Happenings
January 2016
A monthly selection of upcoming NHFPL events, classes and community collaborations at our five locations and beyond.
Ives
133 Elm
Street
203.946.8130
Fair Haven
182 Grand Avenue
203.946.8115
Mitchell
37 Harrison Street
203.946.8117
Stetson
200 Dixwell Avenue
203.946.8119
Wilson
303 Washington Avenue
203.946.2228
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From the New Haven Free Public Library
In this month’s Happenings…
Festival of Branches Video!
Featured January Events
Film Screenings & Discussions
Collection Connection
NHFPL Galleries
Inside NHFPL
Ongoing Classes
Community
Coming Attractions
Festival of Branches Video!
The Festival of Branches took place on Saturday, November 7 and traveled to each of the New Haven Free Public Library locations in Fair Haven, the Hill, Dixwell/Newhallville and Westville neighborhoods. Each branch featured activities and refreshments to celebrate and thank the community as we welcomed new library staff to each NHFPL branch library. Collectively, the four neighborhood libraries welcome nearly 250,000 library users and offer over 1,000 programs each year. Listen to library staff, patrons and local representatives as they share their thoughts about what impact these neighborhood libraries have in New Haven’s neighborhoods.
Featured January Events
Love dogs? Canine Companion Presentation
Monday, January 11, 6 pm | Mitchell
Learn to be volunteer puppy raiser and provide assistance dogs for people with disabilities. Westville resident Betsy Byron will share her experience as a puppy raiser and provide info on getting started.
Bilingual Business Counseling
Tuesdays, January 12 & 26, 10 am-3 pm | Fair Haven
Business Advisor Valeria G. Bisceglia from the Connecticut Small Business Development Center is providing no-cost, confidential business advising services to small business owners and entrepreneurs in every stage of business development and growth. Take advantage of this excellent service!
Urban Life Experience Book Discussion Series
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Saturday January 16, 12 pm | Wilson
Join the Urban Life Experience Book Discussion Series at Wilson Library for their second read, Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Borrow it and join the conversation!
Three New Technology Classes!
Introduction to Digital Photography
Wednesday, January 20, 10 am | Ives
Join this class for an introduction to digital photography, including photo editing.
Introduction to Google Docs
Wednesday, January 25, 10 am | Ives
Learn how to use one of Google’s greatest free tools. With Google Docs, you can write, edit, and collaborate on documents online from anywhere.
Technology Workshop: Buying Online
Thursday, January 28, 6 pm | Fair Haven
For beginners. Let us help you learn to safely and confidently make Internet purchases. Gain a better understanding of the pros and cons of buying goods and services online, and best practices for ensuring your financial information is secure.
Dignity Music Concert Series
Monday, January 25, 10:30 am | Ives
Upcoming:
Monday, February 22, 10:30 am | Ives
Ravenna Michalsen, a cellist and active participant in the CT musical scene, received a Mayor’s Community Arts Grant for the Dignity Music concert series which brings classical music to homeless shelters, breakfast programs, soup kitchens and other New Haven venues. Join us for this string trio concert!
Presentation on Alzheimer’s Disease
Monday, January 25, 3 pm | Mitchell
Dr. Richard Marottoli, Medical Director of the Dorothy Adler Geriatric Assessment Center of the Yale New Haven Hospital will speak at the library. Sponsored by HomeHaven. For more information visit www.eastrockvillage.org.
Winter Gardening Workshop with the
New Haven Land Trust
Thursday, January 21, 5:30-7 pm | Fair Haven
Stop by and learn all about winter gardening in an urban setting! Open to all ages.
Scrabble Anyone? | Saturday, January 30, 2 pm | Mitchell
Get out of the cold, and warm up at the library with some hot cocoa or tea and a game of Scrabble or Bananagrams! Learn about Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven’s upcoming Scrabble Challenge on March 30, teams forming to compete in the challenge.
Film Screenings & Discussions
Contemporary Films from the Middle East:
Mahmoud Darwish: As the Land is the Language
Friday, January 8, 1 pm | Ives
Running time: 60 minutes | Arabic with English subtitles
In the powerful 1997 documentary directed by Simone Bitton, French-Israeli documentary filmmaker, interviews the famed Palestinian poet about his art, life, and relationship with his homeland. Bitton explores the connection between the poet and the land of which he writes but has not been allowed to visit.
Where Do We Go Now?
Friday, January 8, 2:30 pm | Ives
Running time: 104 minutes | Arabic with English subtitles
Directed, co-written and co-produced by Nadine Labaki in Lebanon, the French distributor Pathé International describes the film as a “heart-warming tale” of “women’s unwavering friendship [that] transcends, against all the odds, the religious fault lines which crisscross their society” with “women’s ingenuity” and “sass” mobilized “in order to prevent bloodshed and turmoil.” Winner of the People’s Choice Award at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.
Damascus with Love | Saturday, January 9, 2 pm | Ives
Running time: 95 minutes | Arabic with English subtitles
Damascus with Love is a 2010 Drama film by Syrian director Mohamad Abdul Aziz, first screened in the Dubai International Film Festival. Hala, a Syrian-Jewish girl, is about to emigrate from Damascus. When her father reveals an old secret to her at the airport, she cancels her trip and returns to explore the past. This is a film about love, people, memory and place. A discussion will follow via Skype with Syrian-Canadian Ghada Alatrash, an international public speaker, poet, storyteller, educator, and translator.
Selma | Tuesday, January 12, 6 pm | Wilson
Running ti me: 128 minutes
In honor of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., join us to view Selma, a 2014 American historical drama film directed by Ava DuVernay and written by Paul Webb based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches.
Exploring Inner Worlds Film Series
Marwencol | January 16, 1 pm | Ives
Running time: 82 minutes
After a vicious attacks leaves him brain-damaged and broke, Mark Hogancamp seeks recovery in Marwencol, a 1/6th scale World War II-era town he creates in his backyard.
Oliver Sacks Awakenings | January 16, 2:45 pm | Ives
Running time: 40 minutes
This 1974 Yorkshire Television documentary (never released in the United States) features interviews and dramatic footage of Dr. Sacks’ original post-encephalitic patients who were awakened by L-dopa in the summer of 1969. Read a New York Times review here.
Films followed by discussion led by Melissa L. Whitson, PhD. Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of New Haven.
Glance at the World through Film
Munyurangabo | Saturday, January 23, 2 pm | Mitchell
Running time: 97 minutes | Kinyarwanda with English subtitles
From opposing ethnicities, Ngabo and Sangwa are tested when old-timers warn, “Hutus and Tutsis should not be friends.” An intense and inspiring portrait of youth in Rwanda, ‘Munyurangabo’ features Poet Laureate Edouard Uwayo delivering a moving poem about his healing country. This 2007 film directed by Lee Isaac Chung was filmed entirely in Rwanda with local actors and premiered at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival. Film followed by discussion led by Debby Evans, Westville resident and world cinema buff.
Can’t make it to one of our films? You have options!
Hoopla is up and running with a huge collection of films, TV shows, educational videos, documentaries, music, audiobooks, e-books and comic books to enjoy straight from your browser, tablet, or smartphone! Easy to use with your library card – and no waiting!
You can always browse and borrow from our audiovisual (AV) collection of DVDs and CDs! Information about our AV collection is available via our online catalog.
Collection Connection
Our Most Popular December Books…
What is the New Haven community reading? Check out our list of the most popular books borrowed in December! Visit our catalog and add one of these to your reading list!
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Rogue Lawyer by John Grisham
The Murder House by James Patterson
Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee
Cross Justice by James Patterson
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Between the World and Me by Ta Nehsi Coates
Lynda.com Coming to NHFPL in January!
Lynda.com, over 4,000 self-paced tutorials and online courses taught by industry experts available anytime, anyplace on an array of software, creative, and business skills development and productivity tools!
NHFPL Galleries
Four Seasons of New Haven: Photography by Mariah Isely
January 9-February 27 | Mitchell
As local artist Mariah Isely shares in her artist statement, “As a recent transplant from the Pacific and Rocky Mountain West, photography has lately been a means for me to gain a foothold in my new home of New Haven, Connecticut.” Learn more about her at www.mariahisely.com.
Queens: Work by Alana Ladson
January 19-March 4| Ives Gallery
Alana Ladson is a self-taught artist who paints, draws and works in graphic design and digital media. Queenshighlights the beauty of black women and their natural hair and skin colors. This exhibition aims to peacefully expose their beauty in a way that is relatable and thoughtful to all audiences. Ladson lives in New Haven and this year participated in Artspace’s City Wide Open Studios. Learn more about her at www.Facebook.com/alanaladsonart.
Inside NHFPL
Meet NHFPL Librarian: Tom Smith
Born and raised on Long Island, after obtaining an undergraduate degree in Math, Tom Smith moved to Hartford for a COBOL programmer trainee job and subsequently became a Nutmegger. Tom worked at a variety of companies (mostly insurance) and in a variety of IT roles, as a programmer, a project leader, a SAS reporter and business analyst. Taking advantage of a generous tuition reimbursement program, Tom obtained a MLS at SCSU. Now a Librarian III at the New Haven Free Public Library, Tom employs the lessons learned in corporate IT to serving the public.
What is your role at the New Haven Free Public Library?
I am the technical “liaison” with the library patrons. I generate, teach, promote and coordinate technology classes at NHFPL. Most of our classes are based on Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel and PowerPoint) but we also have classes that teach basic computer skills like using a mouse and keyboard and setting up an email. Our newest tech class on Google Docs was developed specifically because our patrons were asking to learn this platform. Beyond the tech classes, I am also involved along with my colleagues in overseeing and managing the NHFPL website and its content. Last, I am responsible for the management of our audiovisual collection.
What do you enjoy most about working at NHFPL?
This is a three-way tie between developing tech classes and seeing what works best for our patrons, managing the NHFPL website and getting to research and select movies and music for our audiovisual collection.
What book are you currently reading or is currently on your nightstand waiting to be picked up?
I am currently reading Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín (find it at NHFPL!) and listening to Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson (or get this one!).
Ongoing Classes
50+ and Seniors
One-on-One Computer Help
Tuesdays, 4-5 pm, 5:10-6:10 pm | Ives
50+ years of age and just starting or have a computer dilemma? Sign up for one-on-one free computer help at your own pace. To register call (203)946-7001.
Ask a Lawyer
Wednesday, December 2, 5:30-7 pm | Ives
Need help with legal questions? Free at the 50+ Transition Center on the First Floor. Sign-up starts at 5:20 pm / first come, first served.
Benefits Screening
Second Wednesday of Every Month | 12-2 pm | Ives
Individuals age 60 and older can find out what they are eligible for at the 50+ Transition Center, First Floor. For more information, call 203-946-7001.
Lifelong Learning
Adult Reading Classes | Stetson
To register and schedule call (203) 776-5899.
Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven presents free classes to help adults learn to read, write and understand more words in a small class setting.
ESOL Classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
Schedule:
Mondays, 6:30-8 pm | Mitchell
Tuesdays, 6-8 pm | Ives
Thursdays, 6-8 pm | Ives
Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 am | Fair Haven
Learn to improve your pronunciation, listening and speaking skills in an informal English conversation group. Please call (203) 776-5899 or email MeghenFitzgibbons@lvagnh.org to register for classes.
ESOL Conversation Group
Schedule:
Mondays, 4 pm | Fair Haven
Mondays, 6:30-8 pm | Mitchell
Tuesdays, 6-8pm | Ives
Thursdays, 6-8pm | Ives
Thursdays, 6 pm | Fair Haven
Practice your English in a comfortable, judgment free zone!
Knitting Club
Mondays, 6 pm | Mitchell
Come armed with your own needles and yarn – beginners welcome!
Math Tutoring
Wednesdays, 5:30-7 pm & Thursdays, 2:30-4 pm | Ives
Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven helps to review math concepts and learn new math skills. All ability levels welcome. To learn more contact info@lvagnh.org or (203) 776-5899.
Immigrant Job Club
Thursdays, 4-5 pm | Ives
For those who are new to the United States and would like to learn to search for jobs, build a resume, prepare for a job interview and understand the workplace.
Technology
Weekly Computer Classes
Schedule:
Mondays, 5-6:30 pm | Ives
Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 pm | Stetson
Wednesdays, 10-11:30 am | Ives
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm | Stetson
Thursdays, 10 am | Wilson
Classes all require some familiarity with using a keyboard and mouse. Classes include different levels for Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, PowerPoint and Keyboard/Mouse/Email. For December class schedule please see our calendar.
Tech Answer Room: One-on-One Assistance and Job Coaching
Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 3 pm & 4 pm | Ives
Stop by the lower level Technology Center for One-on-One sessions. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you find the answers to many of your technology questions.
Health and Wellness
Liberty Community Services at NHFPL
Schedule:
Mondays, 3-4 pm | Ives
Tuesdays – Fridays, 10 am-1 pm | Ives
Saturdays, 11 am-2 pm |Ives
Liberty Community Services‘ mission is to end homelessness in the Greater New Haven area. They offer several housing programs and supportive services to homeless individuals who are living with HIV/AIDS, mental illness and/or addiction. NHFPL is pleased to grow their partnership with Liberty Community Services with expanded hours and services at the downtown branch of the library.
Meditation | Tuesdays, 6-7 pm | Ives
Beginners and experienced practitioners are invited to join this guided meditation brought to you in cooperation with the Art of Living Foundation, the New Haven Zen Center, and the Shambhala Meditation Center of New Haven.
Cornell Scott Hill Health Center Exercise Program | Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 pm | Wilson
Join this twice weekly exercise class – free and open to the public!
Community
International Festival of Arts & Ideas
Visionary Leadership Award Program
A Path Appears: Sex Trafficking in the USA | January 26, 6 pm | Wilson
Running time: 90 minutes
The Festival‘s 6th Visionary Leadership Award went to Sheryl WuDunn, the first Asian-American reporter to win a Pulitzer Prize, a business executive, lecturer, and best-selling author. As part of this Award, the Festival is screening the PBS produced documentaries about topics that were covered her and her husband Nicolas Kristof’s most recent book A Path Appears: Transforming Lives, Creating Opportunity and their earlier publication, Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. The film at the Wilson Library will be followed by a discussion lead by LOVE146, an international human rights organization working to end child trafficking and exploitation through survivor care and prevention with an office in New Haven.
Also showing:
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
Tuesday, January 19, 6 pm | University of New Haven
Violence and Solutions
Tuesday, February 2, 6 pm | Gateway Community College
Learn more about the documentaries here and about the Visionary Leadership Award here.
Town Hall Meeting | Saturday, February 6, Afternoon | Ives
Building upon the idea laid out in A Path Appears that asserts that all of us, whatever our income or social class, should be strategically altruistic, we turn our attention to New Haven. Continuing from last summer’s Town Hall discussion of active citizenship in New Haven, this community gathering will provide a forum in which to pose and address important questions about our responsibilities and deliberate participation in improving our city.
Coming Attractions
SAVE THE DATE!!
The New Haven Free Public Library Foundation’s
Mardi Gras Festival 2016!
Tuesday, February 9, 5:30 pm | Ives
The New Haven Free Public Library is the place to be for Mardi Gras! Guests will be greeted with the live the musical rhythms of Mardi Gras. Enjoy locally-sourced, internationally-inspired cuisines and signature cocktails. Don’t miss our silent auction and customized photo booth! Tickets for Mardi Gras start at $75 will go on sale in January. Stay tuned for more details!
Yale Science Diplomats presents Science in the News 2016 at NHFPL!
Upcoming:
Thursday, February 11, 6:30 pm | Ives
Thursday, March 10, 6:30 pm | Ives
Thursday, April 14, 6:30 pm | Ives
Thursday, May 12, 6:30 pm | Ives
The Yale Science Diplomats presents a “Science in the News” public lecture series in four parts: Distortion of Perception: From Brain to Mind to Behavior (February), The Quantum Factory: Creating Solar Storms, Particles, and Uncertainty (March), Hacking the Genetic Code: Editing Our Destiny (April) and Trust Your Gut: How Helpful Bacteria Impact Health(May).
Chicago Dinners Series: Open Conversations about Racism & Privilege
Wednesday, February 17, 5:30-7:30 pm | Stetson
Upcoming:
Thursday, April 28, 12 – 2 pm | Fair Haven
These events are sponsored by the Multicultural Advisory Council of the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the New Haven Free Public Library, the Connecticut Mental Health Center Committee on Diversity and Health Equity, and the Connecticut Mental Health Center Citizens Collaborative. Please RSVP to Elizabeth Flanagan at elizabeth.flanagan@yale.edu or (203) 764-7592.
Want more? Check out our Calendar!
Our Young Minds Calendar too!
Connect with us!
www.nhfpl.org
Support the New Haven Free Public Library!