LIBRARY BOOK TALK STARTS NEW SEASON WITH “PEMBERLEY”
P.D. James Novel Is Topic on January 25th
The Stratford Library “Books Over Coffee” program begins its 2012 series with a discussion of P.D. James’ current bestseller, Death Comes to Pemberley on Wednesday, January 25th at noon. “Books Over Coffee” is hosted by Stratford educator and author Kathleen Faggella.
Pemberley, Jane Austen fans will recall, is the large Derbyshire estate owned by Fitzwilliam Darcy, who weds Elizabeth Bennet at the end of “Pride and Prejudice”. In Death Comes to Pemberley, P. D. James’s surprising new sequel to that novel, the estate becomes the scene of a murder. The story is set in 1803, six years after the marriage of Elizabeth and Darcy took place. They have two young sons now and the arrival of a third child is shortly to be announced. But their tranquility is interrupted one wet and windy evening when an unexpected carriage comes rocketing up the drive. James’s new novel is critically acclaimed and was featured on several 2011 “ten best lists”.
“Books Over Coffee” will be held in the Stratford Library’s Lovell Room beginning at noon on January 25st. Participants are invited to bring a bag lunch to the program and coffee and tea is also served. Limited reading copies of Death Comes to Pemberley are currently available for loan at the library’s Circulation Desk. The new 2012 book discussion schedule is also at the library.
For further information call the library’s Public Relations and Programming Office at: 203.385.4162. Timely information is also available on the library’s website at: www.stratfordlibrary.org.
1.13.12
LIBRARY SCIENCE FILM FESTIVAL AT STRATFORD LIBRARY
In collaboration with the Connecticut Library Consortium and Artspace of New Haven, the Stratford Library will present a festival of films in which the library plays a central role. The “Library Science Film Festival” is set for January 23-27, 2012. It is free and open to the public.
Documentaries, independent films, Hollywood classics and television episodes have been screened at libraries throughout Connecticut since “Library Science”, an exhibition currently on display at Artspace, began last November. The festival continues statewide through the end of January.
For the “Stratford Library Science Film Festival”, the following films have been scheduled:
January 23: “Desk Set” (1957) Lively romantic comedy stars Katharine Hepburn as a reference librarian at a television network who clashes with an efficiency expert (Spencer Tracy) determined to automate her research department. Noon (103 minutes)
January 24: “Time Enough at Last” (1959) Classic episode from the acclaimed “Twilight Zone” television series about a man (Burgess Meredith) who loves books yet is surrounded by those who would prevent him from reading them…until the world comes to an abrupt end. Noon (25 minutes)
January 25: “Soylent Green” (1973) Cult science fiction mystery. In this bleak version of the future, librarians rule the world because they are the only ones who have information or know how to get it. Charlton Heston and Edward G. Robinson star. 7 pm (97 minutes)
January 26: “The Music Man” (1962) Tuneful film version of the popular Broadway musical about a fast-talking huckster (Robert Preston) who mesmerizes a small Iowa town with his vision of a uniformed marching band. His plans stall, however, when he meets Marion the Librarian (Shirley Jones). Noon (151 minutes)
January 27: “Fahrenheit 451” (1966) Based on Ray Bradbury’s classic science fiction thriller, the film focuses on a firefighter whose duty is to destroy books outlawed by a government fearing an independent-thinking public. Directed by Francois Truffaut. Noon (112 minutes)
“The Stratford Library Science Film Festival” will be held in the Lovell Room of the Stratford Library Monday, January 23 through Friday, January 27, 2012. All films are shown uncut on wide screen. Showtimes are daily at noon with the exception of “Soylent Green” which has a 7 pm showing.
For further information, call the Stratford Library Public Relations and Programming Office at 203.385.4162 or visit its website at: www.stratfordlibrary.org.
1.13.12
STRATFORD LIBRARY ADDS A&E VIDEOS
The Stratford Library has expanded its digital collection with the addition of over 400 A&E downloadable videos. This new collection features popular shows like The History Channel’s Modern Marvels and Biography, as well as Criss Angel’s Mindfreak, American Justice, Gangland and numerous celebrity profiles. The titles are available for patrons to check out from the Stratford Library at: http://stratford.lib.overdrive.com.
Patrons can check out these titles at any time and are able to enjoy them on their personal computer and select mobile devices. The videos are always available for simultaneous use, meaning that any number of patrons can check out these titles at the same time. Users can also browse, check out and enjoy titles on their computer. To check out these A&E titles, users need a valid library card, computer and Internet connection. At the end of the lending period, titles automatically expire and are returned to the collection.
The Stratford Library partners with OverDrive, Inc., a global leader in digital media services, to offer this digital service. OverDrive is a leading full-service digital distributor of eBooks, audiobooks, music, and video. For further information about any of the many downloadable services currently offered by the Stratford Library call the Adult Services Desk at 203.385.4161 or visit: www.stratfordlibrary.org.
1.6.12
NOTE: REVISED & UPDATED!
“Friday Night Movies”Continues at Stratford Library
Free Monthly Screenings of Popular Films Begins in January
The Stratford Library continues its monthly film series in 2012 with “Friday Night Movies”. The series offers free showings of recent, popular films. Movies are shown uncut on widescreen in the Stratford Library Lovell Room each month beginning at 7 pm. Complimentary snacks will be served. Join us!
February 10: Midnight in Paris
In this bittersweet, fantastical comedy, legendary director Woody Allen focuses his lens on a depressed Hollywood screenwriter (Owen Wilson) on holiday with his fiancé in Paris who encounters great writers from history on a midnight escapade. Woody's biggest hit ever! PG-13, 94 minutes
March 9: The Help
In 1960s Mississippi, aspiring writer Eugenia Phelan crosses taboo racial lines by conversing with Abilene Clark about her life as a housekeeper, and their ensuing friendship upsets the fragile dynamic between the haves and the have-nots. Based on the immensely popular bestseller by Kathryn Stockett. PG-13, 146 minutes
April 13: Rise of the Planet of the Apes
James Franco headlines the reboot of the immensely popular Planet of the Apes franchise, a prequel which boasts cutting-edge CGI effects and a gripping story set in modern-day San Francisco, where scientists are conducting genetic research on apes. A box office hit! PG-13, 105 minutes
May 11: Bridesmaids
Named her best friend's maid of honor, down-on-her-luck Annie's competition with a fellow bridesmaid, the wealthy and beautiful Helen, threatens to destroy the wedding. Meanwhile, a local cop takes a liking to Annie. One of the year's most popular comedies. R, 125 minutes
June 8: Moneyball
An all-star cast brings to life the true story of Billy Beane (Brad Pitt), a former jock turned general manager who uses unconventional methods to bring the best players to the Oakland A's, a major league baseball team struggling against financial hardship. PG-13, 133 minutes
1.6.12
“BELLA ITALIA” IS LIBRARY’S NEW EXHIBIT
Photography by Debbie Gilbert on Display Through January 2012
"Bella Italia”, a travelogue photo essay through Italy by Stratford artist Debbie Gilbert, is the art exhibit for January at the Stratford Library. The exhibit is free and open to the public and one of many art displays offered on an annual basis at the library.
Photography has always played a role in Debbie Gilbert’s artistic endeavors. She explains, “It is a transportable medium; therefore it lets me capture images at any time. I enjoy photographing nature as well as man-made objects. While I enjoy capturing images as they are, I will also manipulate images digitally or physically”. In 2005, Gilbert’s photojournalistic exhibit about her trip to China was featured at the Library. Her recent two-week trip to Italy yielded over 3,000 images.
Gilbert has also exhibited in juried shows at the Barnum Museum, the SPAG Gallery, The Gallery of Contemporary Art at Sacred Heart University, Ridgefield Guild of Artists, Housatonic Museum of Art and the Bromfield Gallery in Boston, among others. She has been awarded prizes for ink drawings and photographs and one of her works is included in the Town of Stratford’s art collection. Gilbert founded the Stratford Arts Guild in 2006 and currently serves as the Corresponding Secretary of the Women’s Caucus for Art. She is also a member of the Connecticut Sculpture Society and the Valley Arts Council.
Viewing hours for “Bella Italia” are Monday-Thursday: 10-8, Friday & Saturday: 10-5 and Sunday: 1-5 pm. The art exhibit will continue through Tuesday, January 31 and is located in the Main Lobby of the Stratford Library, 2203 Main Street in Stratford, Connecticut.
For further information call the library’s Public Relations & Programming Office at 203.385.4162 or visit: www.stratfordlibrary.org.
12.30.11
LIBRARY TEEN DEPARTMENT SETS BLACK HISTORY EVENT
Contest & Celebration Open to Stratford Students Grades 6-8
The Stratford Library Teen Department, in collaboration with the South End Community Center, will once again sponsor its annual “Black History Month Contest and Celebration”. The program, held in conjunction with the nationwide celebration of “Black History Month” in February, is open to all Stratford students in grades 6-8.
The contest allows students to choose an essay or art submission. Essays and poems about African Americans, past or present, famous and not-so-famous, in teen fiction or by African American authors will be accepted. Art representing an African American or a special event in African American history is also allowed. All entries must be typewritten and include student’s name, age, grade, school, teacher and contact number. Essays, poems or art is due to the Stratford Library Teen Services Department by January 21, 2012. First, second and third prize winners will be formally announced and awarded on Saturday, February 11 at a special celebration in the Library’s Lovell Room at 11 am.
Complete instructions for the contest are currently available at the Stratford Library Teen Department. For further information call the department at 203.385.4167 or visit: www.stratfordlibrary.org.
12.21.11
KIDS STUFF!
Winter/Spring Storytime Schedule at the Stratford Library
The Stratford Library Children’s Department has announced its new winter/spring storytime schedule which will run through May 3. Storytimes are free and open to the public. Patrons should check the Library calendar for holiday schedules and special storytimes. Registration is not required.
- Toddler Time meets Mondays at 10:30 am for children under 3.
- Storytime meets Tuesdays at 10:30 am for ages 3 and up. This storytime includes a craft.
- Pajamarama Storytime takes place Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm for children ages 2 and up. This storytime includes a craft.
- Baby Lapsit meets on Thursdays at 10:30 am - for babies and toddlers.
To find out about special storytimes, or for more information, call the Stratford Library Children’s Department at 203.385.4165 or visit its website at: www.stratfordlibrary.org.
Read to Therapy Dogs
Children of all ages can read to Spinone Italiano therapy dogs Siena and Drago on Thursday, January 19 from 4:30 to 6 pm. To register for a time or for more information, call the Library at 203.385.4165 or visit: www.stratfordlibrary.org.
Typing for Kids
Children ages 8 to 12 can learn typing basics in the Stratford Library Children’s Department. Intro to Typing will be offered Saturday, January 21 at 10:30 am. Class will be one hour in length and children should be able to use a mouse. To register,or for more information, call the Children’s Department at 203.385.4165 or visit: www.stratfordlibrary.org.
Winter Art Program
Children ages 5 to 10 can celebrate the art of a good story in the Stratford Library’s Winter Art Program on Saturday, January 21 at 3 pm. Children will listen to great stories and then create artwork that ties into the books. The class will be taught by local art instructor Sally Head. To register or for more information, call the Children’s Department at 203.385.4165 or visit: www.stratfordlibrary.org.
Nutmeg Voting Pizza Party
Children who have read at least one of this year’s nominated titles from Connecticut’s Nutmeg Book Award for children are invited to the Stratford Library for the Nutmeg Voting Pizza Party on Tuesday, January 24 at 4 pm. Children in grades three to six can vote for their favorite chapter book nominee while enjoying pizza. Registration is required. To register or for further information, call the Stratford Library Children’s Department at 203.385.4165 or visit: www.stratfordlibrary.org.
Parent- Child Book Discussion
Children ages 6 to 10 and their parents are invited to the Stratford Library’s Parent-Child Book Discussion on Thursday, January 26 at 4 pm. For January, participants are asked to read a picture book by author Patricia Polacco for discussion. Copies are available in the Children’s Department. To register or for more information, call the Stratford Library Children’s Department at 203.385.4165 or visit: www.stratfordlibrary.org.
STRATFORD LIBRARY EVENTS
JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2012
NOTE: REVISED & UPDATED EVERY WEEK!
Art Exhibit: BELLA ITALIA
Month of January Main Lobby
Stratford artist Debbie Gilbert shares her original photographic journey through Italy. On display through January in the library’s Main Lobby during regular library hours.
January 15-16, 2012: LIBRARY CLOSED FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY
Film: LIBRARY SCIENCE FILM FESTIVAL
January 23-27, 2012 Noon & 7 pm Lovell Room
In collaboration with the CT Library Consortium and the Library Science exhibit at Artspace in New Haven, the Stratford Library presents a festival of films in which the library plays a central role. Films include: “Desk Set” (1/23, noon), “Time Enough to Last” (1/24, noon), “Soylent Green” (1/25, 7 pm), “The Music Man” (1/26, noon) and “Fahrenheit 451” (1/27, noon). Free and open to the public.
Books Over Coffee: DEATH COMES TO PEMBERLEY
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 Noon Lovell Room
Monthly book discuss continues with the most recent crime story from P.D. James that takes Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” and visits its characters six years later. Bring a bag lunch – coffee and tea served. Discussion leader: Kathy Faggella.
Job Seekers: CT WORKS CAREER COACH
Monday, January 30, 2012 10 am – 3 pm Main Street Entrance
The career center on wheels designed to deliver career services and training opportunities returns to the Library. Workshops are free and open to job seekers 16 years or older. Basic computer skills are helpful but not required. First-come, first-served. Limited seating. Schedule subject to change. Call: 203.385.4164 for further information.
Art Exhibit: NEW ENGLAND
Month of February Main Lobby
Stratford artist Karen E. Macker shares her original acrylic paintings highlighting scenes and landscapes of New England. On display through February in the library’s Main Lobby during regular library hours.
Friday Night Movies: “MIDNIGHT IN PARIS”
February 10, 2012 7 pm Lovell Room
Monthly screenings of recent, popular films continues this month with the recent romantic comedy by Woody Allen about a Hollywood writer (Owen Wilson) in Paris who comes across a time travel portal allowing him to meet Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein among others. Rated PG-13. Light snacks provided. Free!
Sunday Afternoon Talks: “THE CAUSES OF WORLD WAR I”
Sunday, February 12, 2012 2 pm Lovell Room
Guest speaker Professor Mark Albertson will discuss the most important event in human history of the last 100 years, WW I, beginning in 1789 with the French Revolution. Free and open to the public.
February 19-20, 2012: LIBRARY CLOSED FOR PRESIDENTS’ DAY HOLIDAY
Job Seekers: CT WORKS CAREER COACH
Monday, February 27. 2012 10 am – 3 pm Main Street Entrance
The career center on wheels designed to deliver career services and training opportunities returns to the Library. Workshops are free and open to job seekers 16 years or older. Basic computer skills are helpful but not required. First-come, first-served. Limited seating. Schedule subject to change. Call: 203.385.4164 for further information.
Books Over Coffee: THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS
Wednesday, February 29, 2012 Noon Lovell Room
Monthly book discuss continues with the bestselling chronicle of a poor African-American woman whose cells were used in scientific experiments for years. Bring a bag lunch – coffee and tea served. Discussion leader: Kathy Faggella.
For further information, call the Stratford Library Public Relations & Programming Office at 203.385.4162 or visit the library website at: www.stratfordlibrary.org.
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