Happenings
March 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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This month in Happenings…
Share Your Story!
February Countdown
Featured March Events
Film Screenings & Discussions
Collection Connection
NHFPL Galleries
Inside NHFPL
Ongoing Classes
Events from Our Community
Coming Attractions
Vote for NHFPL at Blue State Coffee on York Street!
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February Countdown
Urban Life Experience Book Discussion Series
The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace
by Jeff Hobbs
Saturday, February 27, 12 pm | Wilson
Join the Urban Life Experience Book Discussion Series at Wilson Library for their third read, The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace by Jeff Hobbs. Join the conversation!
Invisible Heroes: African-Americans in the Spanish Civil War
Saturday, February 27, 2 pm | Ives
Running time: 77 minutes
In 1936, some 2,800 young Americans, together with 50,000 volunteers from 54 countries, offered their lives in defense of the Spanish Republic. What is less known is that 85 African Americans joined that heroic struggle to fight against racism and for the very civil rights denied to them in their own country. Film followed by discussion led by Jacinto Lirola, East Rock resident and European art, history and political buff.
Tall as the Baobab Tree
Saturday, February 27, 2 pm | Mitchell
Running time: 82 minutes | Pulaar with English subtitles
In a rural Senegalese village poised at the outer edge of the modern world, a teenage girl hatches a secret plan to rescue her 11-year-old sister from an arranged marriage. Director Jeremy Teicher worked in collaboration with local students from the village of Sinthiou Mbadane, Senegal “to tell a story that captures the emotions of the traditional and modern worlds colliding.”
Long Wharf Theatre & NHFPL Community Conversations!
Having Our Say: The Delaney Sisters’ First 100 Years
Diva’s Digest & Stetson Book Clubs
Saturday, February 27, 2 pm | Stetson
Having Our Say: The Delaney Sisters’ First 100 Years touches upon the concept of the American Dream, as the 101 and 103 year old African-American Delaney sisters narrate the twists and turns of the 20th century in America with grace and not without challenges. Each program begins with actors performing a scene from the play. As part of the LWT and NHFPL partnership to broaden access and inspire conversation, New Haven residents may borrow a theater pass with their library card for free tickets to LWT as available.
Dignity Music Concert Series
Monday, February 29, 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. This month, duo Elaina Thoma on flute and Neal Fitzpatrick on guitar play at Ives!
Featured March Events
Stitching Our History
Wednesday, March 2, 5-7 pm | Stetson
Touch, stitch and experience the history and artistry of African American storytelling quilts with Rosalind Spann, quilting artist and member of the Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective, a group of artists dedicated to fiber and mixed media. Learn more about the Collective here.
Celebrate Peace Corps Week: Family & Friends Panel
Wednesday, March 2, 6-7:30 pm | Ives
The event will feature Returned Peace Corps Volunteers accompanied by their family and friends who will discuss topics such as safety & security, health, staying in contact, and how Volunteers evolve as a result of their service experience. Peace Corps Northeast Regional Shannon McBride will be there to answer questions, share tips on how you can become a more competitive candidate, and how to optimize your resume. Learn more at www.peacecorps.gov.
Art Advice from the Arts Council of Greater New Haven
Thursdays, March 3 & 10, 1-4 pm | Ives Gallery
Need help finding exhibition space/opportunities, performance/rehearsal space or developing new ways to promote your work or creative event? Debbie Hesse, the organization’s director of artistic services and programs, will be available for one-on-one consultations. To schedule an appointment call (203)772-2788 or email info@newhavenarts.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Let’s Go Grocery Shopping!
Thursday, March 3, 12 – 1 pm | Wilson
Brought to you by Cornell Scott Hill Health Center, Cooking Matters, Health in Your Hands & NHFPL
Join us for a fun one hour class where you’ll learn to eat healthy for less, make good food choices, read food labels plus get a $10 gift card to practice what you learned! Space is limited. Reserve your spot today by contacting Jill Meyerhoff at (203)503-3163 or jmeyerhoff@cornellscott.org.
Local Musician Phil Rosenthal Live in Concert at NHFPL!
Thursday, March 10, 6:30 pm | Ives
Acclaimed Guilford musician Phil Rosenthal comes to the New Haven Free Public Library! Phil was lead singer and guitarist in the seminal bluegrass group the Seldom Scene, and has also played mandolin and banjo in other groups including Apple County and Old Dog. His compositions have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Bill Monroe, Nick Cave and others. He was selected Connecticut State Troubadour in 1994.
Yale Science Diplomats presents Science in the News 2016
@ NHFPL!
The Quantum Factory: Creating Solar Storms, Particles, and Uncertainty
Thursday, March 24, 6:30 pm | Ives
Hacking Our Genetic Code: Editing Our Destiny
Thursday April 14, 6:30 pm | Ives
Trust Your Gut: How Helpful Bacteria Impact Health
Thursday, May 12, 6:30 pm | Ives
The Yale Science Diplomats presents their annual Science in the News public lecture series at the New Haven Free Public Library in four parts!
Sewing Collective @ Mitchell
Saturday, March 12, 1-5 pm | Mitchell
Monday, March 14, 2-6 pm | Fair Haven
Meet other folks who love to sew and create! We’ll sew, exchange ideas, tips, and advice. This group is for those with some sewing experience. Participants must bring a sewing machine, notions, and fabrics/patterns. Children ages 8+ allowed with a parent or caregiver. For more information contact Kenya Yopp at nhvsewingcollective@gmail.com.
Résumé Seminar, Q&A, and Book Signing Series @ Ives
Wednesday, March 16, 6:15-7:30 pm | Ives
Wednesday, April 20, 6:15-7:30 pm | Ives
The NHFPL is proud to welcome Scott Bennett, author of Amazon.com‘s Best Selling Résumé Writing Book: The Elements of Résumé Style: Essential Rules for Writing Résumés and Cover Letters that Work.
Introduction to Online Marketing:
Social Media, Constant Contact Newsletter Campaigns & LinkedIn for Business
PLUS – a Deep Dive on Twitter for Business
Wednesday, March 30, 6-7:45 pm | Ives
Presenters: Robert Clark, Managing Principal of LucidPointe, LLC and Susan LaCorte Catalano, Managing Partner of JQLaCorte, LLC, a full service LinkedIn consulting firm.
Winter Gardening Workshops with the New Haven Land Trust
Thursday, March 31, 5-7 pm | Fair Haven
Stop by and learn all about winter gardening in an urban setting! All ages.
Film Screenings & Discussions
St. Patrick’s Day Film Festival
Thursday, March 17 | Ives
2 pm | Frederick Douglass and the White Negro
Running time: 52 minutes
John Doherty’s 2008 film Frederick Douglass and the White Negro tells the story of the 19th century “Martin Luther King” and his escape from slavery, leading to refuge in Ireland at the peak of the Great Famine. The film focuses on the powerful influence Ireland had on Douglass as a young man. It also explores the turbulent relationship between African Americans and Irish Americans in general.
3 pm | The Quiet Man
Running time: 129 minutes
John Ford’s 1952 film The Quiet Man celebrates one of Hollywood’s most romantic and enduring epics, winner of two Oscars®, including Best Director. An American prizefighter returns to Ireland in order to forget the past and live peacefully in his village birthplace. He falls in love with the hot-tempered sister of a belligerent neighbor, and trouble ensues over the payment of her dowry.
Iraqi Odyssey
Saturday, March 19, 1 pm | Ives
Running time: 163 minutes | Arabic & English with English subtitles
Tracing the emigrations of his family over more than half a century, this riveting 3D documentary epic from acclaimed expatriate Iraqi filmmaker Samir pays moving homage to the frustrated democratic dreams of a people successively plagued by the horrors of colonialism, dictatorship, war, and foreign occupation. Switzerland’s Official Submission for the 88th Academy Awards. “For American Audiences Iraqi Odyssey will be a revelation”-New York Times.
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
Build Your Creative and Technical Skills!
Introducing Lynda.com!
Learn software, creative techniques and business strategies for all levels with thousands of video tutorials. Go at your own pace, follow a curriculum and absorb new skills!
Our Most Popular February Books…
What is the New Haven community reading? Check out our list of the most popular books borrowed in February! Visit our catalog and add one of these to
your reading list!
A Moment of Silence by Sister Souljah
Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Rogue Lawyer by John Grisham
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
Between the World and Me by Ta Nehsi Coates
Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee
Cross Justice by James Patterson
Murder House by James Patterson
Instinct by T.D. Jakes
Keep an eye out for these upcoming March releases!
What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours by Helen Oyeyemi
Opposite of Everyone by Joselyn Jackson
The Passenger by Lisa Lutz
The Travelers by Chris Pavone
I‘m Glad About You by Theresa Rebeck
NHFPL Galleries
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. Queens highlights 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.
Art Exhibition: Students of the Creative Arts Workshop
March 5-April 28 | Mitchell
Opening Reception: March 5, 3 pm
Creative Arts Workshop Students exhibit their recent artwork at Mitchell Library.
Journey of a Vagabond and the Stories She Tells
Work by Lani Asuncion
March 14-May 6 | Ives Gallery
Opening Reception: Saturday, March 19, 3-5 pm
Artist Lani Asuncion’s VAGABOND Series references stories and incorporates storytelling. Her low relief sculptural pieces and color pigmented prints of video stills depict the travels of the main character and storyteller. Asuncion is an interdisciplinary artist working within local communities and drawing from the history of place and traditions. She recalls personal stories transformed into abstract narratives to explore her identity as a Multicultural Asian American woman, continually discovering the negotiation of belonging.
Lani Asuncion. Golden House.
Inside NHFPL
Meet NHFPL Librarian Margaret Girgis
Margaret was not born in Connecticut but she has spent almost all of her life here. She attended UCONN for her undergraduate studies in history and political science, and got her first job while there – in the campus library, of course. She knew in her second year of college that she wanted to be a librarian!
After college Margaret did a brief stint in a library business office but she knew she really wanted to work with the public and quickly landed herself in the children’s department of a public library. From there, Margaret returned to school to get her Master’s in Library Science at Simmons College. After finishing her degree, she really wanted to take on a full time role in teen services…and happily was hired here at NHFPL!
1) What is your role at the New Haven Free Public Library?
I am the Teen Librarians at NHFPL. Among other things, I select materials for our teen collection, plan and host programs for teens in our new downtown Teen Center, and host class visits for New Haven students in grades 7 and up at the Ives Main Library. I also spend a lot of time talking with teens, finding out about what they want out of life. What they share with me truly guides my approach to my job.
2) What do you enjoy most about working at NHFPL?
I LOVE the library users I work with. The discussions we have range from tragic to hilarious and are never boring! I learn at least as much from the teens I meet here as they do from me. I also love working with classes and individuals, teaching them how to search for information. It is always amazing when I show someone how to use our catalog and our databases and they realize how much is available to them, literally at their fingertips.
3) What book are you currently reading or is currently on your nightstand waiting to be picked up?
This is an unfair question – I usually have a few books going at once! Right now I’ve been reading It’s Not That I’m Bitter . . .: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying About Visible Panty Lines and Conquered the World, by Gina Barreca. I’ve also been reading Persepolis, a graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi. Lastly I’ve got The Rig by Joe Ducie sitting on my desk at work.
Ongoing Classes
Greater New Haven Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Coalition
January 20 – April 18, 2016
Ives Main Library | 133 Main Street
Monday-Thursday, 4-7:30 pm
Friday, 11 am-4:30 pm
Wilson Branch Library | 303 Washington Avenue
Tuesday, 5-7:30 pm
Saturday, 1-4 pm
Until April 15, you can have your taxes prepared for FREE at an IRS-certified Connecticut Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site. VITA is the safe, simple way to file your taxes. Learn more here or call 2-1-1.
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, February 3, 5:30-7 pm | Ives
Need help with legal questions? Free at the 50+ Transition Center on the First Floor on the first Wednesday of every month. Sign-up starts at 5:20 pm / first come, first served.
Benefits Screening
Wednesday, February 10, 12-2 pm | Ives
Individuals age 60 and older can find out what they are eligible for at the 50+ Transition Center, First Floor on the second Wednesday of every month. 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)
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
Mondays, 4-6 pm | Fair Haven
Mondays, 6:30-8 pm | Mitchell
Tuesdays, 6-8pm | Ives
Thursdays, 6-8pm | Ives
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!
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:
Clases de Computacion para Adultos! (Bilingual Computer Classes)
Mondays, 5-6 pm | Fair Haven
Thursdays, 6-7 pm| Fair Haven
Learn the basics in this weekly computer class taught in Spanish. Start with the very basics or get help with more advanced questions!
Weekly Computer Classes
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 detailed class schedule please see our calendar.
One-on-One Technology Assistance and Job Coaching
On Demand!
Mondays-Fridays, 12-5 pm | Ives
Stop by the lower level Information Desk for on demand one-on-one sessions on technology and employment assistance. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you find the answers to many of your questions!
Health & Wellness:
Liberty Community Services at NHFPL
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 mediation brought to you in cooperation with the Art of Living Foundation, the New Haven Zen Center, and the Shambhala Meditation Center of New Haven.
Events from Our Community
A Note from Our Friends…
Elm City Communities Housing Authority of New Haven
If you’re a parent or high school student residing with Elm City Communities and interested in getting more involved in the New Haven community or housing authority community please let us know by emailing hanh@elmcitycommunities.org
or joining our monthly newsletter list to get the latest information:
tinyurl.com/ECCHANHnewsletter.
United States Navy Band Coming to New Haven!
Saturday, March 12, 7 pm | Woolsey Hall, Yale University
America’s Navy Band is coming to New Haven, Connecticut, one of only 23 cities to host a performance during its 2016 tour! As the original ensemble of the Navy Band, the Concert Band has been performing public concerts and participating in high-profile events for nearly 90 years. Tickets are FREE and available online at: usnavyband.eventbrite.com or in person at the Shubert Theater box office on College Street in New Haven.
Coming Attractions
The Art of Daycations
Saturday, April 2, 2 pm | Ives
Join travel blogger Nina Lesiga for fresh ideas about how to have exceptional vacation days without an overnight stay! Learn about different types of day trips, research sources, strategies and upcoming events close to New Haven. Expand the possibilities!
Spring 2016 Entrepreneur Series
Wednesdays, April 6-May 4, 5:30-8 pm | Ives
Purple Marketing
April 6
Business Planning
April 13
Money and Finance
April 20
Cloud Computing for Entrepreneurs
April 27
Doing Business with the State of CT and the Federal Government
May 4
Brought to you by New Haven SCORE and CT SBA and supported by Subway.
These FREE workshops support entrepreneurs who are currently in the planning stages or ready to launch! Stay tuned for registration details.
Historic Homes Tax Credit Workshop
Saturday, April 9, 10 am | Mitchell
Co-sponsored by Westville Village Renaissance Alliance & New Haven Preservation Trust.
Learn the ins and outs of one of the nation’s most generous rehabilitation incentive programs for individual homes in Connecticut from Julie Carmelich, architectural historian and Historic Tax Credit Coordinator.
Age of Innocence
Saturday, April 9, 1 pm | Mitchell
Running time: 139 minutes
Film screening and discussion of the 2001 film, based upon the well-known novel by Edith Wharton. Patricia B. Illingworth introduces this award-winning film by Martin Scorsese, bringing to life the Belle Époque period in which the movie takes place. Ms. Illingworth is a resident of Westville, a history buff, and chief docent for Grove Street Cemetery.
Chicago Dinners Series:
Open Conversations about Racism & Privilege
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.
Vote for NHFPL at Blue State Coffee
on York Street!
We are thrilled that Blue State Coffee selected NHFPL as a featured non-profit for their shop at 276 York Street!
Whether through the snow or after paths are cleared, stroll to Blue State, imbibe the caffeine and vote for us! Thank you Blue State!
Read all about Blue State Coffee’s community-based philanthropic efforts here.
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