Library Programs May 2012
Ancient Greeks/Modern Lives: A National Conversation
The Public Libraries of Saginaw will host a brand new free program series, “Ancient Greeks/Modern Lives: A National Conversation;” a major national humanities program traveling to 100 public libraries and art centers across America with a mission to inspire people to come together to read, see, and think about classical literature and how it continues to influence and invigorate American cultural life.
War is War. While the weapons, tactics and causes may change, war always takes a toll on the human psyche. In order to understand our own role in the conflicts of Afghanistan and Iraq in this series we look to the Ancient Greeks. Although divided from us by time, geography, and culture through their myths and poetry they articulate the complex social and psychological issues that war brings to any society. Join us for a series of book talks and lectures as we delve into the Classics including Homer and the playwright Sophocles.
Whether exploring the warrior, the returning veteran, or the waiting family, the Ancient Greeks and our Modern Lives share so much in common. Perhaps these ancient stories can still teach us about the human condition and point the way forward.
A lecture series, a classical Greek mask acting workshop, and a live staged reading by the Aquila Theatre combine to provide a dynamic program. This program unites the assets of the Aquila Theater Company of New York, the Urban Libraries Council, the American Philological Association, the Center for Ancient Studies at New York University and the Harvard Center for Hellenic Studies in Washington DC.
Registration is appreciated. Call 799-2771 to reserve your place.
Lecture Series May 12 & 19 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Zauel Library
Preschool Storytimes
For ages 3-5 years featuring stories, fingerplays, songs and fun for everyone! No registration required. Free.
May 4, 11, 18 & 25
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Zauel Library
Baffling Bill’s Magic Workshop
Students in grades 4 and up join Baffling Bill to learn feats of magic and sleight of hand. Students will be provided with an amazing bag of tricks that they can take home. This hands-on class is perfect for anyone interested in astounding their friends and family. Please register by calling or visiting the library.
Saturday, May 5
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Zauel Library
Philadelphia Sticky Buns Demo
Sandy Walke, local chef, will demonstrate how to make Philadelphia Sticky Buns. Teens and adults will receive professional tips on how to make these special sticky buns. Samples will be served. Registration is required.
Saturday, May 5
1:00 p.m.
Butman-Fish Library
I Love You, Mom!
Celebrate Mom with stories and a special Mother’s Day craft. For ages 7–10. Ages 6 and younger need an adult helper.
Saturday, May 5
2:30 p.m.
Hoyt Library
Scavenger Hunt for Tweens
Do you know your way around Wickes Library? Participate in an adventurous Scavenger Hunt and win some GREAT prizes! Follow the clues around the library to solve the puzzle at the end of your journey. Activity is for children ages 10-12.
Monday, May 7
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wickes Library
Madcap Puppets Return to Saginaw!
Professore Galileo and his giant puppets are returning to Saginaw to show off an amazing new invention that will allow everyone to gaze the moons of Jupiter, and learn that the Earth revolves around the Sun, and not the other way around! This magical ride on the Madcap Puppets “Solar Express” is FREE, and the evening is guaranteed to be full of laughter and fun that will inspire the imagination of children of all ages and their families.
Tuesday, May 8
6:30 p.m.
The Dow Event Center
Free Admission for the Entire Family
Community Literature Series
Discussion of the book “Weight of Heaven” by Thrity Umrigar.
Thursday, May 17
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Butman-Fish Library
Friends of the Public Libraries of Saginaw Annual Meeting
Join the Friends at the annual meeting with special guest Ric Mixter. Ric will present interesting highlights on his trips adventures. See many things through the lens of a camera from alligator hunting, to flying jets and bombers, and even diving for shipwrecks in the Great Lakes and oceans of the world.
Tuesday, May 15
7:00 p.m.
Butman Fish Library
Zauel Friends Book Sale
Friends Members Only Night
Wednesday, May 16 – 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Book Sale Open to Public
Thursday, May 17 – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, May 18 – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 19 – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fundamentals of Starting a Business
You have a passion … a hidden talent. Do you know what it takes to turn that skill into a successful business? This seminar is designed for individuals who are considering self-employment, or are at the beginning stages of starting a business. You will be introduced to the key characteristics of successful business ownership, and what it takes to start and run a thriving business. Plus, you will be provided with available resources to help launch new ventures in Michigan. Get focused, motivated and ready to go! Who should attend this seminar? Entrepreneurs, business owners, innovators, and ‘closet’ business owners. Cost: Free! Registration is encouraged, online at http://www.misbtdc.net/events.aspx, or by phone at 989-686-9597.
Thursday, May 24
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Hoyt Library
Family Game Night
Need a good place to bring the family for fun and games? Claytor Library will be hosting Family Game Night. From traditional board games to Wii racing, there will be a variety of different games families can play together. In appreciation to the families, the library will be entering names in a drawing to win a board game. All ages are welcome, a small snack will be provided.
Tuesday, May 22
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Claytor Library
Lego Club
Kids ages 7-12 are welcome to register by calling the library. Adult participation is encouraged.
Saturday, May 26
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Butman-Fish Library
eReader Workshop
We will demonstrate step-by-step how to use library ebooks through Overdrive on your device. Bring your eReader if you have one, if not several models will be available to try.
Thursday, May 31
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Butman-Fish Library
Save the Date
The 9th annual Jazz on Jefferson event will kick off with the Saginaw High marching band at 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6th and ends with a concert by Zarin-Taj beginning at 8:00 p.m. at First Congregational Church. You won’t want to miss the fun on Jefferson Avenue including the Hospitality tent at the Hoyt Library!
Digital Books at the Library
We know you want more digital books, but…
Sadly, a library cannot simply purchase an eBook in the same way a consumer would at Amazon or Barnes and Noble and then lend it out to people. The copyright doctrine of first sale, which allows libraries to purchase printed material from these companies, place it on the shelf, and lend it out, does not apply to digital items. So, while the Public Libraries of Saginaw would very much like to offer a wider selection of eBooks to our patrons; the publishers’ policies are preventing us from doing so.
The following companies currently refuse to sell or license eBooks to libraries:
• Macmillan Publishing
• Simon & Schuster
• Penguin Group
• Brilliance Audio
• Hachette Book Group
Additionally, Random House recently set up a new pricing structure for eBooks for libraries. They charge as much as triple the cost they charge retail consumers, making it impossible for us to purchase the quantity of eBooks we’d like.
Some other publishers will sell us a copy but only allow a limited number of check-outs before forcing us to buy another copy. HarperCollins is an example. In most cases, especially with best-sellers, the library simply can’t afford to keep purchasing copies.
If you have a favorite author who is published by one of these companies and you can’t find their eBooks on our site, it may be that we are simply unable to get the title you’d like or that we can’t afford it. If you’d like to see that changed, we encourage you to write or call the publishers to let them know what you think. For your convenience, the addresses are provided below.
Macmillan Publishing
75 Varick Street
New York, NY 10013
(212) 226-7521
customerservice@mpsvirginia.com
Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
(212) 698-7000
http://simonandschuster.com/about/contact_us
Hachette Book Group
466 Lexington Avenue #131
New York, NY 10017
(212) 364-1100
customer.service@hbgusa.com
Penguin Group
375 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 366-2000
ecommerce@us.penguingroup.com
Brilliance Audio
1704 Eaton Drive
Grand Haven, MI 49417
(616) 846-5256
libsales@brillianceaudio.com
HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-207-7000
orders@harpercollins.com
Random House , Inc.
1745 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
(212) 782-9000
ecustomerservice@randomhouse.com
Calling all Book Clubs!
In an effort to promote books and programs that might appeal to readers, we welcome You to register your book club with the library so you can receive important news like the One Book, One Community selection, visits by authors, and book lists. If you’d like to be included, please register using the form available on our web page, www.saginawlibrary.org under the Books and Readers Tab. If you have questions or would like further information, please email kwhite@saginawlibrary.org
