Most true independent and foreign films get squeezed out of commercial theaters by Hollywood blockbusters and face skyrocketing marketing costs that make it daunting - if not impossible - to reach appreciative audiences.  The Jacob Edwards Library subscribes to the Film Movement series to bring "art house" independent and foreign films to you.

By popular demand, and as this is our first Saturday open in the new school year, we are screening Stanley Kubrick's sci-fi classic, 2001: A Space Odyssey!  See it on the big screen, with surround sound effects - the way it was meant to be seen!

 

 

"A daring experiment in unconventional narrative inspired by Clarke's short story "The Sentinel," 2001 is a visual tone poem (barely 40 minutes of dialogue in a 139-minute film) that charts a phenomenal history of human evolution. From the dawn-of-man discovery of crude but deadly tools in the film's opening sequence to the journey of the spaceship Discovery and metaphysical birth of the "star child" at film's end, Kubrick's vision is meticulous and precise.

 

In keeping with the director's underlying theme of dehumanization by technology, the notorious, seemingly omniscient computer HAL 9000 has more warmth and personality than the human astronauts it supposedly is serving. (The director also leaves the meaning of the black, rectangular alien monoliths open for discussion.) This theme, in part, is what makes 2001 a film like no other, though dated now that its postmillennial space exploration has proven optimistic compared to reality. Still, the film is timelessly provocative in its pioneering exploration of inner- and outer-space consciousness. With spectacular, painstakingly authentic special effects that have stood the test of time, Kubrick's film is nothing less than a cinematic milestone--puzzling, provocative, and perfect."

 

Southbridge poet Robert Mahan will discuss his newly published volume, Inspirational Seasons, followed by a book signing (copies of the book will be available for purchase).

 

"While on the subway car, on the sidewalk, or at our favorite restaurant, we are surrounded by a sea of individuals who all too often become a mass ocean of humanity.  While we visually see each of these individuals, how often do we dare look beneath the surface to the heart of an individual?

 

In the spirit of classical poetic volumes like The Spoon River Anthology, Robert Mahan captures the untold stories of the silent individuals around each of us, from the child watching his parents' divorce to the brokenhearted widow.  Inspirational Seasons brings to life the hopes, dreams, and fears of the people that surround us."

 

Richard Lisi, of Lisi Coin, will give a presentation on the history of coin collecting, and the hobby!  A free coin appraisal will follow for audience members who wish to bring along coins of their own!  Please join us to learn about this fascinating topic.

To continue our celebration of Hispanic Heritage month, we will have a movie night!  A large number of new movies in Spanish have been purchased in preparation for the Hispanic Heritage celebration. One movie will be selected from the new DVDs and will be screened on Thursday, September 30th, in the Pioppi Room.  With surround sound and a big screen, this is the place to enjoy a film!

A new series of Children's programs begins in September! The Mother Goose programs were developed by the Vermont Center for the Book.   REGISTRATION BEGINS SEPTEMBER 1ST.  For more information on the Mother Goose Programs, please visit www.mothergooseprograms.org

 
Beginning with Mother Goose - For infants, toddlers and their caregivers!  On Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m., for 8 weeks beginning September 14th.
 
Growing with Mother Goose - Moving right along!  This is geared for preschool-aged children and their caregivers!  Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for 6 weeks beginning September 15th.
 
Mother Goose Asks Why - for the older crowd of 5 to 7 year olds! Thursdays at 3:30 p.m., for 4 weeks beginning September 23rd.

 

Remember that registration is limited, so please call 508-764-5427 or email to KGartsu@cwmars.org. We hope you will join us!  
 
Bi-Lingual Story Hour with Michelle and Karla
Friday September 17th at 10:30.  We will read the New York Times #1 Bestseller, The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn.  
 
Bully Prevention ~ Storytelling Performance
Thursday September 16th 6:00-7:00
With the beginning of school, this is a great time of year to address the issue of bullying.   Come join Storytelling with Shawn at Jacob Edwards Library for an enchanted night of storytelling where he will be performing the stories, Connor and the Leprechaun and Abiyoyo.  These are two stories about bullying that encourage positive ways to address confrontation by using words and non-violent actions. These stories have been adapted from their original form to teach children to seek out help when being bullied.  Shawn Middleton combines dramatic flair and great passion to create his unique style of storytelling.  A professional storyteller for 10 years, Shawn has brought his genius for spinning yarns to communities from New England to Florida.  Shawn has delivered over 2,500 stories at schools, libraries, early learning centers and festivals.  He has served as artist in residence at several elementary schools throughout the Northeast and led storytelling workshops across the region.  Shawn is the author of the children's book, "Sam and The Peanut Butter Crackers".   Shawn graduated from the University of New Hampshire with an associate's degree in business and bachelor's degree in Social Work.

The Jacob Edwards Library is delighted to host a group for aspiring writers of both fiction and nonfiction!  Inkwell Imaginings will meet on the second and fourth Mondays of every month.  Read on for more information:

 

"Remember the first sentence you ever read? Okay, so probably not. Do you remember, though, that wonderful feeling the vivid scenes and imagery gave you? Sweeping you up in a maelstrom of emotion, chaos, and tragic beauty that so seems to elude you no matter how many times you re-write it or bang your head on the table? Well, welcome to the club. In the immortal words of Douglas Adams: "DON'T PANIC!" There is hope and there is help. While this group won't be the answer to all of your descriptive dilemmas we may be able to help you through at least a few scenes on your way to your ultimate masterpiece.

 

We welcome you with open arms and bleeding pens to Inkwell Imaginings, a bi-weekly writing group started by two struggling authors (much like yourself), looking to provide an outlet and support through the trials and tribulations of the writing world. While not experts we can lend a helping hand and sympathetic ear, allowing each of us to grow and empower you and your quest to become published... or just to write a story that you can be proud of."