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.

Mobile Library Out of Service May 19 - May 24

The Racine Public Library's Mobile Library will be out of service May 19 to May 24, 2008 for repairs to the body. Patrons who normally use the Mobile Library may call the Circulation Department, 262-636-9241 with questions or for more information.

Materials due at the Mobile Library while it is out of service will be due the following week, and fines will not be charged.

June 9-14: Library Hosts Community Write-a-Thon

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., invites community members of all ages to participate in their first ever Write-a-thon, June 9th-14th, in which participants will raise money not only for the Library, but for furthering their own interests in the arts.

Participants will ask friends, family or local businesses to sponsor them to write a certain quantity. Since many forms of writing can only be judged subjectively, sponsorship will be based off of number of pages written, word count, time spent writing or another kind of quantitative measurement. Half of the money raised will go to the Library to include more titles in their poetry section and the other half will go to the writer to further their endeavors in the arts. All members of the local community are encouraged to join the Library for this program, regardless of age or writing experience. For the week of the write-a-thon, during the Library's regular business hours, the Library will provide a space for participants to write together in an effort to not only meet the writing goals their sponsors set for them, but to congregate with each other and make further connections within their artistic community.

There will be an informational meeting open to anyone interested, which will take place on Saturday, May 17 at 1:30pm, to be held in the Lee Room of the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St. Sponsorship materials will be distributed and all questions regarding the program are welcome. Whether community members are interested in sponsoring a writer, participating personally or would just like to know more about the program, all are encouraged to attend the meeting.

For more information, contact the Becky or Nick at 262.619.2571

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.

Wednesday, May 7: Wii Gaming for the "Over 55" Crowd

You've probably heard about the recent surge in popularity of Wii video-gaming among seniors. Now is your chance to try it out in a non-threatening and stress-free atmosphere.

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is hosting two Wii Game Days for adults over the age of 55 on Wednesday, May 7 and 21 from 10:00 a.m.-12 p.m. in the library's Lee Room. This fre 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 thei hand at Wii Sport games like bowling, tennis, golf and more. Wii Play 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.

Just a reminder...Racine Public Library May 3 program

Adventures in Stories @ the Library

With Mother's Day just around the corner, the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St, is hosting an "Adventures in Stories" program on Saturday, May 3 from 2-3 p.m. featuring stories and crafts celebrating Mom. The event is designed for ages 5-10 and will include the making of a gift for kids to give to Mom for Mother's Day. No registration is necessary for this free program. For more information contact the library at 262.636.9245.

Spring Reading with the Dogs

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is beginning its spring season of the popular Ruff Readers read-to-the-dogs program on Monday, March 31. The library has invited registered therapy dogs from Proper Paws University and the Racine Kennel Club to spend afternoons listening to kids read. Students in grades 1-5 may visit the Youth Services department on Mondays from 4-5:30 p.m., Wednesdays from 4-5 p.m., and Thursdays between 4:30-5:30 p.m. to enjoy a 15-minute private session reading to these gentle, non-judgmental listeners. Although registration is not required, it is recommended. Time slots will be available on a first come/first serve basis unless a child is pre-registered. Students who attend 3 or more reading sessions will have their picture taken with their favorite listening dog. These pictures will then be made into a keepsake "READ" postcard for the child to take with them and to have posted on a library display.

Studies have shown that children find reading to an animal less intimidating than reading to adults or peers. This unique event can transform a sometimes dreaded reading experience into a positive activity in which learning is facilitated. The Ruff Readers program is designed to encourage children to embrace the joy and fun of reading. Although our handlers and their dogs are wonderful listeners, they are not able to tutor children in reading skills. Children are encouraged to bring their favorite reading material or ask a librarian for a recommended selection.

For more information about the Ruff Readers program, please contact the library at 636-9245.