Adult Wii Gaming Returns to the Library

Back by popular demand, the Racine Public Library is once again offering weekly sessions of adult Wii gaming on Thursdays from 10am-12pm beginning July 22-Aug 26. Adults may drop in during the open game time to play a variety of fun competition in Wii Sport or Wii Play.

Whether you're a beginner who's always wanted to try it, or an experienced player looking for some friendly competition, these events offer gaming in a relaxed and social atmosphere. Group instruction on how to use the equipment will take place promptly at 10am with open gaming beginning at 10:15. The gaming days are free and open to all. No registration is necessary. Questions may be directed to the Racine Public Library at 262.636.9245.

The Library received Wii video gaming equipment as part of a state LSTA grant in 2008. Since that time the library has offered a variety of open gaming events and tournaments for people of all ages.

Libraries began offering video game experiences as a way to bring the community together in an entertaining way. According to the American Library Association, "Board games, card games, and video games are, in essence, information, and part of the human act of telling stories, presented in new formats that involve the player. Games fulfill a library's mission to provide cultural, recreational, and entertaining experiences to all its patrons..."

Read and Win! Summer Reading Challenge and Events Begin June 19 at the Racine Public Library

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St, is launching is 2010 Summer Reading Challenge for ALL ages beginning Saturday, June 19 and running through Saturday, July 31. Registration may be done after June 19 at any public service desk at the main or mobile library, as well as on the library's website at www.racinelibrary.info. Participants of all ages, once registered, will be given a reading record and asked to complete a challenge: either to read a specified number of books or to read for a specific amount of time. Once the challenge is completed, reading records are turned in to the main or mobile library, and participants receive a gift and an entry into the library's grand prize drawing. A library card is not needed for participation in the reading challenge, although one is recommended so that full use may be made of the library's many resources. Library cards for all ages are available for free by completing a simple registration form. Forms may be obtained from any library information desk or at the mobile library.

In addition to the reading challenge, the library will be celebrating summer reading through its series of special events. The following programs will offer something of interest to all ages.

Early Childhood Storytimes begin June 22 and will be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10am in the Youth Services Dept. Two different age appropriate programs are held simultaneously to accommodate different learning levels. Both programs are designed to teach crucial early literacy skills. Children ages 1-3 are invited to sit with their parents in a 20 minute storytime featuring songs, fingerplay, and short stories. Children ages 4-5 who are able to sit independently are invited to attend a longer preschool storytime offering more complex stories and activities. These are drop-in events and no registration is needed to attend.

Make a Splash! summer programs are designed for kids ages 5-10. The library is offering the following opportunities for kids to experience music, stories, and other fun activities. Some registration is required as listed below. For more information or to register call the Youth Services Department at 262.636.9245.

• Storywagon Series - This series of performances by professional entertainers is held on Thursdays at 10 am and 1:30 pm inthe Youth Services Dept. Thursday, June 24 will feature the musical fun of Pint Size Polkas; Thursday, July 1 the library hosts dramatic demonstrations in "Get Excited About Science" with Steve Bellevue; on Thursday, July 15 Bassmeister Curt Strutz will send you into side-splitting laughter with his Fishing Comedy Show. All programs are free and no registration is necessary.
  
  
• Family Fun Nights - Special activity nights for families looking for some quality time together. Programs are held once a month on Thursday evenings at 6:30pm; registration is required. June 24 families will spend time with the Master Gardener's Club learning all about growing your own family garden. July 22, families are invited to participate in a game night with board games, Wii gaming, and some fun group games. August 26, the library will host a family "End of Summer Pity Party".
  
  
• Make a Splash Activity Days - Story and activity days are held weekly on Tuesdays at 2:30pm. Registration is required. Themes vary weekly with such topics as Water Science, Pirate Parties, and Outdoor Water Games.
  
  
• Ruff Readers - The library's award-winning read-to-the-dogs program continues over the summer. Kids ages 6-12 are invited to spend 15 minutes reading to one of our specially-trained listening dogs. This is a relaxed and fun way for kids to practice reading over the summer. Participants may drop-in during the reading times or may call 262.636.9245 to reserve a time slot. The following schedule begins June 21:
• Mondays @ 10:30am : Dewey or Daisy
• Mondays @ 4pm: Hobbs
• Tuesdays @ 1pm: Lucy
• Tuesdays @ 4:30pm: Bowie
• Thursdays @ 4:30: Marshall & Epstein
  

Make Waves! is the library's series of activity days just for teens ages 11-17. These programs are held on Mondays at 2:30pm. Registration is required and space is limited for some of the events. Call 262.636.9245 for more information or to register. The following is a schedule of upcoming events:

- June 28 - Water Your Imagination with cool science experiments and creative art activities
- July 12 - Beach Bum Day - Join us for beach games, crafts, and a community service cleanup at North Beach.
- July 19 - (Tentative) Kayaking and Orienteering at REC on Sixth St. Space is limited.
- July 26 - Water Wars - Outdoor water games.


Water Your Mind! just for adults. Summer fun isn't just for the kids! The library has created some interesting and thought-provoking entertainment just for grownups. Some registration is required as listed below. Call the library at 262.636.9245 for more information.

• Watercolor Workshop - Thursday, July 1 at 10am. - Our friends from RAM will lead you through a hands-on mini watercolor project. Supplies provided. Registration is required as space is limited.
  
  
• Great Lakes Diving Adventure - Friday, July 2 at 11:15am and 3:00pm. - A presentation by a mother/son duo who have explored shipwrecks in many of the Great Lakes and throughout the world. They'll be introducing us to diving history, equipment, safety and what's to be found in our own watery backyard. No registration necessary.
  
  
• Protecting Our Local Waterways - Thursday, July 15 at 6:30pm (tentative)- A presentation by the Root River Environmental Center about water conservation, watershed projects, and the REC's role in the Root River revival. No registration necessary.
  

• Sierra Club Presentation - Thursday, July 22 at 6:30pm - This local environmental group presents intriguing and educational programs. Join us as they explore practical ways you can help to protect our valuable natural resources. No registration necessary.

• Wii Gaming for Adults - Tutorial Days on Thursday June 1 & July 8 at 10am; Game Days on Thursdays beginning July 22 from 10-noon. Come have some fun with this popular active video game experience in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere! Drop in only; no registration.

All of the above programs are free and open to all. Dates and times may be subject to change. Visit the library's website (racinelibrary.info) or call 262.636.9245 to confirm events.

The library is also offering two free concerts for all ages.

Geneva Red Harmonica Blues Concert - Monday, June 21 at 6:00pm - World renowned Blues Harmonica player Geneva Red will give an introduction to America's Blues music through performance by her juke joint duo The Original Delta Fireballs. This is a hands on harmonica workshop for participants. Bring your own harmonicas if possible (a 10 hole diatonic harmonica in the key of C is needed); the library has a limited number available for use. Call 262.636.9245 if you plan on attending.

Comedy Juggler Steve Russell - Monday, August 2 at 6:30pm - In this slightly off-center variety show, you get all the laughs of a stand-up comedian with the added bonus of disappearing bananas, impaled potatoes and adeptly juggled luncheon meat. Lots of laughs, fun and surprises for ALL ages. Free; no registration necessary.

For more information and a complete listing of summer programs, visit the library's website at www.racinelibrary.info or call 262.636.9245.

Adult Programs at the Racine Public Library

ADULT PROGRAMS AT THE RACINE PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is offering several programs of interest to adults over the next few weeks. All programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required for all, as seating is limited. To reserve a seat, call 262.636.9217.

Reverse Mortgage Seminars
If you are a homeowner age 62 years or older, the Racine Public Library has an opportunity for you to meet with a trained and certified reverse mortgage consultant to learn how to convert the equity in your home into tax-free proceeds. The Library will host two seminars on Wednesdays, February 17 and March 17, at 10:30 am in the Library's Lee room. The programs will be presented by Dan Scerpella, a Reverse Mortgage Consultant for MetLife Bank.

Reverse Mortgages are a relatively new financial planning tool and many people have questions about the advantages and disadvantages, associated costs, and how the process works. Your reverse mortgage proceeds can be used to eliminate your existing mortgage, meet daily or monthly expenses, cover healthcare expenses, remodel or repair your home, and reduce credit card debt, among others. This educational talk will answer many common questions and can help you determine if this tool is right for you.

Dan Scerpella is the MetLife Reverse Mortgage Consultant for Southeastern Wisconsin. He is a lifelong resident of Wisconsin and has been involved in banking and lending for 18 years.


Architectural Spotlight Series: Frank Lloyd Wright
The Library is hosting a series of programs covering a wide range of work by Frank Lloyd Wright and other architects presented by architectural historian Frank Landi. Landi's extensive collection of unique photographs,and his mathematical and poetic approach to the topic will provide interesting insight into this well-known artist.

The following topics remain in the series:

Frank Lloyd Wright: Unfamiliar Places - Thursday, Feb. 25 - 6:30pm
This program explores 13 of Mr. Wright's famous and some not so famous buildings.

The Architecture of Louis Sullivan - Thursday, Mar. 11 - 6:30 pm
This program explores the architecture of "Poet Architect" Louis Sullivan, one of Chicago's most famous architects and mentor to Frank Lloyd Wright.

Architectural historian Frank Landi has built an extensive photographic collection of buildings designed by famous architects. Having taught science and mathematics for 35 years, Landi has developed unique programs relating geometry to architecture. He has presented his programs to national, local, and state conferences, and has been a guest speaker at the Chicago Architecture Foundation lecture series. Landi is also a regular presenter at many libraries in Wisconsin.

For more information about these and other opportunities offered by the Racine Public Library, visit the library's website at www.racinelibrary.info, or subscribe to the library's blog at rplinfo@blogspot.com. To register for the programs listed, please call 262.636.9217.

Authors, Musicians and More Cross-Pollinate at BONK!

The next event in the Racine Public Library's "BONK!" performance series will take place on Saturday, April 25 at 6 p.m. at Blueberries restaurant, 418 Sixth St. in Racine. This month's BONK! will feature performances from poet Stephen Kalmar, musician Chris Marvin, spoken word artist Dasha Kelly, and comedian TP Lucas.

Created to expose the public to both local and nationally recognized artistic talents, the series showcases poets, writers, musicians, film makers and all sorts of talents in between. A completely free program, doors open at 5:30 p.m. with seating available on a first come/first served basis. Blueberries restaurant offers food and drink to be purchased at the events. Each BONK! event features a short question and answer session with the artists at the end of the performances.

Dasha Kelly is an accomplished writer, performer and public speaker: She has written for magazines such as Upscale, Black Enterprise and Milwaukee; her narrative essays appear regularly online including OnMilwaukee.com; her 2003 novel, All Fall Down, earned her a place in Written Word Magazine as one of the Top Ten Up-and-Coming Writers of the Midwest; she performed on the season six premiere of HBO presents Russell Simmons' Def Poetry Jam; she has released four recordings of her poems; her commissioned one-woman show, Anthems for Grown Folks, is being developed into a traveling production; and she works extensively as a keynote and motivational speaker. Dasha is working on a second novel and recently released a collection of poems, essays and short stories with Penmanship Books called Hershey Eats Peanuts. Locally, she is founder and director of Still Waters Collective, an outreach initiative utilizing creative writing as tool to build new models of leadership and empowerment. For more information visit her website at dashakelly.com.

TP Lucas has been in the comedy game both on and off the stage for more than 16 years, working with some of stand-ups hottest stars, including Damon Williams, Sommore, Shawn Morgan, and Chastisy Washington among others. Lucas has been a pioneer in the development of Midwest urban comedy, booking sell-out shows throughout Wisconsin. He currently runs the only full service entertainment company in Wisconsin, 3-M.C. ENTERTAINMENT, working to launch national careers for local talent. His current performance schedule can be found at myspace.com/racinecomedy.

Kelly and Lucas will be joined on stage by Stephen Kalmar, who will share his poetry, and by Chris Marvin, a local musician who has been featured in several performances at the 716 Gallery in Kenosha and other venues.

Local artists and performers are encouraged to consider sharing their talent/craft with the community via the BONK! series. For more information on how to participate or to view past performances, visit bonkperformanceseries.wordpress.com. You may also contact the Racine Public Library at 262.619.2571, Becky Spika at becky.spika@racinelibrary.info, or Nick Demske at nick.demske@racinelibrary.info.

Adult Wii Gaming at the Library

The Racine Public Library's popular Wii Gaming Days for adults will resume meeting on the first and third Wednesdays of each month beginning January 7, 2009. The open gaming days will run from 10 a.m. to noon in the Library's Lee Room. All gaming events are free and time slots for gaming are available on a first come/first served basis. No registration is necessary.

Wii game play is available in Wii Play, Wii Sport. Beginners are welcome; no experience is necessary. Library staff will be on hand to help players navigate the system and learn gaming techniques.

For questions about the Wii gaming events, participants should call the library at 262.636.9245. The purchase of the Wii Gaming equipment was made possible through a Library Services and Technology Act grant awarded to several Southeastern Wisconsin Library systems.

LIBRARY HOSTS RACISM MOVIE AND DISCUSSION

The community is invited to attend another program in the "Coming Together Racine" series of movie screenings and discussions about racism and race relations at the Racine Public Library on Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 5:30 p.m (NOTE: new time, due to change in library's hours). The library will be showing the film, Bread and Roses.

Directed by Ken Loach and starring Pilar Padilla, Adrien Brody, and Elpidia Carrillo (who won an ALMA award for her performance), this film is about undocumented service workers. Maya arrives at the LA home of her older sister Rosa after crossing the border without papers. Rosa gets Maya a job as a janitor. A non-union janitorial service has the contract, a foul-mouthed supervisor can fire workers on a whim, and the service-workers' union has assigned organizer Sam Shapiro to bring its "justice for janitors" campaign to the building. The workers try for public support; management intimidates workers to divide and conquer. Rosa and Maya as well as workers and management may be set to collide.

A member of Coming Together Racine will facilitate a discussion of the movie after the screening. Participants are encouraged to bring a brown bag supper. The series is cosponsored by Coming Together Racine and the Racine Public Library and is funded by the library's Alma Boernke Endowment Fund.

Coming Together Racine is a 501(c)3 organization developed in response to community needs identified at a Town Hall Meeting on February 25, 2005. At the event it was determined that a greater effort is needed in the Racine community to eliminate the barriers preventing equal voice and access to community resources. In response to the results from the Town Hall Meeting a community-wide committee, The Committee to Eliminate Racism, was formed. In September 2005, after assessing the Racine community's needs, the Committee to Eliminate Racism submitted an application to become an affiliate of the Coming Together Project, and in February 2006 was approved as Coming Together Racine.

Coming Together Racine will work to:

• Promote racial harmony in the community;
• Educate community members on racism and its effects on people and the community; and
• Bring people together to foster awareness and appreciation of people of all cultures.
  

To achieve these goals the Committee will provide opportunities for members of the Racine community to dialogue, explore, learn, and strategize around racism. This movie is one of a series of events designed to engage Racine in discussion.

Library Cultural Film Screening @ Java Vino

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., offers a vast selection of the award-winning cultural films. Join fellow film enthusiasts to preview some of this collection as JavaVino, 424 Main St., hosts free screenings on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 5-7 p.m. JavaVino offers appetizers, wine and coffee for purchase during the film. Participants are encouraged to then visit Downtown Racine's finest restaurants for dinner.

September's film selection is Hawaii, Oslo, a film from Norway, directed by Erik Poppe. Five stories of love are interwoven in Oslo, during the hottest day of the year. Touching the lives of each story's characters is Vidor, who sees things no one else can see.

Winner of the 2005 Norwegian Film Critic's award, this film has been called "a colorful mosaic of unusual human stories" and "one of the best films to come out of Norway in years."

Because these films are not rated, the Racine Public Library is unable to recommend them for children under age 17.

Wednesday, August 6: Library Hosts Racism Movie & Discussion

The community is invited to attend another program in the "Coming Together Racine" series of movie screenings and discussions about racism and race relations at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.

Directed by Spike Lee, this dark, biting satire of the television industry focuses on an Ivy-League educated black writer at a major network. Frustrated that his ideas for a television comedy have been rejected by network brass, he devises an outlandish scheme: reviving the minstrel show. The hook: instead of white actor in black face, the show stars black actors in even blacker face. The show becomes an instant smash, but with the success also comes repercussions for all involved.

A member of Coming Together Racine will facilitate a discussion of the movie after the screening. Participants are encouraged to bring a brown bag supper. The series is cosponsored by Coming Together Racine and the Racine Public Library and is funded by the library's Alma Boernke Endowment Fund. Coming Together Racine is a 501(c)3 organization developed in response to community needs identified at a Town Hall Meeting on February 25, 2005. At the event it was determined that a greater effort is needed in the Racine community to eliminate the barriers preventing equal voice and access to community resources. In response to the results from the Town Hall Meeting a community-wide committee, The Committee to Eliminate Racism, was formed. In September 2005, after assessing the Racine community's needs, the Committee to Eliminate Racism submitted an application to become an affiliate of the Coming Together Project, and in February 2006 was approved as Coming Together Racine.

Coming Together Racine will work to:

• Promote racial harmony in the community;
• Educate community members on racism and its effects on people and the community; and
• Bring people together to foster awareness and appreciation of people of all cultures.
  

To achieve these goals the Committee will provide opportunities for members of the Racine community to dialogue, explore, learn, and strategize around racism. This movie is one of a series of events designed to engage Racine in discussion.

Hamilton Exhibit Features Historical Reenactments & Displays

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St. will host several late 18th century displays on the site of their traveling Alexander Hamilton Exhibit. On Saturday, July 26 from 1:30-4:30, visitors to the exhibit will have the chance to meet Dr. Ben Franklin and will view exhibits of 18th century historical fashions, medical instruments, toys and music.

In the Adult Services Dept., Dave Jahntz, a surgeon from Geneva, IL will be on hand to discuss his collection of 18th century medical implements and the methods used by surgeon of that era. Visitors to the exhibit will also see a live demonstration of changes in fashion for both men and women during Hamilton's life, and Terry Kutz from New Berlin will present his portrayal of Dr. Ben Franklin.

In the Youth Dept., children and families may view an exhibit of 18th century toys and will share in music and songs from the era.

"Alexander Hamilton: The Man Who Made Modern America," is a traveling exhibit that tells the story of Hamilton's astonishing rise in five short years from an orphaned, 15-year-old West Indies immigrant to George Washington's war time aide, and later, Washington's Secretary
of the Treasury.

The exhibit was organized by the New-York Historical Society, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, and the American Library Association, and has been made possible in part through a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. It is based on the New-York Historical Society's exhibition commemorating the 200th anniversary of Hamilton's death as well as the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Society in 1804. The exhibit will be at the Racine Public Library until August 8, 2008.

Library Hosts "Alexander Hamilton: the Man Who Made Modern America"

His face is on the ten-dollar bill, but most Americans know more about his death in a duel than his remarkable life as one of the most brilliant and influential figures in U.S. history. Alexander Hamilton (1757-1804), the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury at age 32, is the focus of a groundbreaking new traveling exhibition opening at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., on July 9, 2008.

"Alexander Hamilton: The Man Who Made Modern America" tells the story of Hamilton's astonishing rise in five short years from an orphaned, 15-year-old West Indies immigrant to George Washington's war time aide, and later, at age 32, Washington's Secretary of the Treasury.

The exhibit was organized by the New-York Historical Society, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, and the American Library Association, and has been made possible in part through a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. It is based on the New-York Historical Society's exhibition commemorating the 200th anniversary of Hamilton's death as well as the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Society in 1804.

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., will host a grand opening public event on Wednesday, July 9 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Adult Services Dept. The featured presentation of the evening, "A Revolutionary Rivalry: Hamilton vs. Jefferson" by Professor John D. Buenker, will begin promptly at 7 p.m. followed by a reception and viewing of the exhibit. Entertainment will be provided by Colonel Webb's 3rd Connecticut Band of Musick and the Heritage Dauncers, performers in full dress from the Revolutionary War era.

As two of our founding fathers, Hamilton and Jefferson were profoundly influential in our early American government, but were avidly opposed to each other's ideas. The "Revolutionary Rivalry" presentation by Professor John D. Buenker will explore their conflicting views on many of the most important issues of that time. Whose ideas were the more sound; to what extent were they right or wrong; and who had the greatest impact? This provocative presentation will debate these questions and will perhaps challenge your views of this historical time period.

John D. Buenker is professor emeritus of history and ethnic studies at the University of Wisconsin – Parkside, where he has regularly taught courses on urban and ethnic history, the United States from 1877-1929, and American foreign relations. He holds a BA from Loras College, and a MA and PhD from Georgetown University He is the author of many essays, articles and books on local and national history and is the recipient of many historical society awards and fellowships.

The Alexander Hamilton Exhibit will be on display at the Racine Public Library from July 9- August 8, 2008. Throughout this time the library will host a number of exciting events for all ages:

• July 9; 7-8:30 p.m. Exhibit opening reception, presentation of "A Revolutionary Rivalry: Hamilton vs. Jefferson," and entertainment by Colonel Webb's 3rd Connecticut Band of Musick and Heritage Dauncers. July 12; 1-4 p.m. Young Hamilton and his Company of Artillery: A Revolutionary Reenactment Performance.
  
  
• July 26; 1:30-4:30 p.m. Historical (1790-1800's) Costume Display and Revolutionary War Medical display.
  
  
• August 1; 1-4:30 p.m. A Soldiers Life: A Revolutionary War Presentation; Performance by Colonel Webb's 3rd Connecticut Band of Musick and Heritage Dauncers.
  

The exhibit and all associated programs are free and open to the public. No registration is necessary. For more information contact Anne Callaghan by email at anne.callaghan@ racinelibrary.info or by phone at 262.636.9245.

Wednesday, July 2: Library Hosts Racism Movie & Discussion

The community is invited to attend another program in the "Coming Together Racine" series of movie screenings and discussions about racism and race relations at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.

Starring Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman, and Denzel Washington (who won an Oscar), this movie is based on the letters of Colonel Robert G. Shaw. Shaw, an officer in the Federal Army during the Civil War, volunteered to lead the first company of black soldiers. Shaw was forced to deal with the prejudices of both the enemy (who had orders to kill commanding officers of blacks), and of his own fellow officers.
A member of Coming Together Racine will facilitate a discussion of the movie after the screening. Participants are encouraged to bring a brown bag supper. The series is cosponsored by Coming Together Racine and the Racine Public Library and is funded by the library's Alma Boernke Endowment Fund.

Coming Together Racine is a 501(c)3 organization developed in response to community needs identified at a Town Hall Meeting on February 25, 2005. At the event it was determined that a greater effort is needed in the Racine community to eliminate the barriers preventing equal voice and access to community resources. In response to the results from the Town Hall Meeting a community-wide committee, The Committee to Eliminate Racism, was formed. In September 2005, after assessing the Racine community's needs, the Committee to Eliminate Racism submitted an application to become an affiliate of the Coming Together Project, and in February 2006 was approved as Coming Together Racine.

Coming Together Racine will work to:

• Promote racial harmony in the community
• Educate community members on racism and its effects on people and the community; and
• Bring people together to foster awareness and appreciation of people of all cultures.
  

To achieve these goals the Committee will provide opportunities for members of the Racine community to dialogue, explore, learn, and strategize around racism. This movie is one of a series of events designed to engage Racine in discussion.

Saturdays, June 21 & 28: Community Journalism: Share Your Stories

We all have a story to share. It could be about a personal experience, a problem in your neighborhood or an issue that's important to your community. In today's media world, you can help people by writing and publishing these stories. The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., will once again host free community journalism classes facilitated by local journalist Dustin Block designed to empower community members to use local media and to spread important stories to the public.

On June 21 and June 28 from 2-4 p.m. the library will feature Be A Journalist!, a two-day class for people interested in the nuts and bolts of reporting news. You'll learn how to ask questions, take notes, investigate ideas and put everything together into a compelling news story. Participants should come ready to work! The first week we'll cover the basics, and everyone will leave with a story assignment to bring back to the class a week later. The second week we'll edit stories, fill in gaps and publish them online.

Although drop-in participants are welcome, registration is recommended for these free classes; call the Racine Public Library at 262.636.9217 to reserve a spot.

The classes are a great opportunity for non-profit organizations, local businesses, writers, community activists and anyone interested in the media to learn how they can offer and create alternatives to mainstream media sources. It's easier than you think! No experience is required. All you need to bring is an interest in your surroundings and a willingness to tell others what you see.

Block, former city editor of The Journal Times, is a veteran local journalist with 13 years of experience writing and editing news stories for various publications. He is now editor of the Insider News, founder of RacinePost.com and a freelance writer for publications including Milwaukee Magazine, Wisconsin Builder Magazine and ConsumerSearch.com.

For questions about the content of the classes, contact Dustin at: dustin.block@gmail.com or (262) 488-3419.

Tuesday, June 17: Bird Watching for Beginners

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is hosting a two-hour introductory bird watching class on Tuesday, June 17 from 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. The free program presented by Hoy Audubon Society will feature information about bird identification, selection and use of binoculars, birding hot spots in Racine and Kenosha Counties, and the best ID guides and books. The program is appropriate for school age children and adults. Although drop-ins are welcome for this program, space is limited. Registration is recommended and may be made by contacting the library at 262.636.9217.

The Hoy Audubon Society originally started in 1964 as a group of Racine nature enthusiasts who held an informal gathering with the hope of creating a club through which the members could share their strong interests in nature. The group also hoped to stimulate public interest in the need to protect and preserve our natural heritage.

The group became the Hoy Bird Club, named in honor of Racine pioneer Dr. Philo Hoy, a local physician. Hoy's constant interest in nature led to many area achievements, including several articles about Indian mounds. His work in the planning of Mound cemetery resulted in the preservation of the original mounds. He was president of the Wisconsin Academy of Arts and Science. He made a thorough collection of bird specimens, including some now extinct. He also wrote extensively about migration patterns of birds, especially those passing through Racine County. In 1970 the name was changed to The Hoy Nature Club, Inc. as a means of recognizing the broader interests of its members and in keeping with the varied range of Dr. Hoy's interests. In 1999, the club became affiliated with National Audubon Society, becoming the Hoy Audubon Society, Inc. For more information contact Helen Pugh at 262.637.4359, email hoymembership@hoyaudubon.org, or visit the website at www.hoyaudubon.org.

Community Journalism: Share Your Stories

We all have a story to share. It could be about a personal experience, a problem in your neighborhood or an issue that's important to your community. In today's media world, you can help people by writing and publishing these stories. The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., will once again host a series of free community journalism classes facilitated by local journalist Dustin Block designed to empower community members to use local media and to spread important stories to the public.

• How To Start A Blog: June 14, 2-4 p.m. Participants in this hands-on class will create their own blog on the Internet and leave being able to post stories, photos and video. We'll use the "Blogger" system to create a personal website that is easy to update and entirely free. Handouts will be provided. Just bring your questions and ideas!

• Be A Journalist! June 21 and June 28, 2-4 p.m. This two-day class is for people interested in the nuts and bolts of reporting news. You'll learn how to ask questions, take notes, investigate ideas and put everything together into a compelling news story. Participants should come ready to work! The first week we'll cover the basics, and everyone will leave with a story assignment to bring back to the class a week later. The second week we'll edit stories, fill in gaps and publish them online.

Registration is recommended for these free classes; call the Racine Public Library at 262.636.9217 to reserve a spot.

The classes are a great opportunity for non-profit organizations, local businesses, writers, community activists and anyone interested in the media to learn how they can offer and create alternatives to mainstream media sources. It's easier than you think! No experience is required. All you need to bring is an interest in your surroundings and a willingness to tell others what you see.

Block, former city editor of The Journal Times, is a veteran local journalist with 13 years of experience writing and editing news stories for various publications. He is now editor of the Insider News, founder of RacinePost.com and a freelance writer for publications including Milwaukee Magazine, Wisconsin Builder Magazine and ConsumerSearch.com.

For questions about the content of the classes, contact Dustin at: dustin.block@gmail.com or (262) 488-3419.

Tuesday, June 10 & Wednesday, June 11: Housing Resources Seminars at the Library

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., will host two free seminars presented by Housing Resources, Inc. introducing attendees to programs available to them for assistance in home buying. The first seminar, First Time Homebuyer Education, will be held on Tuesday, June 10 at 6:30 p.m in the Library's Lee Room. The second seminar, The Benefits of Reverse Mortgage, will be held on Wednesday, June 11 at 10:00 a.m. in the Library's Lee Room. Although drop-ins are welcome, registration is recommended for these free programs and may be made by contacting the Adult Services Dept. at 262.636.9217.

Homebuyer education is required for first-time home buyers to access many special loan programs and grants. In the first seminar, Mark Schultz of Housing Resources, Inc. will give an overview of First-time Home Buyer education classes offered through this organization.

If you are a senior (62 or older), a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or reverse mortgage can provide you with one option to improve your financial situation. This second seminar will define reverse equity mortgage and give an overview of eligibility requirements, financial implications, and other alternatives to obtaining this type of mortgage.

Housing Resources, Inc. is a locally based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families purchase their own homes. They have earned a proven track record of providing quality home counseling services to prospective low and moderate-income home buyers and have become a trusted leader in the assisting hundreds of buyers in purchasing each year. They strive to reach out to the community to expand home ownership opportunities through education, credit counseling, home purchase, maintenance and wealth building.

To register for these seminars, contact the library at 262.636.9217. For more information about the content of the classes offered by Housing Resources, Inc. please contact Mark Schultz at 262-636-8271.

Wednesday, June 4: Library Hosts Racism Movie & Discussion

The community is invited to attend another program in the "Coming Together Racine" series of movie screenings and discussions about racism and race relations at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.

In this gripping story, based on the book by Erin Gruwell, Hilary Swank stars as an inner-city teacher who gives kids raised on drive-by shootings and hard-core attitude the one thing they need most: a voice of their own. Dropped into the free-fire zone of a school torn by violence and racial tension, teacher Erin Gruwell battles an uncaring system in a fight to make the classroom matter in her students' lives.

Through telling of their own stories and hearing the stories of others, a group of supposedly "unteachable" teens are empowered to discover the power of tolerance, reclaim their shattered lives, and change their world.

The Freedom Writers Foundation says this about their mission: "It's time to publicly and systematically promote an educational philosophy that honors diversity in the classroom. It's time to give students the opportunity to reach their full potential and aspire to higher education. It's time to remind them that they can deeply impact their communities and the world. The Freedom Writers Foundation believes the time has come. And by empowering students and teachers alike through outreach curriculum, and scholarships, the time is now."

A member of Coming Together Racine will facilitate a discussion of the movie after the screening. Participants are encouraged to bring a brown bag supper. The series is cosponsored by Coming Together Racine and the Racine Public Library and is funded by the library's Alma Boernke Endowment Fund.

Coming Together Racine is a 501(c)3 organization developed in response to community needs identified at a Town Hall Meeting on February 25, 2005. At the event it was determined that a greater effort is needed in the Racine community to eliminate the barriers preventing equal voice and access to community resources. In response to the results from the Town Hall Meeting a community-wide committee, The Committee to Eliminate Racism, was formed. In September 2005, after assessing the Racine community's needs, the Committee to Eliminate Racism submitted an application to become an affiliate of the Coming Together Project, and in February 2006 was approved as Coming Together Racine.

Coming Together Racine will work to:

• Promote racial harmony in the community;
• Educate community members on racism and its effects on people and the community; and
• Bring people together to foster awareness and appreciation of people of all cultures.
  

To achieve these goals the Committee will provide opportunities for members of the Racine community to dialogue, explore, learn, and strategize around racism. This movie is one of a series of events designed to engage Racine in discussion.

Wednesday, June 4: Wii Gaming for the "Over 55" Crowd

You've probably heard about the recent surge in popularity of Wii video-gaming among players of all ages. As an adult, you may have wished you could try it out without actually having to make a major purchase. Now you'll have a chance to do so in a non-threatening and stress-free atmosphere.

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is hosting Wii Game Days for adults over the age of 55 throughout the spring and summer. The next game day will be held on Wednesday, June 4 from 10:00 a.m.-12 p.m. in the library's Lee Room. This free event is designed with the beginner in mind. Staff will be on hand to help participants become acquainted with the console, controllers, and games. Participants will have the chance to try their hand at Wii Sport games like bowling, tennis, golf and more. Wii Play and Guitar Hero games will also be available for those interested.

Although drop-in participants are always welcome, space is limited and registration is recommended. Call the library at 262.636.9245 to reserve a spot.

Catch the Reading Bug this Summer!

Summer is fast approaching and, as always, that means the start of the summer reading program at the Racine Public Library. Summer reading will run from June 16 - August 2. We'll post even more information as it becomes available.

Saturday, May 31: Celebrate Racine Reads with Author Masha Hamilton

Join the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., for a celebration of the Racine Reads ninth community read selection, The Camel Bookmobile, on Saturday, May 31, 2-4 p.m. The event will feature a presentation and book-signing by author Masha Hamilton (2-3 p.m.), a children's storytime and craft program (3:30-4 p.m.), and Mobile Library exhibits and tours (throughout). The Racine Reads "Camel" will also be present to accept donations of new or gently used books for the Camel Library Service in Kenya.

The Camel Bookmobile tells the story of Fiona Sweeney, an American librarian who leaves a good job in the city to move to Africa and take books to a nomadic people. Instead of a bookmobile, the Camel Library Service in Kenya loads camels with books. The people must return all the books they borrowed before they are allowed to take out more books. It's a wonderful look at how literature enhances and impacts the lives of the Kenyan people.

The book was selected because of its emphasis on library outreach: taking library services into the community. In 2008, the Racine Public Library celebrates the 60th anniversary of its mobile library services. The Mobile Library will be on exhibition for this author event offering tours and a pictorial history of outreach services at the Racine Public Library.

Wednesday, May 21: Wii Gaming for the "Over 55" Crowd

You've probably heard about the recent surge in popularity of Wii video-gaming among adults of all ages. Have you also wished you could try it out on your own? Now you'll have a chance to do so in a non-threatening and stress-free atmosphere.

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is hosting a series of Wii Game Days for adults over the age of 55 throughout the spring and summer. The next game day will be held on Wednesday, May 21 from 10:00 a.m.-12 p.m. in the library's Lee Room. This free event is designed with the beginner in mind. Staff will be on hand to help participants become acquainted with the console, controllers, and games. Participants will have the chance to try their hand at Wii Sport games like bowling, tennis, golf and more. Wii Play and Guitar Hero games will also be available for those interested.

Although drop-in participants are always welcome, space is limited and registration is recommended. Call the library at 262.636.9245 to reserve a spot.