Ongoing and upcoming events at the library
YORK VILLAGE - There are many special events planned at the York Public Library in the weeks ahead, including several in honor of Black History Month and February school vacation.WINTER FILM FESTIVAL CONTINUES
On Feb. 11 at 3 p.m., see "The Station Agent," winner of the three 2003 Sundance Film Festival Awards. This is a gentle and humorous movie that shows how proximity, need and coincidence can create the bonds of friendship that change lives. Fin (Peter Dinklage), a loner who loves trains, inherits an abandoned train depot and moves in. Despite his efforts to live a solitary life, a local artist, a librarian and a friendly Cuban intrude on his seclusion. The movie is rated R and has a running time of 90 minutes. Admission is free with a $5 donation suggested. There's free popcorn, too!
FROM THE FRONT: A PRESENTATION BY WORLD WAR II VETERANS
"Remembrances of Wartime" will be held Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 7 to 9 p.m. Join a panel of eight United States WWII Veterans and home front supporters who will share stories and remembrances of their experiences during wartime. This program will include excerpts from an oral history project conducted by Sentry Hill for presentation to the Library of Congress. Please bring your own stories and questions to share. Co-sponsored by the York Public Library, York Adult and Community Education and the Old York Historical Society.
WORDS OF LOVE
On Valentine's Day, Feb 14, at 7 p.m., the York Public Library once again invites you to gather 'round the fireplace and share "words of love," either written or discovered: love poems, songs, fiction, essays … or just come cuddle by the fire and listen. Guests are invited to bring Valentine's sweets to share.
READERS THEATER PRESENTS "ENIGMA VARIATIONS"
On Feb. 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. or Feb.18 at 3 p.m., come to the library to see "Enigma Variations" by Eric Emmanuel Schmitt. The play takes place on a remote island when two strangers meet. One, a famous but hermitic author, has written a celebrated novel about his love affair with an unnamed woman. The other, a journalist, has come to interview the author. The interview becomes a life-threatening challenge to both men as questions about love and truth emerge. Admission is free, though donations are gladly accepted.
FEBRUARY BREAK EVENTS
Winter vacation means some special installments of Art by the Pond, Making Music, Young Yogi Yoga and more beginning Feb. 20. In conjunction with the Children's Book Group selection of "The Hundred Dresses," the library is sponsoring a clothing design contest. Submit your clothing design on a sheet of 8½-by-11 inch paper using any medium. Write your name and telephone number on the back. Entries should be submitted no later than the Friday before vacation, Feb. 17. During vacation week, patrons will vote on their favorite entry. The winner will receive an art kit as a prize.
On Feb. 20, from 10:15 to 11 a.m., Art by the Pond will be open to all ages who like to get messy. Kimberly Whelan brings ingredients to combine and blend into texture-filled creations including goo, gak, snow play dough, clay and finger-paints. This is a month for parents and children to dress in play clothes and experience new textures and fun. A handout with the recipes will be available to take home.
On Feb. 21, from 10:30 to 11:10 a.m. Making Music Monthly will be happening for the second time this month as music instructor Michelle Franey hosts a special "break week" music class for all children through the fourth grade.
On Feb, 22, there will be two sections of this special offering. Children in kindergarten, first and second grade will meet from 1 to 1:45 p.m. while students in third, fourth and fifth grade will meet from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Rae Lynn from Yoga on York is offering two yoga classes for kids. Yoga is a whole-body practice that benefits both the body and the mind. Each class is limited to eight participants. Sign up in advance in the Children's Room. For a child to participate, a parent must sign a liability form.
CHILDREN'S BOOK GROUP
The library will host a book club for second- through fourth-graders during the week of February vacation. Participants will be discussing the book "The Hundred Dresses" by Eleanor Estes, a book written in the 1940s that is relevant to the anti-bullying, anti-stereotyping curriculum taught in our public elementary schools. Children interested in participating should read the book before vacation. Registration is limited to 15. Call the library at 363-2818 to register.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Special Black History Month events include, on Feb. 24 at 10:30 a.m., Portland historian Wells Staley-Mays presenting a lecture on the Underground Railroad in Maine, followed by a brown bag lunch at noon and a tour of sites in York and Kittery with relevance to Black History Month at 1 p.m.
Then, at 7 p.m., local singer Lillian Buckley will perform a program of gospel music.
These events are cosponsored by York Diversity Forum, the Old York Historical Society and the York Public Library.
Books featuring events and people of importance to Black History are on display on the Main Level and in the Children's Room.
EXHIBITS AT THE LIBRARY
The Annual Student Art Exhibit continues through Friday, March 23. Students in all grades of York's public schools have been selected to display their artwork, which covers a wide variety of subjects and media. More than 100 pieces, both two- and three-dimensional, hang throughout the library.
IN THE CHILDREN'S ROOM
Weekly programs for children at the York Public Library include Miss Kate's Infant Lap, Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.; Preschool Story Time, Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., and Toddler Story Time, Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Monthly programs for children and parents include Making Music Monthly, the first Wednesday of each month from 10:15 to10:45 a.m.; Tactile Toddler Time, the second Tuesday of each month from 10:15 to10:45 a.m.; Babies, Boppies and Books, the second Thursday of each month from 10:15 to 11 a.m., and Art by the Pond, the third Tuesday of each month, from 10:15 to 11 a.m.
