August 2009

A d u l t L i b r a r y

Programs in bold-face type require pre-registration.

Mon. 8/3 –Vt. Astronomical Soc. talk by Ron Lewis: Be a Successful Stellafane Swap Table Shopper- yearly convention of Amateur Astronomers held in Springfield, VT, August 13-16. How to haggle like the pros, bargaining and negotiating. These tips, gleaned over 35 years of antique buying and frequenting swap meets, estate and yard sales, will make you a better buyer, making smart choices .Don't miss this program if you're going to Stellafane!

Tues. 8/4, 7pm – Red Sox vs. Tampa game on NESN in the Kolvoord Community Room.

Wed. 8/5, 7pm – Marvin Chamberlin’s Chainsaw Art – Come to Brownell to learn how Chainsaw Carver Marvin Chamberlin of “Marvin’s Carvins” creates his sculptures; watch him in action. Parking lot of Brownell Library near Youth Entrance. You may be inspired!, {Hint: If your ears are sensitive, bring earplugs.) Celebrate the Visual Arts at Brownell Library.

Thu. 8/6, 8/13, 8/20, 8/27, 9am & 10am – Seniors! Learn Very Basic Computer Skills with Emily Moynihan. Learn computer lingo, use Word, search the World Wide Web, set up an e-mail account, use the mouse. Sign up required- 878-6955

Thur. 8/6, 4pm – Nobel Peace Prize winner & Vermonter Jody Williams: Nuclear Weapons /Nuclear Power—Making the Connection.

Fri. 8/7, 7pm – Red Sox vs. Yankees game on NESN in the Kolvoord Community Room.

Wed. 8/12, 10am - Noon Stitch-In @ Brownell Library for Needleworkers of any level, sponsored by the Vermont Embroiderers Guild. See what other needlepeople are working on and get some stitching done in the process. Coffee and cookies too.

Wed. 8/12, 3 pm – Hand-made Book Workshop with Martha A. Penzer –Learn from our Martha how to create useful and beautiful books. Bring medium weight wrapping paper at least 10 x 12, if you have any. If not come anyway, the library has a supply. Open to teens & up! Please sign up by 8/11; phone: 878-6955.

Mon. 8/17, 7pm – Lifting The Yoke: Local Solutions To America’s Farm & Food Crisis –Talk by author Ron Krupp about his new book. The Globalization of Food and Farming. • The Battle of the Bulge. • Sustainable Markets and Regional Solutions, Krupp is the Vt. Author of The Woodchuck’s Guide to Gardening. Books available for sale. Open to All

Tue. 8/18, 7pm – Brownell Library Board of Trustees Monthly Meeting in the Kolvoord Community Room.

Fri. 8/21, 7pm & Sun. 8/23, 1:35pm – Red Sox vs. Yankees games on NESN in the Kolvoord Community Room.

Vermont Reads 2009 – Start reading When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka – Books available 8/17 at Brownell Library, Northfield Savings Banks, Chittenden Trust Five Corners and Susie Wilson Road –Prepare for a Dine & Discuss on Wednesday September 30th. Mark your calendars. Other programs ahead.

Y o u t h L i b r a r y

“Get Creative” and “Express Yourself” Summer Programs wrap up this month.
With over 2000 books read so far, we continue counting your books until August 28. Bring in your Reading Records!!

Programs in bold-face type require pre-registration. Some programs are filled. Call 878-6956 to find out what is available.

Aug. 3-28 – Count the Gummy Brains! – Get creative and find the jar on the Youth Desk. Closest guess wins them all. Sorry, kids only!

Mon. 8/3, 11-Noon – Jaguar Stones: The Mysteries of the Maya – Who were the Ancient Maya and how did they survive in the perilous rainforest? Explore Maya glyphs, the Maya Calendar, and whether or not the world will end in 2012! Meet authors of Jaguar Stones: Book One Middleworld, J & K Voelkel. Signed copies of the book available for $10. For Gr. 5 up.

Mon. 8/3, 3-4pm – Fantastic Faces: the Art of Transformation – Join professional makeup artists Sara Glasgow and Rebecca Reil in an intergenerational, participatory face-painting workshop. For kids of all ages and adults, too.

Tues. 8/4- & Wed. 8/5, 1-4pm – Picturing America Reinterpreted with Tina Logan! – Modernize and personalize classic American art with phenomenal local art teacher, Tina Logan. Reinvent these classical expressions of American identity. Artwork will be on display the rest of the month in the Kolvoord Community Room. For Teens.

Wed. 8/5, 6-8pm – Storybook Drama – Take a favorite picture book from page to stage! Kids will read a story, develop a script, get costumes & props together, and perform for family and friends! Join us at 7:30 for the performance. For Gr. K up. (This program, originally scheduled on July 6, was postponed due to a storm.)

Thurs. 8/6, 2-3pm @ A.D. Lawton School – Our Final Summer Reading Party – No Strings Marionette Company performs “The Hobbit” with giant puppets. Kids get an achievement certificate and a free book. Register starting July 27. This party is for all kids who show us their Reading Records at the library, so we can count their books!

Thurs. 8/6, 6-8pm – Expressions of Beauty@ Red Clover Salon – Join the Red Clover staff for a night of pampering and reflecting on the way beauty is represented in our society. Event will be at the Salon…20 Lincoln Street, EJ. For Teens.

Sat. 8/8, 1-5pm – Junktastic Fashion Show!!! – Duct tape, staples, old appliances, bubble wrap, and tons more. Get together with other teens to invent amazing fashion creations using recycled materials. *Library will be closed, please enter through back door. Gr. 6-12.

Wed. 8/12, 6-8pm – YA Writing Workshop “Reinvention, reflection, reinterpretation”– Using classic American art in the Kolvoord Room as a prompt, reinvent history, tradition, culture through writing. For Teens.

Fri. 8/14,10-10:45am – Songs and Stories with Matthew – Matthew Witten performs songs about our world and tells adventurous tales. For all ages – no registration. Funded by Friends of Brownell Library.

Fri. 8/14, 6:30-8:30pm – Teen Movie: “Freedom Writers” – A young teacher inspires her class of at-risk students to learn tolerance, apply themselves, and pursue education beyond high school. Popcorn and soda. Hosted by TAB. (PG-13)

Mon. 8/17, 3:30-4:30pm – NECI’s Tasty Reads: Tomatoes – The student chefs from NECI will show different kinds of tomatoes for tasting and comparing. After some tomato history and stories, chefs will serve cold tomato soup and tomato salsa with chips. For Gr. K up.

Thurs. 8/20, 2-3pm – Crank Book Discussion – Kristina Georgia Snow is the perfect daughter, but on a trip to visit her absentee father, she is introduced to the monster: crank, and what begins as a wild, ecstatic ride turns into a struggle through hell for her mind, her soul and her life. Come discuss Ellen Hopkins’ 08-09 Green Mountain Book Award Winner. Books available 8/3 at Youth Desk. Gr. 8 up.

Wed. 8/26, 4-5:30pm – Origami for Kids – This month Sun Park teaches kids how to make Origami Flowers using the ancient art of paper-folding. See a sample of his work in a tiny basket of lilies hanging by the Youth Desk. Space limited. For Gr. 2 up.

Wed. 8/26, 6-8pm – LARPing: “Live Action Role Play” – Improv in context…show up, create a character and enter the world of live action! Join other LARPers and play out imaginative scenarios. Gr. 6-12.

Thurs. 8/27, 2:30-4:30pm – Improv – Create funniness on the fly…come play improv games with friends and experience the laughter! Gr. 6-12.

Fri. 8/28, 6:30-8:30pm – Family Movie: “Bedtime Stories” – A family comedy about a hotel handyman (Adam Sandler) whose life changes when the lavish bedtime stories he tells his niece & nephew start to magically come true. Popcorn & soda. Hosted by TAB. (PG)

Parents, ask at the Youth Desk for special Summer Reading Incentives from TD Banknorth, Champlain Valley Exposition & VSAC

July Calendar

Fri. 7/3 – Closed for Long Independence Day Week-end &

Closed on Saturdays July, August through Labor Day

~ A d u l t (mostly) E v e n t s ~

programs in bold-face type require pre-registration

Wed. 7/8 7pm – Commedia dell’Arte - Comedia dell’Arte--Commedia Vermont will present a six person slapstick romantic comedy in the spirit of the commedia dell'arte. This form of theatre, though hundreds of years old, is as zany and vibrant as when it first graced stages throughout Europe , influencing such greats as Moliere and Shakespeare. Appropriate for all ages! Refreshments to follow.

Thur. 7/9 7pm – Conversation on Race Now Is Hosting A Conversation/Fundraiser for the Elementary School Children Surviving the Tragedy of Katrina; CORN Invites You to Join our Next Conversation with Erin Oliver, Teacher, from Essex, Vermont Sharing her experience from the “Teach for America” Program in New Orleans for the past 2 years. All are welcome

Mon. 7/13 7:30pm – Star Stories Presented By Donna Lescoe explores different culture's cosmology throughout the ages: the familiar Greek and Roman stories of their deities and central characters which they memorialized in the celestial heavens and many cultures before that time told different stories about their own deities and central characters, envisioning them in those same stars. Donna will provide a resource list. All levels welcome!

Tues. 7/14, 7-9pm – at Maple Street Park Recreation Center – Learn some Ballroom Dances With Samir and Eleni Elabd, Professional Dancers offer Dance Demo: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Rumba, Cha Cha. Swing and a group lesson in Mambo & may be Merengue. Age-Teen and Up. Free, refreshments.

Fri. 7/17, 6:30pm – Movie Night: “Billy Elliott” – Against the will of his father young Billy Elliott exchanges his boxing gloves for ballet slippers. When he gets a chance to audition for the Royal Ballet School he must decide whether or not he can defy his macho father’s wishes.

Sat. 7/18, 4-9pm – Village Block Party – Brownell Library’s tables will showcase a small book sale and the work of the Essex Civil War Veterans Committee with guided tours of several of our CW veterans last resting place in the Village Cemetery with their stories. Join the committee and help us learn more.

Sat. 7/18 & Sun. 7/19, 1pm – NESN Red Sox vs. Toronto baseball game in the Kolvoord Community Room.

Wed. 7/22, 7-9pm – at Maple Street Park Recreation Center – English Dance with Judy Chaves. Purported to be Jane Austen's favorite social pastime! A participatory/recreational activity, Dances are both verbally taught and walked through and then prompted as people dance to the music. This exciting and entertaining event for teens and adults will energize and enlighten! Refreshments will be served!

Tues. 7/28, 10-12noon – Oil Pastel Demonstration Program with Carol Boucher – Watch our Carol, a juried fine artist, create oil pastel paintings and give it a try yourself. You may be surprised at your talent! Age 15 and up.

SPECIAL Bus Trip: Thurs. 7/30 – 9 am from Brownell Parking lot – School Bus Trip to Hope Cemetery, Barre VT- Come for a guided tour by Barre Granite Sculptor Giuliano Cecchinelli – its history and stories of the individual Italian stone carvers who created memorials that are world famous. Cost per person. $5.00 apiece. To Register call 878-6955. Trip sponsored by Friends of Brownell Library. Lunch on your nickel at Mr. Z’s Italian restaurant.

Fri. 7/31, 6:30pm – Movie Night: “Frida”- The amazing life story of painter Frida Kahlo is explored in this acclaimed bio-pic.-follows her marriage to famous Mexican painter Diego Rivera, their journeys to America and showcases the outrageous personalities that made them legends.

~ Y o u t h L i b r a r y ~

Programs in bold face type require pre-registration.

~ Some programs are filled; phone to find out what is still available 878-6956 ~

“Booked for Lunch” Series – Bring a bag lunch and listen to a librarian read stories about our different themes. We supply dessert! For kids entering Gr. K up. Choose up to 3 sessions from these 7 dates from 11:30-12:30:
Thurs. 7/2 – Lost: A Story in String & more

Thurs. 7/9 – Charlie Hits It Big & more
Thurs. 7/16 – Dinosaurumpus & more

Thurs. 7/23 – Boogie Bones & more

Thurs. 7/30 – The Dot & more

Mondays 7/6, 13, 20, 27, 2-3pm – Reading Buddies – Kids entering Gr. K-5 read for an hour with Teen Mentors. Sign up before the first session. We’ll meet every Monday until July 27, ending with a party for Reading Buddies and their Mentors.

Wed. 7/ 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 3-4pm – Chess for Kids – Join the Chess Lovers from our Teen Advisory board for an hour of play. We provide the chess sets & you provide the strategy. For Kids entering Gr. 3-8.

Wed. 7/1, 4-5:30pm – Origami for Kids – Sun Park teaches the ancient Asian art of paper-folding, to create a variety of origami birds. “So many bird shapes. I stare at my square paper. One fold at a time.” For kids entering Gr. 2 up.

Wed. 7/1, 6-8pm – Improv – Create funniness on the fly…come play improv games with friends and experience the laughter! (Gr. 6-12)

Thurs. 7/2, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 3-4pm – “Be Creative” Art Series – Make carnival masks. (Gr. 1-5)

Mon. 7/6, 7/13, 3-5pm – Wii-tastic! – Come try our new Wii Game System! MarioKart, Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero, Wii Fit, Wii Sports, Wii Play!

Mon. 7/6, 6-8pm – Storybook Drama – Take a favorite picture book from page to stage! Kids will read a story, develop a script, get costumes & props together, and perform for family and friends! Join us at 7:30 for the performance. For Kids entering Gr. K up.

Tues. 7/7, 3-4pm – Harry Plantagenet Play – Imagine Shakespeare wrote a play starring Harry Potter as the future King of England! Come see future King Harry Plantagenet fight Lord Voldemortimer with the help of Wizard Dumblebroke and friends Ron and Hermione. An action-packed drama with audience participation. For kids entering Gr. 2 up.

Wed. 7/8, 6-8pm – YA Writing Workshop “Playwriting”– Come spend time with fellow teen writers while we explore the dynamics and complexities of crafting a script. Get feedback from peers and hear your work read aloud. (Gr. 6-12)

Thurs. 7/9, 3-4pm – “Be Creative” Art Series – Egg Carton Noses. (Gr. 1-5)

Fri. 7/10, 6:30-8:30pm – Teen Movie: “Romeo + Juliet” – Two households both alike in dignity, In fair Verona where we lay our scene. A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life. This modern version stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. Free Popcorn and Soda. Hosted by TAB. (PG-13)

Mon. 7/13, 7-8pm – Math Moves Me! – Explore the world of numbers with a variety of stories and materials. We’ll end with an experiment on how many ways we can divide up a huge cake to give everyone an equal piece. For kids entering Gr. 1-5.

Tues. 7/14, 2-3pm at Rec. Dept. Pavilion on Maple Street – Teddy Bear Picnic with The Swing Peepers – Bring your favorite bear of stuffed toy to hear Matthew Witten & John Hadden sing earth-friendly songs and act out rollicking stories. You’ll be dancing and singing! Refreshments served by Friends of Brownell Library. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. Under pavilion if it rains. For all ages.

Wed. 7/15, 4-5:30pm – Time to get CRAFTY-Sassy Greeting Cards! – Join crafting expert Marianna and create awesome cards using cutting, stamping, and other fun techniques. (Gr. 6-12)

Wed. 7/15, 6-8pm – LARPing: “Live Action Role Play” – Improv in context…show up, create a character and enter the world of live action! Join other LARPers and play out imaginative scenarios. (Gr. 6-12)

Thurs. 7/16, 3-4pm – “Be Creative” Art Series – Paper Tube Construction. (Gr. 1-5)

Mon. thru Fri. 7/20-24 – Mystery Word Week – Find the Mystery Word in a book to win a free creemee from Rocky’s in Essex Junction. 100 winners – for independent readers only. Word announced Monday.

Mon. 7/20, 6-7pm – Moo Gong Do Martial Arts – Train your body, exercise your mind, and discover yourself. Join Seth Allen for Korean martial arts: Bow, stretch, meditate, punch, kick, and break a board! For kids entering Gr. 1 up.

Mon. 7/20,, 7:30-8:30pm – Moo Gong Do Martial Arts and Self-Defense – Train your body, exercise your mind, discover your self. Learn the basics of Korean Martial Arts and Self-Defense. (Gr. 6-12)

Tues. 7/21, 3-4pm – Character Tea Party - Enjoy a tea party with your favorite book characters! Our amazing teen volunteers dress up and interact in character. For kids entering Gr. K up.

Wed. 7/22, 4-5:30pm – Time to get CRAFTY-Snazzy Jewelry! – Join craft expert Marianna; make earrings, necklaces, etc. using various techniques. (Gr. 6-12)

Wed. 7/22, 6-8pm – YA Writing Workshop “Personal Narrative and Poetry” – Explore your poetic and personal identity. Bring pieces you’ve been working on to share and get feedback. We will also engage in prompts and exercises to create new work. (Gr. 6-12)

Thurs. 7/23, 3-4pm – “Be Creative” Art Series – Sidewalk Chalk Art. (Gr. 1-5)

Fri. 24, 10-10:30am – Songs and Stories with Matthew – Matthew Witten performs songs about our world and tells amazing tales. Sing along and move to the rhythm! For all ages – no registration required.

Fri. 7/24, 6:30-8:30pm – Family Movie: “The Tale of Despereaux” – Three unlikely heroes - a misfit mouse, an unhappy rat, and a bumbling servant girl - whose fates are intertwined with that of the castle's princess. Popcorn and soda. Hosted by TAB. (G)

Mon. 7/27, 3:30-4:30pm – NECI’s Tasty Reads: Melons – Join the student chefs from New England Culinary Institute while they display their carving talents on mouth-watering melons. The chefs will read melon stories, too. For kids entering Gr. Gr. K up.

Mon. 7/27, 6:30-7:30pm – Yoga – Join yoga practitioner, Gaby Goldberg as she teaches postures, movements and breathing echniques. Mats provided. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. (Gr. 6-12)

Tues. 7/28, 2-3pm – Art Workshop with Carol Boucher – Professional Artist Carol Boucher will demonstrate oil pastel painting. No experience needed. Materials and supplies will be provided. Create a painting to take home! For kids entering Gr. 1-6.

Wed. 7/29, 2-4pm – A World of Art at the Fleming Museum – Meet us at Fleming Museum in Burlington for a guided tour of art from near and far, followed by an art project to create and bring home. For kids entering Gr. 2-6. Cost is $5.00, payable at museum.

Wed. 7/29, 6-8pm – Poetry Slam/Open Mic Night – Read, sing, perform original pieces. Sign up in advance for a guaranteed spot, or just come and listen to the brilliance. Prizes! (Gr. 6-12)

Thurs. 7/30, 3-4pm – “Be Creative” Art Series – Do collage art. (Gr. 1-5)