Adults Water Their Minds at the Library

The Racine Public Library, located at 75 Seventh St, invites you to Water Your Mind at the library and grow your imagination this summer. Several exciting programs designed to explore art, adventure, and education are being offered to adults 18 and older.

• WATER COLOR WORKSHOP - Thursday, July 1 from 10-11am
  Join our artist friends from Wustum Art Museum as they lead us through a hands-on mini watercolor project. Supplies are provided and no experience is necessary. Registration is required; please call 262.636.9245 to reserve a spot.
  
  
• GREAT LAKES DIVING ADVENTURE - Friday, July 2 at 11:15am & 3:00pm
  This mother/son adventure duo have explored shipwrecks in many of the Great Lakes and throughout the world. They will introduce you to dive history, equipment, safety and what's to be found in your own backyard. No registration necessary.
  
  
• PROTECTING OUR LOCAL WATERWAYS - Thursday, July 15 from 6:30-7:30pm
  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: WATER CONSERVATION - Thursday, July 22 from 6:30-7:30pm
  This local environmental group presents intriguing and thought-provoking 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: Thursday, July 8 from 10:00am - noon; Weekly Thursday Game Days begin July 22 from 10:00am—noon
  Back by popular demand, the library is once again opening its doors to adult Wii gaming. Whether you're a beginner who's always wanted to try it, or an experienced player looking for some gaming company, come play in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Group instruction on how to use the equipment will take place on July 8. Brief instruction will be available promptly at 10am on regular game days. No registration necessary. Stop in and see why this form of video gaming has become so popular!
  
  
• 2010 SUMMER READING CHALLENGE FOR ADULTS
  Through July 31. Register at any public information desk, the mobile library, or online at www.racinelibrary.info. Choose the challenge that works for you: read 6 books or 15 minutes a day! Successful completion grants you a gift from us and a chance in our grand prize drawing! Details available at 262.636.9245 or www.racinelibrary.info.
  

Stay connected to the library and don't miss any of the wonderful programs and events being offered monthly. You can call the library at 262.636.9245; follow us on Facebook and Twitter ; subscribe to our blog, or just visit our website at racinelibrary.info!

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 has resumed meeting on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Upcoming dates are Wednesdays, Feb. 18, and March 4 & 18. The open gaming days will run from 10 a.m. to noon in the Library's Lee Room located at 75 Seventh St. 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.

Adult Wii Gaming at the Library

The Racine Public Library's popular Wii Gaming Days for adults has resumed meeting on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Upcoming dates are Wednesdays, Feb. 4 & 18, and March 4 & 18. 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. The library is located at 75 Seventh St. in Racine.

Wednesday, January 7: 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, January 7, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. (NOTE: new time, due to change in library's hours).

The film, based on a true story, revolves around the efforts of debate coach Melvin B. Tolson (Denzel Washington) at historically black Wiley College to place his team on equal footing with whites in the American South during the 1930s, when Jim Crow laws were common and lynch mobs were a pervasive fear for blacks. In the movie, the Wiley team eventually succeeds to the point where they are able to debate Harvard University. The movie also explores small-town Texas during the Depression including not only the day-to-day insults and slights African Americans endured, but also a lynching. James L. Farmer Jr., at 14 years of age, was on Wiley's debate team after completing high school (and who later went on to co-found C.O.R.E., the Congress of Racial Equality). The only female member of the team, Samantha Booke, is based on the real individual Henrietta Bell Wells. Melvin B. Tolson is a major African American poet whose papers are housed at the Library of Congresss.

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.

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.

READ, LEARN, PLAY DURING NATIONAL GAMING DAY @ YOUR LIBRARY

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., will join hundreds of libraries throughout the country on Saturday, November 15, 2008, for the first annual celebration of National Gaming @ Your Library. Like so many other libraries across the country, the Racine Public Library will offer special gaming programs and events suitable for the whole family.

From 12-4 p.m. the Youth Services Dept. will offer open gaming for all ages, adults and children alike. Video gaming will be available in Wii and Playstation II. Board games of all kinds will be set up for families to play as they wish. Library scavenger hunt questions will also be available for families to explore the library's resources and
materials. Time slots for video gaming will be available on a first come/first served basis. Registration and video gaming will be held in the Martin Room beginning at 12 p.m.

"Libraries are becoming family destinations, and are continuously offering new formats and innovative programs and services that educate, entertain and expand interaction with their users," said Jessica MacPhail, Racine Public Library Director. "Gaming is yet another example of how libraries are becoming more than just educational resources for the communities that they serve. They are also places where users of all ages are welcome to have fun together."

National Gaming Day @ your library is a national initiative supported by the American Library Association, and 2008 sponsors Hasbro, Top Trumps and Wizards of the Coast. For more information on National Gaming Day please visit www.ala.org.

The Racine Public Library regularly offers teen gaming tournaments and adult instructional Wii classes. The library will again host teen and adult gaming events once a month beginning in January 2009. Contact the Library at 262.636.9245 in December for more information or visit the library's website at racinelibrary.info.

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.

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.

Tuesday, May 20: Surfing Medicare

May is "Managing with Medicare Month" at the Racine Public Library! Peg Nugent, Information Services Coordinator for the Southeastern Wisconsin Area Agency on Aging will present, "Surfing Lessons for Medicare Users and Caregivers", the final program in this series, on Tuesday, May 20 at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Medicare has many marvelous internet tools available for checking benefits, claims, drug plans, and hospital services. This program will introduce beneficiaries, their caregivers and/or family members to the various tools on Medicare.gov as well as the personal portal on MyMedicare.gov. "Hands on" experience will be offered for any interested participants.

The class will be held in the Lee Room at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St. Registration is recommended as space is limited. Call 262.636.9217 to reserve a spot. Specific questions about the program content may be directed to Peg Nugent at 262-821-4444.

Wednesday, May 7: 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, May 7, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.

After a wealthy northern factory owner is murdered, racist Mississippi cops accuse African American Virgil Tibbs (Sidney Poitier) of the crime. Once they learn that he is a renowned Philadelphia homicide detective, they reluctantly seek his help. As Tibbs displays his skills as a detective, he begins to win the respect, protection, and ultimately friendship of the Police Chief Bill Gillepsie (Rod Steiger).

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.

Tuesday, May 6: Medicare Series @ the Library

May is "Managing with Medicare Month" at the Racine Public Library! Peg Nugent, Information Services Coordinator for the Southeastern Wisconsin Area Agency on Aging will be presenting a series of programs and discussions on the following Medicare topics:

• Medicare, Medigap, and Medicare Advantage Policies: What is right for me? Tuesday May 6th: 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Peg Nugent will explain the different methods of obtaining Medicare coverage and will address how to coordinate drug coverage with options such as SeniorCare or Part D. This program is good for those soon to be 65, facing the many enrollment choices in Medicare coverage. This may also appeal to those who have recently made a change or who are feeling pinched by high insurance premiums.
  
  
• Getting Muddled by Medicare?
  Wednesday, May 14th 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. This program will cover the ABC's to understanding your likely health insurance coverage after age 65. Topics will include an explanation of the basic choices for Medicare; additional coverage for hospitalization, medical care, and drug coverage; and where you can go for honest and unbiased help in understand options, coverage, and claims. This information will be especially helpful for those nearing 65 or for family members who want to help them through the critical health care decisions to be made.
  
  
• Surfing Lessons for Medicare Users and Caregivers
  Tuesday May 20th 1:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Medicare has many marvelous internet tools available for checking benefits, claims, drug plans, and hospital services. This program will introduce beneficiaries, their caregivers and/or family members to the various tools on Medicare.gov as well as the personal portal on MyMedicare.gov. "Hands on" experience wil be offered for any interested seniors.
  

All classes will be held in the Lee Room at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St. Registration is recommended as space is limited. Call 262.636.9217 to reserve a spot. Specific questions about the program content may be directed to Peg Nugent at 262-821-4444.