, 2:00-3:30 p.m.: Popular and classical music for the harp and flute will be performed by Paul Wren and Sylvia Marx Bowen.

 

Julia Child: My Life in France

Pat Kenning will perform as Julia Child and give a lively, nostalgic account of Julia’s eight years in France on Monday, January 25, 2:00 p.m. She also will talk about Julia’s early life, her television show, the death of Julia’s husband and her final years.

 

Birthing Your Book—Even if You Don’t Know What It’s About

If you have a dream of becoming an author, hear award-winning author and writing coach Mark David Gerson, Thursday, January 28, 7:00-8:30 p.m. in Sophie’s Place. Gerson has taught and coached writing as a creative pursuit for 20 years in the U.S. and Canada. Through workshops, coaching and a radio program about writing, Gerson has guided writers and non-writers alike to answer their call to write and express themselves engagingly. He will talk about how to get past “writer’s block” and offer tools and inspiration to get started and finished without struggle. Gerson is the author of several books, including The Voice of the Muse, lauded by critics as “a phenomenal guide to unleashing your creative potential”. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.

 

Free Film Event - Capitalism: A Love Story

See one of the most talked-about documentaries in the last year, Capitalism:

A Love Story, Saturday, January 30, 2:00-4:00 p.m, on the library’s big screen. Acclaimed filmmaker Michael Moore's latest film sets out to examine what he considers the disastrous impact of corporate dominance on the everyday lives of Americans. With both humor and concern, he explores the question: What is the price that America pays for its love of capitalism? Moore interviews ordinary people whose lives have been turned upside down by the financial crisis and he goes looking for answers in Washington, D.C. and elsewhere. Free popcorn and beverages will be provided.

 

Free Tax Preparation Help!

Beginning in February, the 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 3 through April 10 on Wednesday 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 8-April 13, 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.

 

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 DVDs/videos. If you are interested, please contact librarian Pam Child at 303-795-3961 and let her 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.

 

ESL Classes @ Bemis

The spring session of ESL classes begins on January 5th with all classes meeting at Bemis. Beginning English classes will be from 9:00-10:30 a.m., Mon.-Thurs. and 5:30-6:50 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Intermediate English classes will be from 10:30 a.m.-Noon, Mon.-Thurs., and 7:00-8:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. All classes are open to teens age 16 and over and adults who want to learn English or improve their English. There is a registration fee of $30 each semester for adults 21 and older and no charge for individuals under the age of 21. 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 information call Phyllis Larison or Dawn Munson, ESL instructor, 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

·         Jan. 4:    The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

A compelling, emotional mystery about family secrets and the magic of books and storytelling. A dying writer bids a young bookshop assistant to write her biography.

·         Feb. 1:    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 Will 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.

·         Mar. 1:   The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

Working in Gaborone, Botswana, Precious Ramotswe investigates several local mysteries, including a search for a missing boy and the case of the clinic doctor with different personalities for different days of the week.

Monday Evening Book Discussion Group

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

·        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.

·        Feb. 22:  Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway

This novel explores the brutality of war and the redemptive power of music. After a mortar attack kills 22 people waiting in line to buy bread, an unnamed cellist vows to play at the point of impact for 22 days. The story follows four people, including the cellist, trying to survive war-torn Sarajevo.

·        Mar. 15:People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

Offered a coveted job to analyze and conserve a priceless Sarajevo Haggadah, Australian rare-book expert Hanna discovers a series of tiny artifacts in the volume's ancient binding that reveal its historically significant origins.

 

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

Jan. 2:          One Piece: First Voyage

Feb. 6:          Title to be determined

  • Teen Writers Group

Third Tuesday of the month @ 4 p.m.

Jan. 19, Feb. 16, Mar. 16

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!

Jan. 21:       Rock Band

Feb. 18:       Carnival Games

  • Teen Advisory Group (TAG)

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

Jan. 22:       Open agenda

Feb. 26:        Summer Reading Planning

 

Special Teen Events

  • Teen Movie: Battle for Terra - Saturday, January 16, 2:00 p.m.

Watch the movie Battle for Terra on the library’s big screen. When the peaceful inhabitants of the planet Terra come under attack from humans in search of a new home, the friendship between a human pilot and an alien girl may hold the key to saving both races. Rated PG. Free popcorn and lemonade will be provided.

  • Coming in March: Make Waves @ Your Library - Teen Photography Contest

Submit your best original photo that expresses the theme Make Waves @ Your Library by Monday, March 15. Make sure to include the name of your photograph with your submission. The winning photos from two age groups, middle school/junior high and high school, will be published on a library bookmark to be given out for the teen summer reading program. For more information, or to submit your photo, call Mark, the teen librarian, at 303-795-3961 or email him at mdecker@littletongov.org.

 

Children’s Programs:

Resolve to read!

In 2010 make a resolution to read with your children every day. Read to all ages and read anything: comics, magazines, an online article or a favorite book. Reading together keeps everyone on the path to life-long learning. So…as Rosemary Wells put it in Read to Your Bunny,

Read to your bunny often / It's twenty minutes of fun.

It's twenty minutes of moonlight / And twenty minutes of sun.

Twenty old-favorite minutes / Twenty minutes brand-new,

Read to your bunny often / and... your bunny will read to you.

 

Reading fun! A Mock John Newbery Award Event

Kids, which book would you like to see win the Newbery Medal? 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. Choose from two lists of eligible books available in the Children’s Room, then 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. Be sure to turn in your voting sheets by January 15th.

 

Caldecott Contenders

The Caldecott Medal is awarded to the illustrator of the most distinguished picture book published in the U.S. This year’s award will be announced on January 18. We have placed on display in the Children’s Room several picture books that we believe have outstanding artwork. Please check out these selections and enjoy them with your family.

 

Something to check-out! J Picture Books

Our J Picture Books, shelved at the end of the J fiction section, represent a special collection of illustrated books for older readers. The collection covers a wide variety of topics such as poetry, fractured fairy tales, allegory, dark humor, historical fiction, even spooky stories. Sometimes, the books are just longer stories for an older audience who enjoys looking at beautifully illustrated books. Please ask us more about this collection or browse through the shelves on your own. You might find the outrageous, The Stinky Cheeseman, or a poignant story about the Holocaust, The Butterfly, or even what it was like to be a Vietnam soldier in Patrol.

 

Weekly Story Times & Ongoing Activities

Story sessions resume January 5th.

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

                                                                          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. and 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, January 16

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.

 

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 Access

                   Wed., Jan. 13

·         Beginning Excel

                  Tues., Jan. 19; Wed, Feb. 10

·         Intermediate Excel

                   Tues., Jan. 26; Wed., Feb. 17

·         Beginning Internet

                  Sat., Jan. 16; Sat., Feb. 20

·         Beginning PowerPoint

                  Wed., Jan. 27

·         Beginning Publisher

                  Tues., Feb. 23

·         Beginning Windows

Tues., Jan. 5; Tues., Feb. 2

·         Beginning Word

                   Tues., Jan. 12; Tues., Feb. 9

·         Intermediate Word

                  Wed., Jan. 20; Tues., Feb. 16

·         Computer Comfort

                  Wed., Jan. 6; Sat., Feb. 6

·         Email Lab

                   Wed., Feb. 3

·         Facebook & Twitter: What’s the Hype?

                  Fri., Jan. 8; Fri., Jan 29

·         Introduction to Digital Photography

                   Fri., Feb. 12

·         Buying Your First Digital Camera

                   Fri., Feb. 26

·         Online Bridge

                  Wed., Feb. 24

·         Windows XP File Management

                  Sat., Jan. 30

  • Open Computer Lab – Every Thursday

Thursdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21 & 28

Thursdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18 & 25

No registration required. Practice your computer skills and have a little one-on-one time with a computer class instructor.

 

Upcoming Programs at Bemis

Mark your calendars now for these library events coming next month:

  • Recreating Ardi, Our Oldest Human Ancestor

Tuesday, February 9, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

 

  • Musical Moments at Sophie’s Place: Hawaiian Love Songs with Keoni Coelho

Saturday, February 13, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

 

  • Saturday Movie Matinee: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Saturday, February 20, 2:00-3:30 p.m.

 

  • Online Shopping: Find the Best Deals!

Monday, February 22, 2:00 p.m.

 

  • One Pot Cooking

Tuesday, February 23, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

 

Schedule of Library Events

 

Jan. Art Exhibit:        Littleton Public Schools Elementary School Art Show: Jan. 11-28

 

Friday, Jan. 1             New Year’s Day - LIBRARY CLOSED

 

Saturday, Jan. 2        Teen Anime Club, Noon

 

Monday, Jan. 4           Senior Book Club, 2:00 p.m.

 

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

 

Tuesday, Jan. 5          *Beginning Windows, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

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

 

Wednesday, Jan. 6    *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, Jan. 7       Open Computer Lab, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

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

 

                                      A Mighty Long Way – Memories of Integration in Little Rock, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

 

Friday, Jan. 8             *Facebook & Twitter: What’s the Hype? 9:00-10:30 p.m.

 

                                      *Story Box, 9:30 a.m.

 

                                      Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m.

 

                                      Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.

 

Monday, Jan. 11        Free Medical Services Van, Bemis Parking Lot, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

 

Tuesday, Jan. 12        *Beginning Word, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

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

 

Wednesday, Jan. 13  *Beginning Access, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

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

 

Thursday, Jan. 14     Open Computer Lab, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

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

 

Friday, Jan. 15           *Story Box, 9:30 a.m.

 

                                      Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m.

 

                                      Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.

 

                                      Ranches of Colorado with John       Fielder, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

 

Saturday, Jan. 16      *Beginning Internet, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

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

 

                                      Teen Movie: Battle for Terra, 2 p.m.

 

Monday, Jan. 18         Martin Luther King Holiday - LIBRARY CLOSED

 

Tuesday, Jan. 19       *Beginning 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, Jan. 20  *Intermediate Word, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

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

 

Thursday, Jan. 21     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, Jan. 22           *Story Box, 9:30 a.m.

 

                                      Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m.

 

                                      Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.

 

                                      Teen Advisory Group, 3:30 p.m.

 

Saturday, Jan. 23      Musical Moments at Sophie’s Place:

Harp & Flute Music with Paul Wren & Sylvia Marx Bowen, 2:00-3:30 p.m.

 

Monday, Jan. 25        Julia Child: My Life in France, 2:00 p.m.

 

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

 

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

 

Tuesday, Jan. 26        *Intermediate Excel, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

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

 

Wednesday, Jan. 27  *Beginning PowerPoint, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

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

 

Thursday, Jan. 28     Open Computer Lab, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

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

 

                                      Birthing Your Book - Even if You Don’t Know What It’s About, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

 

Friday, Jan. 29           *Facebook & Twitter: What’s the Hype? 9:00-10:30 p.m.

 

                                      *Story Box, 9:30 a.m.

 

                                      Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m.

 

                                      Bemis Knitting Group, 2:00 p.m.

 

Saturday, Jan. 30      *Windows File Management, Space Available, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

 

                                      Free Film Event - Capitalism: A Love Story, 2:00-4:00 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