Happenings
February 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…
Mardi Gras Tickets & Special NHFPL Hours
Featured February 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!
Show Your Love for NHFPL &
Buy Your Mardi Gras Tickets!
The New Haven Free Public Library is the place to be for Mardi Gras!
Come celebrate and support your Library, its branches, diverse resources and programs. Join us for internationally-inspired cuisine by local restaurants, designer cocktails, silent auction, photo booth, parade, music and more!
Please note, special NHFPL Mardi Gras Hours:
Wilson Branch Library (303 Washington Ave):
Tuesday, February 9 – Close at 6 pm
Ives Main Library (133 Elm Street):
Tuesday, February 9 - Closed
Wednesday, February 10 – Open at 1 pm
Featured February Events
Long Wharf Theatre Songwriting Master Class
with Benjamin Scheuer of The Lion
Thursday, February 4, 4-6 pm | Ives
Join us for this master songwriting class with Benjamin Scheuer from Long Wharf Theatre’s current production, The Lion. Four local songwriters will workshop their song with Scheuer for a public audience!
International Festival of Arts & Ideas Town Hall Event
The Power of One: Individuals Effecting Communal Change
Saturday, February 6, 3-4:30 pm | Ives
Moderated by CT State Senator Gary Winfield
Picking up from this past 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 to and deliberate participation in improving our city. How can an individual citizen contribute locally in the most effective way? In her best-selling book A Path Appears: Transforming Lives Creating Opportunity (2014), the 6th Visionary Leadership Award recipient Sheryl WuDunn, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, asserts that all of us, whatever our income or social class, should be strategically altruistic.
2016 Healthy Body, Healthy Mind @ Mitchell
Introduction to Reiki
Saturday, February 6, 10:30 am | Mitchell
Guided Meditation
Saturday, February 13, 10:30 am | Mitchell
A Winter Series to help you feel your best in the New Year! Presented by Westville resident Patricia Rodriguez. Please call to register: 203-946-8117.
Artists’ Studio @ Fair Haven!
Monday, February 8, 4 pm | Fair Haven
Stop by and meet this month’s visiting artists, Alison Walsh and Gabriella Svennigsen! We’ll be drawing and coloring together, and they’ll both be exhibiting a selection of their work for us to enjoy. All ages welcome!
The Art of Daycations
Monday, February 8, 6 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!
Connecticut Small Business Development Center
Tuesdays, February 9 and 23, 10 am-3 pm | Fair Haven
Business Advisor Valeria G. Bisceglia 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!
Long Wharf Theatre & NHFPL Community Conversations!
Having Our Say: The Delaney Sisters’ First 100 Years
Having Our Say Director Jade King Caroll
Wednesday, February 10, 6 pm | Ives
Collective Storytelling: Mae Gibson-Brown & New Haven Story Project
Saturday, February 13, 2 pm | Fair Haven
I See Color Author Bob Pellegrino with Anne Greene
Saturday, February 20, 2 pm | Mitchell
History Slam
Tuesday, February 23, 6 pm | Wilson
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.
Music Haven Residency at NHFPL!
Studio Recital
Wednesday, February 10, 6 pm | Stetson
Studio Recital
Thursday, February 11, 6 pm | Fair Haven
Celebrate Black History Month! Haven String Quartet
Friday, February 12, 2 pm | Ives
Join us for a musical performance (or two!) from the talented students of Music Haven! Friday’s program is a family-friendly concert and instrument petting zoo for kids who want to try one out!
Yale Science Diplomats presents Science in the News 2016
@ NHFPL!
From Brain to Mind to Behavior
Thursday, February 11, 6:30 pm | Ives
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, February 13, 1-5 pm | Mitchell
Saturday, March 12, 1-5 pm | Mitchell
Meet other people who love to sew and create! We will sew, exchange ideas, tips & offer help to those at all levels. This group is for beginners to advanced and everyone in between. Please call to register: 203-946-8117.
Essays on Work & Play: 10th Annual Evening of Readings by Yale’s Anne Fadiman & Students
Wednesday, February 17, 6-7 pm | Ives
Anne Fadiman has been Yale’s Francis Writer-in-Residence since 2005. She is the author of a work of reportage, The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, and two essay collections, Ex Libris and At Large and At Small. Anne will read from a memoir-in-progress. She will read along with her students Brett Davidson, Emma Goldberg and Adam Mahler.
Quilting Black History
Wednesday, February 17, 5 pm-7 pm | Stetson
Use your artistic abilities and dedicate a quilting a square to a prominent figure in Black History. The pieces will be joined together and displayed at the Stetson Branch Library.
Chicago Dinners Series @ NHFPL
Open Conversations about Racism & Privilege
Wednesday, February 17, 5:30-7:30 pm | Stetson
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.
Résumé Seminar, Q&A, and Book Signing Series @ Ives
Wednesday, February 17, 6:15-7:30 pm | 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.
Winter Gardening Workshops with the New Haven Land Trust
Thursday, February 18, 5:30-7 pm | Fair Haven
Stop by and learn all about winter gardening in an urban setting! All ages.
Recovery Speaks
February 23, 4 pm | Ives
Recovery Speaks, a program of the Connecticut Mental Health Center, is a public presentation created and performed by people with real life experiences of mental illness, addiction, and incarceration. Recovery Speaks performers spread the message that recovery is real and possible. Through photographs and storytelling, speakers tell recovery stories including how they now contribute to their communities and they give practical advice for how to support people in recovery.
“It’s a Family Affair”: Planters Christian Music Academy Celebrates Black History through Gospel Arts
Wednesday, February 24, 5-8 pm | Stetson
Join the celebration in honor of February Black History Month!
Gettin’ Around New Haven
Thursday, February 25, 5 pm | Fair Haven
Want to learn how to get around New Haven and surrounding areas affordably? Don’t have a car and confused by the buses? Join us at the Fair Haven Library where our bus expert Denis DeMartin teaches you how to get to anywhere you need to go.
Buying Online Workshop
Thursday, February 25, 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. Hablamos Español.
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. Borrow it and join the conversation!
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. Ravenna is joined by flutist Elaina Thoma and Neal Fitzpatrick on guitar.
Film Screenings & Discussions
Film Screening & Discussion with David Pilot
Saturday, February 13, 2-5 pm | Ives
Filmmaker, writer, producer and director David Pilot has returned to his roots. David celebrates his creative birthplace in an entertaining afternoon, screening his short film Laundroma, selections from his full-length documentary feature: Skin in the Game, and from his episodic series Saving Manhattan, featuring Amy Poehler. David will discuss his ongoing work with fellow writers, actors, and local artists.
Black History Month Film Series
Strange Fruit
Saturday, February 6, 2 pm | Wilson
Running time: 118 minutes
Strange Fruit is the first documentary exploring the history and legacy of this renowned Billie Holiday song. While many assume Strange Fruit was written by Holiday herself, it actually began as a poem by a Jewish schoolteacher and union activist from the Bronx, motivated and disturbed to write after seeing a photograph of a lynching. The stark verse was published in 1938 under the pseudonym Lewis Allan.
Freedom Riders
Saturday, February 13, 2 pm | Wilson
Running time: 120 minutes
Directed by Stanley Nelson, the 2010 documentary is based in part on the book Freedom Riders: 1961 and the Struggle for Racial Justice by historian Raymond Arsenault. The film chronicles the story behind hundreds of civil rights activists called Freedom Riders who challenged the racial segregation in the American South.
The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975
Saturday, February 20, 2 pm | Wilson
Running time: 100 minutes
Directed by Göran Olsson, this 2011 documentary examines the Black Power Movement in the U.S. from 1967-1975. It features the found footage shot by a group of Swedish journalists (discovered some 30 years later) along with commentaries and interviews from leading contemporary African-American artists, activists, musicians and scholars.
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. The film will be followed by a conversation with Jacinto Lirola, our longstanding contributor on European Art, History and Politics.
Glance at the World through Film Series
Tall as the Baboab 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.”
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 January Books…
What is the New Haven community reading? Check out our list of the most popular books borrowed in January! Visit our catalog and add one of these to your reading list!
Cross Justice by James Patterson
Rogue Lawyer by John Grisham
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
A Moment of Silence by Sister Souljah
Murder House by James Patterson
Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee
Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Between the World and Me by Ta Nehsi Coates
Naughtier than Nice by Eric Jerome Dickey
Tricky Twenty-two: A Stephanie Plum Novel by Janet Evanovich
Keep an eye out for these upcoming February releases!
Orphan X by Gregg Hurwitz
Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin
Portable Veblen by Elizabeth McKenzie
In Other Words by Jhumpa Lahiri
Queen of the Night by Alexander Chee
High Mountains of Portugal by Yann Martel
Arcadia by Iain Pears
NHFPL Galleries
Queens: Work by Alana Ladson
January 19-March 4 | Ives Gallery
Opening Reception: February 4, 6 pm
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.
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.
Inside NHFPL
Meet NHFPL’s Lore Lichtenberg
Lore came to public libraries via a circuitous route. After receiving a bachelors’ degree she spent nearly a decade in international student travel. Later Lore had a career in Commercial Property Management working for several companies in Fairfield County. Seeking a change, she ventured to serve in the Peace Corps (RPCV Guatemala 2001-3). Most recently Lore dabbled in teaching in the public school system however found the instructional opportunities at the public library more suited to her style.
1) What is your role at the New Haven Free Public Library?
As Library Technical Assistant, I see my primary role as maximizing customer service. This happens in many ways; behind the scenes working with the physical collection of books, DVDs and audio material to ensure they are easily accessible to all patrons as well as through direct public interaction assisting patrons in finding the next book or DVD they wish to enjoy. I find great satisfaction when after instruction and guidance patrons become independent and confident on the computer and other technical devises.
2) What do you enjoy most about working at NHFPL?
I most enjoy my daily patron interactions whether discussing what book or movie they enjoyed lately or learning their interest to recommend new titles that might tickle their fancy.
3) What book are you currently reading or is currently on your nightstand waiting to be picked up?
Being so occupied with work and other projects I find my cultural literacy lagging. This winter I am focused on catching up with the TV series, The Wire (still have Season 5 to view). In anticipation of my next trip, Lonely Planet Ireland has been downloaded to my tablet for those other free moments via Freading!
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
Beginning in late January 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 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!
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! (Computer Class in Spanish)
Tuesdays, 5-6 pm | Wilson
Learn the basics in this weekly computer class taught in Spanish.
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.
Events from Our Community
United States Navy Band Coming to New Haven!
Saturday, March 12, 7 pm | Woolsey Hall, Yale University
America’s Navy is coming to New Haven, Connecticut, one of 23 cities in 5 states to host a performance by the United States Navy Band during its 2016 tour — one of the Navy’s signature outreach programs.
The Navy Concert Band, the premier wind ensemble of the U.S. Navy, presents a wide array of marches, patriotic selections, orchestral transcriptions and modern wind ensemble repertoire. 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
Phil Rosenthal Live in Concert at NHFPL!
Coming in March!
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. Stay tuned for details!
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.
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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