Westfield Memorial Library Upcoming Events

Computer class--Genealogical Resources on the Internet - Wednesday, Mar 10 2010 10:00a

(Adult Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:19 GMT

If you have always wanted to research your family tree or find information on your ancestors, this is the class for you! This computer workshop will show you Ancestry.com and HeritageQuest Online, which are databases accessible at the Westfield Memorial Library.

Lego Club - Wednesday, Mar 10 2010 6:00p

(Childrens Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:19 GMT

Lego Club. Use your imagination to create wonderful Lego structures. Open to children in grades 1 through 5.

Dates: Wednesdays, March 10 through March 31, 6 - 7 p.m.
OR Thursdays, March 11 through April 1, 6-7 p.m.

Open to full-service Westfield Library card holders only.

Call the Youth Services Desk for registration. Registration begins Feb. 10th.

The Unknown Harriet Tubman - Wednesday, Mar 10 2010 7:00p

(Adult Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:19 GMT

*Most people know that Harriet Tubman led runaways to freedom on the Underground Railroad, but how did this illiterate ex-slave continually stage such audacious exploits right under the noses of the masters - and with a bounty on her head that would be worth more than $1 million nowadays? *Tubman was also one of the most popular public speakers of her day; a master spy for the Union, providing information that led directly to military victories; and a wartime nurse, reputed to have miraculous healing powers. *This original show created by the musical group Follow the Drinking Gourd makes the lifelong freedom fighter come alive through narrative, music, and images. The group - consisting of two singers and a pianist - appears in period-style garb and performs spirituals, those heartfelt songs created by African Americans during slavery, as well as Civil War tunes, with the pianist doubling on piccolo.

Lego Club - Thursday, Mar 11 2010 6:00p

(Childrens Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:19 GMT

MothUP - Favorites - Thursday, Mar 11 2010 7:00p

(Adult Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:19 GMT

The phenomenal success of NYC's The Moth has inspired this program for Westfield residents. Come and tell, or come and listen, to a story at this local version of 'The Moth'. 'The Moth' is a great event where people get up and tell stories based around a specific theme.Wanna-be storytellers should prepare a five-minute, true story on the posted theme. The evening will feature ten individuals (from the audience), picked randomly from a hat. All Moth stories are based on true-life experiences, and are told on in front of an audience, without notes, scripts or cheat sheets.
How it works:
* Our topic for the evening will be 'Favorites'. For example, do you have a story about a favorite pet, or favorite vacation, or favorite person? The story that you share should be a true, first person story. *At the beginning of the evening, everyone who has a story will put his or her name in a hat. We'll pick ten names and then each storyteller will have five minutes to share their story.
*Need more of an idea how this works? Go to the themoth.org. Listen to some stories and become inspired to share your own!

Here is some background on The Moth:
The Moth, a not-for-profit storytelling organization, was founded in New York in 1997 by poet and novelist George Dawes Green, who wanted to recreate in New York the feeling of sultry summer evenings on his native St. Simon's Island, Georgia, where he and a small circle of friends would gather to spin spellbinding tales on his friend Wanda's porch. After moving to New York, George missed the sense of connection he had felt sharing stories with his friends back home, and he decided to invite a few friends over to his New York apartment to tell and hear stories. Thus the first 'Moth' evening took place in his living room. Word of these captivating story nights quickly spread, and The Moth moved to bigger venues in New York. Today, The Moth conducts eight ongoing programs and has brought more than 3,000 live stories to over 100,000 audience members.

Jennifer Slaw, Juggler - Saturday, Mar 13 2010 10:30a

(Childrens Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:19 GMT

Jennifer Slaw, Juggler.

Professional juggler extraordinaire Jennifer Slaw will delight and instruct. For ages 4 and older, with parents.
Children must have their own full-service Westfield Library card. Absolutely must be age 4 or older. Thanks to the generous Friends of the Westfield Memorial Library for sponsoring this event. Pre-registration required, since space is limited. Each person attending must register.

Kim Yarson- Songwriters in the Round - Saturday, Mar 13 2010 2:00p

(Adult Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:19 GMT

Kim Yarson presents a Songwriters-in-the-round program showcasing the original music of local notable songwriters as well as her own creations. The performers will share the story behind their songs and then sing them acoustically.

Friends Gaston Award and Guitarist Phillip Lester - Sunday, Mar 14 2010 2:00p

(Adult Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:19 GMT

Longtime Westfield resident and Co-President of the Friends of the Westfield Memorial Library, Linnea Rhodes, will receive the prestigious Kenneth S. Gaston Award for her immense contributions to the Westfield Library. Mrs. Rhodes has been involved with the Friends for many years and has been instrumental in the developement of the library's highly successful museum pass program. She is also an accomplished artist working in watercolors and oils. Her work can be found at the Artist's Framer in Cranford among other places.

In celebration of the event guitarist Phillip Lester will perform Early American Music.
Phillip Lester is an acoustic / classical guitarist, composer, and recording artist. His compositions for fingerstyle guitar incorporate music of many traditions including, folk, Spanish, oriental, jazz, and new acoustic impressionism. Both nylon string classical and steel string acoustic guitars are used in his performances to bring to life the music of several centuries as well as his own compositions. Phillip brings an orchestral approach to his solo guitar style. His idiosyncratic fingering makes the instrument sound like two guitars instead of one. From San Diego, California, he began to play the guitar at the age of 12. After several years as a a lead guitarist in rock bands, Phillip began to study solo classical guitar. In 1980, he developed a program to introduce college students to the majestic sound of the classical guitar. The Artistry of the Guitar was first presented in residence halls throughout the University of Florida and was received with tremendous enthusiasm. In the Spring and summer of 1981 Mr. Lester attended Master classes taught by Christopher Parkening and Andres Segovia. In the summer of 1990 he studied with Windham Hill guitarist, Alex De Grassi. His other musical influences include Earl Klugh, Chet Atkins, George Winston, and Andrew York

Monday Afternoon at the Opera - Monday, Mar 15 2010 1:00p

(Adult Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:19 GMT

The Westfield Adult School will host 'Monday Afternoon at the Opera.' Please contact the Westfield Adult School to register. Westfield Adult School
P.O. Box 606
Westfield, NJ 07091
(908) 232-4050
adultschool@westfieldnj.com

Twenty-Five Businesses You Can Start With Little or No Money' - Monday, Mar 15 2010 7:00p

(Adult Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:19 GMT

*Originally planned for February, but was cancelled due to the snowstorm* SCORE will be presenting a program: 'Twenty-Five Businesses You Can Start With Little or No Money' this evening. 'I've lost my job and want to start my own business, but I don't have much money. What can I do?'
SCORE counselors have heard this refrain many, many times in the past year. It is a myth that you have to have lots of money to start a business. There are many businesses you can start with little or no money. Buck Buchanan, a veteran SCORE counselor who has started two successful businesses, will discuss how you can start a business with little or no money. He will also discuss the characteristics of people who succeed in business compared to the characteristics of people who fail. He will also discuss the five steps absolutely necessary for success, and how successful companies differ from unsuccessful companies.

Computer class--Email Basics - Tuesday, Mar 16 2010 10:00a

(Library Staff) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:19 GMT

Email basics

Great Decisions - Global Crime - Tuesday, Mar 16 2010 1:00p

(Adult Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:19 GMT

Do you love to learn about and discuss important current world issues? Join this class for thought provoking discussions about issues facing our society today. Great Decisions, established in 1954 by the Foreign Policy Association fpa.org, is the longest running civic education program in the U.S. dedicated to foreign affairs. View PBS broadcasts and discuss global issues shaping U.S. foreign policy and the world. Briefing books provide historical background and tabulated opinion ballots are shared with the White House, Congress, Departments of State and Defense, the press and the public. This course is co-sponsored with the Westfield Memorial Library. For the convenience of our students, the class will be offered in the afternoon and in the evening. The 8 week class includes the briefing book, an $18 value.

Great Decisions, 8 Week Session $64.00
Individual Sessions $10 each
(Students can also register at the class)
8 Tuesdays
3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 4/6, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11
Westfield Memorial Library, 550 E. Broad St.
Register by either calling the Adult School at (908) 232-4050, online at www.westfieldadultschool.com, or in person on the day of the class.

Great Decisions - Global Crime - Tuesday, Mar 16 2010 7:00p

(Adult Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:19 GMT

Friend's Book Discussion Group - Wednesday, Mar 17 2010 2:00p

(Adult Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:19 GMT

The Friends of the Library will discuss the book 'The Commoner' by John Burnham Schwartz. All are welcome to attend Library Journal Review: Inspired by real stories of the Japanese imperial family, Schwartz's (Reservation Road; Bicycle Days) intimate and striking novel fictionalizes the life of Haruko, empress of Japan, who narrates a touching and complicated tale of breaking traditions and facing the reality of living as royalty. Raised in an upper-class family, Haruko attends private school and plays tennis at the nearby country club. In 1959, she is selected as the first nonaristocratic woman to marry into the Japanese monarchy, which she discovers to be an oppressive world of mysterious rules and regulations. The strains caused by constant breaches in protocol and betrayals by the royal family and the staff cause Haruko to suffer a nervous breakdown and lose her voice. But she soon recovers with a new view of her duties and responsibilities. Thirty years later, Haruko is now the empress, and she faces the duty of marrying her son to a young woman who is a rising star in the foreign ministry. While she persuades the modern commoner to accept her son's proposal, Haruko also tries to right the wrongs of her past, with tragic results. With a strong narrative voice and well-researched historical background, this is strongly recommended for all fiction collections.

Lego Club - Wednesday, Mar 17 2010 6:00p

(Childrens Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:19 GMT

Lego Club - Thursday, Mar 18 2010 6:00p

(Childrens Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:20 GMT

Computer class--Introduction to Google Docs - Thursday, Mar 18 2010 7:00p

(Adult Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:20 GMT

If you are frustrated with Microsoft Office tools, this class will help you learn Google's free, Internet-based alternatives to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Please have an email address (need not be Gmail) to take part in this class.

**Must have keyboard and mouse skills to attend this class!**

Grupo Ã±: Spanish-language storytime - Saturday, Mar 20 2010 10:30a

(Library Staff) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:20 GMT

Spanish-language storytime for Spanish-speaking families with children age 6 and younger.

All stories, songs and activities are in Spanish; no English is spoken.

Time: 10:30-11:15
Dates: January 16, February 20, March 20 and April 24.

Teen Writers - Sunday, Mar 21 2010 3:00p

(Teen Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:20 GMT

Be creative, and improve your writing technique, by taking part in some fun activites and writing exercises that are sure to inspire you. Open to high school students (Grades 9 through 12). Bring your curiosity and an open mind. Materials and refreshments provided. Time: 3 to 4:30 p.m. Dates: Sundays, February 21, February 28, March 7, March 21 and March 28. No session March 14. Instructor: Jonathan Dickstein.

Great Decisions - U.S. - China Security Relations - Tuesday, Mar 23 2010 1:00p

(Adult Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:20 GMT

Great Decisions - U.S. - China Security Relations - Tuesday, Mar 23 2010 7:00p

(Adult Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:20 GMT

Lego Club - Wednesday, Mar 24 2010 6:00p

(Childrens Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:20 GMT

Wine for the Holidays - Wednesday, Mar 24 2010 7:00p

(Library Staff) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:20 GMT

Wine is often a fixture on the holiday dinner table. As guests, we like to bring the gift of wine to our hosts and hostesses. How do we know what to bring? What pairs well with Easter dinner or a Passover seder...particularly if we don't know the menu before we arrive? And what if the host is a real wine connoisseur? What can we bring him or her that will duly impress without breaking the bank? Come hear Mark Censits, founder of CoolVines wine and spirits shop, with a location right here in downtown Westfield, provide helpful guidance in dealing with these questions, which should be fun, not stressful opportunities to enjoy one of the finer things in life....wine.

Computer Class--Shopping resources on the Internet - Thursday, Mar 25 2010 10:00a

(Adult Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:20 GMT

If you love to shop, want to find unique items, or are always looking for a bargain, this NEW class is for you! The hands-on class will explore various online shopping resources, and discuss comparison shopping and security.

**Must have keyboard and mouse skills to attend this class**

If you sign up, but cannot attend, please call the reference department at 908-789-4090 ext 6 to cancel.

Lego Club - Thursday, Mar 25 2010 6:00p

(Childrens Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:20 GMT

Cirkus - Tuckers Tales Puppet Theatre - Saturday, Mar 27 2010 10:30a

(Childrens Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:20 GMT

Tuckers' Tales Puppet Theatre.
Cirkus combines a lively puppet variety show format with lovable circus characters.

For children age 4 and older, with parents. Children must have their own full-service Westfield Library card. Absolutely must be age 4 or older. Thanks to the generous Friends of the Westfield Memorial Library for sponsoring this event. Pre-registration required, since space is limited. Each person attending must register. Sign-ups begin January 23rd.

Teen Writers - Sunday, Mar 28 2010 3:00p

(Teen Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:20 GMT

Tafari Animal Tales - Monday, Mar 29 2010 10:30a

(Childrens Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:20 GMT

Storyteller Benjamin Brown leads an amazing journey through Africa using folktales, movement and song. All ages invited. Open to full-service Westfield Library card holders only.

Monday Afternoon at the Opera - Monday, Mar 29 2010 1:00p

(Adult Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:20 GMT

Foreign Film-Counterfeiters - Wednesday, Mar 31 2010 2:00p

(Adult Department) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:26:20 GMT

The Counterfeiters (German: Die FÃ¤lscher) is a 2007 Austrian-German film written and directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky. It fictionalizes Operation Bernhard, a secret plan by the Nazis during the Second World War to destabilize the United Kingdom by flooding its economy with forged Bank of England currency. The film centers on a Jewish counterfeiter, Salomon 'Sally' Sorowitsch, who is coerced into assisting the Nazi operation at the Sachsenhause concentration camp. The film is based on a memoir written by Adolf Burger, a Jewish Slovak typographer who was imprisoned in 1942 for forging baptismal certificates to save Jews from deportation, and later interned at Sachsenhausen to work on Operation Bernhard. Ruzowitsky consulted closely with Burger through almost every stage of the writing and production. The film won the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar at the 80th Academy Awards in 2008. (German, 98 minutes, Rated R)