The Alameda Free Library’s Community Reads event is here again! The program: Across the Pages, is designed to encourage Alamedans to all read the same book and participate in discussions around that book. Last year I believe the book was Bee Season and this year the library folks are going with a theme rather than an actual book: Mystery.
The Library has scheduled film showings, book discussions, and mystery author meets and greets all around this larger theme. And even more fun, it sounds like there will be a “dinner theatre” type murder myster game for the kiddies.
Here is the schedule of events:
- Thurs. March 5, 7-8 p.m. Book Discussion: Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett. All ages. Main Library.
- Sun. March 8, 5 p.m. Film. Death Note: The last name. Teens and Adults. Main Library.
- Tues. March 10, 7 p.m. Q and A the Mystery Author, Hailey Lind. All Ages. Main Library.
- Wed. March 11, 6 p.m. CSI program with the Alameda Police Department. All Ages. Main Library.
- Thurs. March 12, 6 p.m. Film. Maltese Falcon. Adults and Teens. Main Library.
- Tues. March 17, 7 p.m. Q and A the Mystery Author, Simon Wood. All Ages. Main Library.
- Sat. March 21, 3 p.m. Murder in the Library: Anyone’s Guess, JR. Sign ups begin March 3. For more information call 510-747-7705. Grades 3-5. Main Library.
- Sun. March 22, 5 p.m. Film. Nancy Drew. Rated PG. For families. Main Library.
- Tues. March 24, 7 p.m. Q and A the Mystery Author, Kelli Stanley. All Ages. Main Library.
- Tues. March 31, 7 p.m. Q and A the Mystery Author, Michelle Gagnon. All Ages. Main Library .
- Fri. April 3, 7:30 – 9 p.m. Murder in the Library. Tickets will be available March 3. For more information call or visit the Reference Desk, 510-747-7713. Adults. Main Library.
- Sat. April 4, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Murder in the Library: Anyone’s Guess. Sign ups begin March 3. For more information call, 510-747-7767. Grades 6-9. West End Library.
- Sun. April 5, 5 p.m. Film. Clue. Rated PG. For families. Main Library.
- Tues. April 7, 7 p.m. Q and A the Mystery Author, Dana Fredsti. All Ages. Main Library.
- Wed. April 8, 7 p.m. Q and A the Mystery Author, Cara Black. All Ages. Main Library.
On a side note, I’m going to disable the threaded comments, it appears that more people hate it and are apathetic to it than like it, so why futz with it. Thanks to everyone for voting (even those of you that voted multiple times) next time remember, taking polls is on the honor system, so no multiple voting.
Before we hear from the usual suspects that Alameda can’t afford to have these programs at the library, I shall solve the mystery. The Friends of the Library, which, through volunteers, raises money by its twice yearly book sales, the library cafe, etc. is helping to fund these programs. Case closed!
And guess what, all you grumblers – you too can volunteer in all kinds of practical ways to make Alameda a better place! Try joining the Friends or some other group that does positive, practical work to enrich our community. So much more soul-satisfying than just complaining about how terrible everything is.
Comment by Kate Quick — February 24, 2009 @ 7:39 am
Quick’s, grumbling about grumblers again. This town’s fine/terrible enough without busybodies always running around trying to fix what’s (not) broken.
Comment by Jack Richard — February 24, 2009 @ 8:28 am
#1 “And guess what, all you grumblers – you too can volunteer…”
Why do you assume that only you, Kate, volunteer your time to help others? I volunteer my time, and I suspect many of the other commenters here do as well.
Comment by Susan — February 24, 2009 @ 8:36 am
Right on, Lauren! (thanks for nixing the comments!)
Right on, Susan and all us volunteers (of all shapes, colors and sizes!)
Right on Library!
I love our Library’s programs–they do a wonderful job providing fun and interesting ways for people of all ages to love books and reading.
Comment by E T — February 24, 2009 @ 10:54 am
Susan, whoever said I didn’t think that others volunteered? I know that many, many do, and all of them, including you, should be honored for whatever contribution they make.
However, there are a few who seem to just like to criticize and doom and gloom, and maybe for them a little volunteerism would improve their outlook on what is possible to achieve. I certainly don’t think it would hurt, and we need to give them encouragement to do something positive.
Comment by Kate Quick — February 24, 2009 @ 5:48 pm
#5 Kate:
I heartily concur with the encouragement angle; I interpreted your #1 more along the lines of condemnation.
best regards,
Susan
Comment by Susan — February 24, 2009 @ 7:35 pm
Am I allowed to comment or do I have to leave my volunteering-in-Alameda bona fides first? Because if that’s not the case, I just wanted to thank Lauren for getting the word out on this. I’m super-excited about participating.
Comment by Lisa S. — February 24, 2009 @ 9:24 pm
Volunteers bug the crap out of me.
Comment by GrumbleBunny — February 24, 2009 @ 10:08 pm
I’d like to volunteer w/ the Alameda Museum. Can somebody recommend a person I could contact? I’ve tried in various ways already but w/ no luck on getting a response. Thanks.
Comment by DL Morrison — February 25, 2009 @ 11:48 am
Have you gone over to the museum when it’s open and asked someone working there?
Also–there is a talk at the museum tomorrow (2/26).It starts at 7:00 p.m. “Musing on Modernism” by local author Richard Night, whose book is Saarinen’s Quest. He’ll be joined by architect, Pierluigi Serraino.
(Free for museum members, $5 for others.)
Check alameda-museum.org
Comment by RM — February 25, 2009 @ 7:46 pm
Yes, I did go to the museum, in fact it was the first thing I did, with no luck. I looked thru their website also, and called the number for volunteers, still no luck. Then I was given an email address to contact, and got no response. Maybe I should write a letter to the editor, or erect a sign outside the museum.
Comment by DL Morrison — February 26, 2009 @ 12:20 pm
Re 10:
Sadly Richard Knight will not be able to be there as he has passed out of this world. Mr. Serraino is the architect and author of a 2005 book on Saarinen, and writer of the Afterword for Mr. Knight’s book.
Comment by Kevis Brownson — February 26, 2009 @ 5:26 pm
#12 Yes, thank you. You’re right, Richard Knight died in December. However, his wife, Judith Lynch is a major supporter of the museum and sponsor of the speaker series.
Richard was there in spirit, and
Judith had a life size poster of Obama there (wearing a suit and tie), but with Richard’s face on it.
It was particularly dear, because of Richard’s sense of humor and style–he was not fond of ties.
The speaker tonight was very good.
There’s a presentation of some sort every third Thursday of the month. Everyone is welcome.
I think the best way to volunteer at the museum is to go over there, fill out a membership form, and talk with the docents working there when you get there.
They are always looking for volunteers.
Comment by RM — February 26, 2009 @ 9:00 pm