Memoir-writing workshop with Joan Motyka
Memoir-writing is a special form of art, and this fall Greenwich Library will help would-be memoirists get started. Previous sessions of Crafting Life Stories, led by former New York Times editor Joan Motyka, have proven popular so with patrons that the Library is offering this workshop for a fourth time.
The group will meet from 1-3 p.m. for five consecutive Wednesdays beginning September 30 in the Library Meeting Room. Required registration begins on Wednesday, September 9 at 9 a.m.
The program is designed to help people discover and tell the stories only they can tell — and to do so in a supportive environment that encourages even beginning writers. With a background in journalism and fiction, instructor Joan Motyka will offer journalistic tools and literary techniques to help people explore the significance of people, places and events in their lives. Using readings, prompts and writing assignments, she helps students draw stories from memory, organize them into a narrative and polish them through revision.
The class will consist of a series of distinct two-hour sessions in which students will read and discuss passages from books of memoir and occasionally from poetry or fiction that illustrate that week’s topic. Topics include how to look at yourself as a narrator of stories, how to capture the richness of place, how to plumb your intersection with history, and how to understand the role of other people in your stories. There will also be a discussion of dialogue as well as tips on research, interviewing, and revision.
Registration opens at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9. Please call Michele Martin at 203-625-6533 to register with your Greenwich or Perrot Library card number, or by using the Library’s online calendar/registration system at www.greenwichlibrary.org. Preference is given to Greenwich residents and first-time enrollees.
Joan Motyka is a former longtime New York Times editor and writing coach, and currently an editor at The Westchester Review, a literary journal now in its fifth year. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, the International Herald Tribune, the Boston Globe and other publications. She has been leading memoir writing workshops in Westchester and New York City since 2007.
Crafting Life Stories is made possible through the support of the Greenwich Library Board of Trustees and contributions by generous donors. For more information, please contact Michele Martin at mmartin@greenwichlibrary.org, call 203-625-6533 or visit www.greenwichlibrary.org.
Stay up-to-date by subscribing to the Greenwich Library eNewsletter and other topical eNews editions such as AuthorsLive, Business and Music at www.greenwichlibrary.org/enews. You can also follow Greenwich Library on Twitter @GWLibrary or find us on www.facebook.com/GreenwichLibrary.
Learning Python, SAT vs. ACT, Gaming Day and More
This month, students can learn which standardized test is best for their skills in a presentation on the difference between the ACT and SAT. Those into tech can learn to program in Python in an introductory, 6-week class or chill out at Gaming Day. The Library’s regularly scheduled teen programs, including Student Leaders, Friday Night Chess and Middle School Book Club meet monthly and are open to all without reservation or charge unless otherwise indicated.
Saturdays, beginning August 29 from 1-2:30 p.m., Learning Python
A six-week introductory course to the Python programming language for students in grades 6-8. Required registration begins 8/17. (No class 9/5.) Register using our online calendar.
Thursday, September 10 at 7 p.m., Student Leadership Council Meeting
Students in grades 8-12 gather at Teen Central on the second floor to brainstorm about using library resources to initiate and execute projects relevant to their peer group in exchange for community service hours. Refreshments will be served.
Thursday, September 10 at 7 p.m., SAT vs. ACT
Adam Ratner from C2 Education will discuss which test (SAT or ACT) should be taken and the changes in these tests.
Friday, September 11 at 7 p.m., Friday Night Chess
National Master Rich Jackson will provide instruction, supervise play and challenge students to an occasional match. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Bring a love of the game or a desire to learn.
Saturday, September 19 from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m., Gaming Day
Join us for Gaming Day at the Greenwich Library. There will be video games, board games and Legos available for all ages. Also check out the Gaming iPads which are loaded with apps and play Minecraft on the new XBOX ONE! Snacks and refreshments will be served.
Thursday, September 24 at 4:30 p.m., Middle School Book Club
Middle School Book Club is for literature fans in grades 6-8. This month’s title is Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle. Register for the program and pick up a copy of the book at the 2nd floor reference desk.
Other Library programs of interest to students and parents:
Introduction to Geocaching
On Monday, September 14 from 3-4 p.m., Greenwich Library staff will introduce patrons to the wildly popular new pastime, Geocaching. The program is open to all at no charge and will be held in the Technology Training Center.
Geocaching is a worldwide outdoor treasure hunt that allows people of all ages the chance to explore new places using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.
There are 2,679,335 geocaches around the world. There are probably geocaches near you right now – at your local park, at the end of a long hike, underwater or on the side of a city street. All you need to start finding them is a free Geocaching account and the Official Geocaching app or a GPS.
This program will provide you with the tools to be a successful geocacher. Find out about useful websites and relevant apps that will enable you to find your own treasure.
In addition to the Introductory Class, the Library is sponsoring an all day Geocaching event on October 3rd. Patrons will sign up at the Main Library and will receive a map and coordinates to find the geocaches.
For more information, please contact Siobhan Schugmann at sschugmann@greenwichlibrary.org, call 203-625-6536 or visit www.greenwichlibrary.org.
For more information about Greenwich Library programs for students in grades 6-12, contact Teen Services Librarian Ed Morrissey at emorrissey@greenwichlibrary.org, call (203) 622-7918, or visit www.greenwichlibrary.org/teens.
Stay up-to-date by subscribing to the Library’s eNewsletter and other topical eNews editions such as AuthorsLive, Teens, Business and Music at www.greenwichlibrary.org/enews. You can also follow Greenwich Library on Twitter @GWLibrary or find us on www.facebook.com/GreenwichLibrary.
Microsoft PowerPoint, Social Media Privacy, MOOC Class, Health Apps and Job Hunting
This month in the Technology Training Center patrons can learn about the nuances of social media privacy settings and take a MOOC on European History and Literature. Job hunters can both delve into the latest job search strategies with Noelle Gross, then widen their opportunities by learning PowerPoint through the American Job Center, (formerly Southwestern CTWorks).
All year long, Greenwich Library training staff is available to help patrons explore new technologies and develop the skills they need to make online life more productive and enjoyable. Classes are offered in a comfortable environment for all participants, regardless of level. Programs are one hour long, held in the Training Center and are open to the public at no charge unless otherwise indicated.
Wednesday, September 9 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Career Coach: Microsoft PowerPoint
Sponsored by the American Job Center (formerly Southwestern CTWorks), the Career Coach mobile classroom is offering two, 2-hour Microsoft PowerPoint training sessions. Level 1 training is at 10 am and level 2 at 1 pm. The Career Coach bus is equipped with 10 PC work stations and Internet access and is parked at the Library’s West Putnam Avenue entrance. Arrive early to sign-up.
Seven Wednesdays beginning September 9, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., MOOC: The Modern and the Post Modern
This MOOC Class (Massive Open Online Course), with Professor Michael S. Roth of Wesleyan University, covers the first half of a full semester course on European history, literature and philosophy. The class is divided into 7 modules, each with about four video lectures. The first class will cover registration, syllabus and course logistics. Register now using our online calendar.
Tuesdays beginning September 15, 6-8:30 p.m., SCORE: Simple Steps for Starting your Business
This step-by-step guide to starting a business is conducted by a team of professionals from the SCORE Norwalk Chapter and will be held in the Meeting Room. Topics include: Business Planning, Marketing Strategy and Online Marketing, Financial Planning and Funding Sources. Five-week series. The final class will be held on Thursday, 10/15. Please register using our online calendar. Sponsored by Peterson Business programs.
Monday, September 21 at 2 p.m., Privacy and Settings in Social Media Accounts
Learn how to control your privacy settings and the information you share on some of the more popular social networking sites.
Saturday, September 26 at 11 a.m., Best Health Apps
Learn about health and wellness apps using the technology you already have. Trending Monthly is a series that explores what’s hot in technology. (This program takes the place of the regular 11 a.m. lab.) Instructor: Lance Pendleton.
Monday, September 28 at 2 p.m., Tackle Your Job Search Like a Pro
Learn a proven, verifiable and replicable job search system that will make you feel more confident in your search techniques and strategy. Discover unique hiring insights and apply a ‘hiring manager perspective’ to your hunt. Presented by Noelle Gross.
Regular Technology Training Center Programming and Other Programs of Interest
· The Library’s regular Drop-in Computer Lab is offered three times each week: on Saturdays and Tuesdays at 11 a.m., and Thursdays at 3 p.m., from September 1 through 29 (no lab on 9/5 and 9/26). Get hands-on assistance with new gadgets, downloading eBooks and audiobooks using OverDrive, Library databases, Microsoft Office, Internet search, email, online forms, social media, job search, basic computing and more with Library staff. NEW! Bilingual assistance in Spanish is available. Use your own device or practice with ours.
· Greenwich Library Teen Services presents an introductory Python programming series on six Saturdays from 1-2:30 p.m., beginning August 29 (no class 9/5). For students in grades 6-8. Required registration begins 8/17.
· Introduction to Geocaching (including Apps and web resources) is offered on Monday, September 14 from 3-4:30pm.
For more information contact Training Center staff at trainingcenter@greenwichlibrary.org, call (203) 625-6508, or visit www.greenwichlibrary.org/TechnologyTrainingCenter.aspx.
Program for those who dread public speaking
On Wednesday, September 30 from 7-8:30 p.m., Greenwich Library will present Public Speaking Made Easy, a program for patrons who dread public speaking and for those who feel reasonably comfortable speaking in public, but want to improve. Presenter Richard Feder will cover how a speaker can make themselves and their audience comfortable, how to decide how many and which points to cover, when and how to rehearse, how to summarize effectively, and how to handle post talk Q&A.
Richard Feder is the President of the Volunteer Partnership LLC, a firm specializing in helping non-profits partner with businesses to accomplish common objectives, for clients such as Yale University and Whole Foods. Previously Feder was President of The Marketing Group, a consulting firm focused on teaching marketing/sales strategy and new product development techniques for major banks and consumer product companies such as Citigroup and Kraft Foods.
Mr. Feder is a graduate of Yale University and the Harvard Business School. He has taught at the graduate schools of Pace University and University of Connecticut. His articles have appeared in Advertising Age, Training and Development, the Harvard Business Review and other professional journals.
This program is open to all at no charge, registration is recommended. Please register using our online calendar at www.greenwichlibrary.org. For more information contact Matthew Sgritta at msgritta@greenwichlibrary.org or call (203) 622-7972.
Stay up-to-date by subscribing to the Greenwich Library eNewsletter and other topical eNews editions such as AuthorsLive, Business and Music at www.greenwichlibrary.org/enews. You can also follow Greenwich Library on Twitter @GWLibrary or find us on www.facebook.com/GreenwichLibrary.
Business programs
Simple Steps for Starting a Business
This month at Greenwich Library entrepreneurs can learn what it takes to start a business in a five-week SCORE series that covers everything from planning to funding. Programs are held in the Library Meeting Room unless otherwise indicated. Experienced librarians are available to help you navigate the Library’s extensive business databases, directories, investor information and nonprofit resources, via email or in person.
Tuesdays beginning September 15, 6-8:30 p.m., SCORE: Simple Steps for Starting Your Business
This step-by-step guide to starting a business is conducted by a team of professionals from the SCORE Norwalk Chapter and will be held in the Meeting Room. The following topics will be covered during the five-week series: Business Planning, Marketing Strategy and Online Marketing, Financial Planning and Funding Sources. The final class will be held on Thursday, 10/15. Registration is required. Please register using the link from our online calendar.
Wednesday, September 30, 7-8:30 p.m., Public Speaking Made Easy
Public Speaking Made Easy is a program for patrons who dread public speaking and for those who feel reasonably comfortable speaking in public, but want to improve. Registration, using the Library’s online calendar, is recommended. Contact Matthew Sgritta at msgritta@greenwichlibrary.org for more information.
Bloomberg Terminal Access
Patrons can sign up to use the Bloomberg Professional Service computer at the Main Reference Desk or sign up in advance by calling (203) 622-7910.
Business programs and services are made available to Library patrons at no charge through the support of the Greenwich Library Board of Trustees and contributions by generous donors. For more information contact Business Librarian Mary Cuff at mcuff@greenwichlibrary.org, call (203) 622-6560, or visit www.greenwichlibrary.org/business.
Stay up-to-date by subscribing to the Greenwich Library eNewsletter and other topical eNews editions such as AuthorsLive, Business, Teen, Music and Technology Training at www.greenwichlibrary.org/enews. You can also follow Greenwich Library on Twitter @GWLibrary or find us on www.facebook.com/GreenwichLibrary.