Library Events at Java Vino

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is providing several free programs in partnership with JavaVino, 424 Main St. in Downtown Racine.

• Local film enthusiasts are invited to attend Cultural Film Nights at JavaVino to preview some of the Racine Public Library's collection of intriguing foreign films. Appetizers, wine and coffee are available for purchase during the film. Participants are encouraged to then visit Downtown Racine's finest restaurants for dinner.
  
  The next film in the series will be shown on Saturday, April 11 at 5 p.m. This month's feature is "August the First," the story of an urban black family in the United States. The morning of main character Tunde's graduation party begins to unravel. Tunde has managed to alienate his sister, Simisola; is persistently criticized by his older brother, Ade; and watches helplessly as their mother begins drinking again. Unbeknownst to his family, Tunde has orchestrated the return of his long estranged father, resurrecting unresolved family anguish against the backdrop of Tunde's celebration. Layer by layer, deception and half-truths are peeled away as secrets are uncovered in what will be become the most unforgettable day the family has ever experienced.
  
  "August the First" directed by Lanre Olabisi is a multiple award winner taking Best Feature Film at the San Francisco Black Film Festival and Audience Award at the Urbanworld Film Festival. IndieWire calls the film, "A smart and engaging debut…..notable for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it portrays black middle-class Americans in a normal domestic crisis situation sans guns, drugs, dealers or pregnant teens...."
  
  Because these films are not rated, the Racine Public Library is unable to recommend them for children under age 17.
  

• Families of children ages 8 and younger are invited to spend select Saturday mornings with storytellers from the Racine Public Library at JavaVino's monthly Saturday Stories. The next storytelling event will be held April 18 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and will feature storytelling with a simple craft. Enjoy a relaxing morning of breakfast fun with your children. This is a free event and no registration is necessary.
  
  
• Teen and adult poetry enthusiasts are invited to attend the Racine Public Library's Poetry Roundtable, to enjoy a lively discussion of some of today's most intriguing poets. The group generally meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 12-2 p.m. at Java Vino, 424 Main St. These free events focus on contemporary American poetry, highlighting a different poet at each meeting. As a group, participants will read poetry excerpts, analyze them and discuss their significance in today's society. Individuals with varying levels of poetry experience are welcome.
  
  This month's poetry discussion will be held on the 2nd Saturday, April 11, 12-2 p.m. (Please note date change). The group will be exploring the works of poet K. Silem Mohammad whose work has been characterized as "Goofy, weird, beyond funny, wise…wicked."
  
  Poetry Roundtable is facilitated by Nick Demske, a local poet and employee of the Racine Public Library. Contact Nick at nick.demske@racinelibrary.info or visit the Poetry Roundtable page at racinelibrary.info for information about each month's selected poet,including interviews, criticisms, poetry and more.
  
  For more information about upcoming library programs, contact the library at 262.636.9217 or visit the library's blog atrplinfo.blogspot.com and website at racinelibrary.info.