November 2009 ~ Calendar of Events

Library closed for

Veterans Day, Wednesday, 11/11

Library closes at 5 p.m on Wednesday, 11/25

Library closed for

Thanksgiving, Thursday 11/26 & Friday, 11/27

MOSTLY ADULT PROGRAMS

Mon., 11/2, 7 pm – Vermont Astronomical Society presents Bringing Out Detail in Astrophotography by Joe Comeau and Steve Yerby.

Wed., 11/4, 3:30 pm – Martha Lang’s travelogue on her trip to Beijing, China-including the Great Wall, The Forbidden City, and the Olympic Stadium plus all the wonderful stories about the people she met along the way. There will be a Powerpoint presentation with a display of souvenirs.

Wed., 11/11 Library Closed for Veterans Day BUT!! 5:15 pm a yellow school bus will take opera lovers or opera “newbies” to Palace 9 Cinema in South Burlington for Metropolitan Opera HD performance of Verdi’s Aida. (Synopsis of plot: an Ethiopian princess Aida, is captured and brought into slavery in Egypt. A military commander, Radames, struggles to choose between his love for her and his loyalty to the Pharaoh. To complicate the story further, Radames is loved by the Pharaoh's daughter Amneris, although he does not return her feelings). The opera premiered in Cairo, Egypt in 1871. Cost of $27.50 includes the roundtrip bus ride, opera admission, a lively briefing by our local opera expert Toni Hill and some chocolate truffles during intermission. Guarantee your place at the show, register before October 28 with a check for $27.50 payable to the Friends of Brownell Library. Bus limited to 42 seats.

Fri., 11/13, 6:30 – Adult Move: “Turtles Can Fly” (2004), 98 min., PG-13, in Kurdish with subtitles. Set in a refugee camp just before the second Gulf War, using non-professional actors, this film shows the resilience and enterprise of children. Critically acclaimed.

Mon., 11/16 7pm – UVM Prof. Saleem Ali presents his important book Treasures of the Earth: Need, Greed and a Sustainable Future published by Yale University Press, launched at the National Geographic Society. “The history of human relationships with Earth's resources is an important story, and Ali tells it from an extraordinarily wide perspective,” comments Thomas Graede of Yale University. The Essex community can be proud of this local acclaimed author. Books available for autographing. Free and open to the public.

Tues., 11/17 7pm – Library Trustees Meeting

Wed., 11/18 3:30pm – Bill Schubart: “Our Stories Survive Us.” Schubart is the author of The Lamoille Stories: Uncle Benoit’s Wake and Other Stories from Vermont that has become a bestseller for Vermont community bookstores. Bill will discuss the origin and evolution of his own stories and book, how stories endure in communities and cultures and answer questions about how best to articulate and preserve one’s own stories. He will read a few couple of passages and will be happy to sign books as well.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Story Times are offered on a weekly basis – regular attendance encouraged. Space is limited to avoid overcrowding. Call to register: 878-6956

Tuesday Story Time for Toddlers (18-36 months) – 9:10-9:30am – Picture books, songs, rhymes & puppets for toddlers with an adult. (Nov. 3, 10, 17)

Tuesday Story Time for 3-5 Year Olds – 10-10:45am – Picture books, songs, rhymes, puppets & math activities for preschoolers. (Nov. 3, 10, 17)

Wednesday Story Time for 3-5 Year Olds – 10-10:45am – Repeat of Tuesday program.
(Nov. 4, 18)

Wed., 11/4, 9am – DCF Booktalks for Homeschoolers – Each month, students in Gr. 4-8 hear book talks of 4 titles from this year’s DCF list. Students vote for their favorite to win the DCF Book Award in the spring. Group discussion encouraged! Call 878-6956.

Wed., 11/4, 9am – Red Clover Picture Books for Homeschoolers – Each month, students read and do activities with 2 of the 10 titles on the list for this year’s Red Clover Award. Voting takes place in the spring. For Gr. K-3. Call 878-6956 to register

Thurs., 11/5, 3:30-4:40pm – MPH (Middle School Planners and Helpers) – Students in Gr. 6-8 come and help re-design the YA room, help out with cool projects, and talk about what’s on your minds! Snacks too!

Fri., 11/ 6, 10-10:30am – Drop-In Story Time for Kids of All Ages – Fun Picture Books! No registration required.

Fri., 11/6, 6:30-8:30pm – Teen Movie: “The Great Debaters” – The story of debate coach Melvin B. Tolson (Denzel Washington) at historically black Wiley College to place his team on equal footing in the American South during the 1930s. Popcorn and soda. Hosted by TAB. (PG-13)

Mon., 11/9, 3-4:30pm – Teen Advisory Board – For teens, by teens. Plan programs you’d like to see, suggest books and DVDs you would like in the collection, have fun, bring friends. Snacks provided! New members always welcome. Gr. 9-12.

Thurs., 11/12, 3-5pm – Post-Apocalypse/Survival Book Discussion: The Hunger Games – ‘Themes of government control, "big brother," and personal independence are explored amidst a thrilling adventure.’ (VOYA) Come discuss survival and the apocalypse and ask yourself, “What happens if we choose entertainment over humanity?” (PW) Copies of the book available at the Youth Desk. Gr. 7-12.

Fri., 11/13, 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 the Friends of Brownell Library.

Sat., 11/14, 10-10:45am – Read to Sara, Therapy Dog – Sara is a Chocolate Lab who loves to listen to kids read! Her owner is an elementary teacher who will help you find a book to read to Sara, or you can bring one from home. For kids in Gr. K & up. Register at 878-6956.

Thurs. 11/19, 3-4:30pm – Wii-tastic – Come try our new Wii Game System! MarioKart, Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero, Wii Fit, Wii Sports, Wii Play! For Gr. 4 & up. Register at 878-6956.

Fri., 11/20, 6:30-8:30pm – Family Movie: “Cars” – A hot-shot race-car named Lightning McQueen gets waylaid in Radiator Springs, where he finds the true meaning of friendship and family. Popcorn and soda. Hosted by TAB. (PG)

Mon. & Tues., 11/23 & 11/24, 2-4pm – Letters about Literature for Grades 4-6 – Write a personal letter to the author of your favorite book, explaining how the book changed your way of thinking about the world or yourself. Prize money for national and regional winners. Librarians will help you! Call 878-6956 to register.

Mon., 11/30, 3-5pm – Letters about Literature for Grades 7-12 – Write a personal letter to the author of your favorite book, explaining how the book changed your way of thinking about the world or yourself. Prize money for national and regional winners. Follow-up session Mon., Dec. 7, 6-8pm. No registration required.