Showing posts with label Programs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Programs. Show all posts

Monday, April 11, 2011

Wednesday, April 27: Dia De Los Niños/Dia de los Libros at the Racine Public Library

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., invites children ages 5-10 and their families to celebrate Dia de los Niños/Dia de los Libros or Children's Day/Book Day at the monthly Family Fun Night being held on Wednesday, April 27 from 6:30-7:30pm.

The evening will feature a fun-filled storytelling performance by Bilingual Storyteller Kay Weeden, entitled ¡Say Olé!, with stories, rhythms and dance in English and Spanish for both English and Spanish speakers. The storytelling will be followed by a children's activity. The event is free and no registration is necessary. Younger siblings are welcome to attend.

El Día de los Niños is a gift from the Latino community to all children. Many nations throughout the world, and especially within the Western hemisphere, celebrate "El Día de los Niños" on April 30th to honor and celebrate children—who represent the hope and dreams of every community.
In the United States, a growing number of cities, schools, libraries, museums, churches and other community organizations are embracing this celebration by planning celebrations and activities reflecting family, community, cultural diversity, and the well-being of children.

On April 30, 1997, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, children's author and poet Pat Mora launched the first collaborative event celebrating both Children's Day and Book Day in an effort to link literacy as being central to the well-being of children. The Dia de los Niños/Dia de los Libros tradition was then picked up by the American Library Association and is now celebrated in libraries across the country.

Questions may be directed to the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St, at 262.636.9245.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

End of the Summer Events @ the Library

As thoughts begin to turn from summer vacations to the start of the school year, the Racine Public Library is offering a variety of educational and entertaining programs aimed at expanding your creativity and building strong skills. Consider taking advantage of these free opportunities at your public library.

Strong Voices - Saturday, August 21; 1-4pm - This is the first in a series of new workshops at the library open to young, passionate writers ages 13-18. These monthly gatherings will focus on the finer details of writing within different genres and formats. The group will not only explore their own written voices, but those of other well-known authors, as well. Writers will have the opportunity to submit their work to a variety of scholarship contests. There is no cost for the workshops and all supplies will be provided. Interested writers should contact the library at 262.636.9245 for more information or to reserve a spot for the upcoming programs. Future workshop dates are Sept. 18, Oct. 16 and Nov 20. Participants may choose to attend any or all of the workshops at their convenience.

What Every Parent Should Know About Getting Their Kids Into College - Tuesday, August 24; 6:30-7:30pm - Help your teen start the year out right! For parents of students in grades 9 through 11; this workshop explains what parents can do to help their children prepare for college. Topics covered include: setting expectations, preparing academically, aiming toward a career, researching and applying for colleges, financial aid, and adjusting to college. Registration is recommended for this free program. Contact the library at 262.636.9245.

Family Fun Night: End of Summer Pity Party - Thursday, August 26; 6:30-7:30pm - The title nearly says it all! Families of children ages 4-10 are invited to join the library’s enthusiastic storytellers for one last summer fling. The evening will include interactive stories, crafts and other fun activities. Registration is requested. Contact the library at 262.636.9245.

BONK! - Saturday, August 28; 6:00-8:00pm; Racine Arts Council, 316 6th St. - The Racine Public Library invites you to enjoy an evening with some very talented artists during this free monthly performance series in downtown Racine. The series was created to expose the public to both local and nationally-recognized artistic talents. Each event showcases poets, writers, musicians, film makers and other talented artists. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with seating available on a first come/first served basis. This month's event will feature writer CJ Hribal, spoken word artist Mario Willis, and musicians/presenters Sarah Corso & Rita Burgess. No registration is necessary.

To stay up to date on all of the library’s programs, services, and resources visit our website at racinelibrary.info, read our blog at rplinfo.blogspot.com, find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Racine-WI/Racine-Public-Library/6078666343, or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/racinelibrary.

Of course, you could also just give us a call at 262.636.9245 or visit us in person at 75 Seventh St in downtown Racine.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

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.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Library Offers Free Reverse Mortgage Seminar

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 Racine Public Library, located at 75 Seventh St., will host two seminars Tuesday, January 12 and Thursday, January 14 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. Space is limited for these free seminars; registration is recommended. To reserve a seat, contact the Racine Public Library at 262.636.9217.

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.

Racine Public Library Series Announcement: The Evolution and History of Hip Hop

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is hosting a series one-hour programs, taking a "live radio" format, entitled "Poetic Evolution: Where Hip Hop Has No Boundaries" on Mondays at 6:30 pm beginning January 4 and running every Monday through February 15. The programs will be held in the Library's Lee Room and will be free and open to the public. Seating is limited and registration, though not required, is recommended. Contact the Adult Services Dept. at 262.636.6217.

"Poetic Evolution" will feature the artists, music, lyrics and culture of the Hip Hop world, focusing on the creativity and substance of songs rarely heard on mainstream radio. The diversity and evolution of this genre will be explored through showcasing such artists as Rakim, Mos Def, Chace Infinite and Cormega, among others.

The series was created and will be hosted by Racine's own Sean Leon. A collector and connoisseur of the Hip Hop culture since the early 80's, Leon was a member of the rap group "Soul Food" from 1992-97 and "Rumorz of War" from 97-04. He comes with over 10 years of live performance experience from small coffee shops to large concert stages, having recorded several album projects and garnered much interest from music industry labels. He has studied at a variety of music seminars with professional artists and music executives and brings a vast knowledge of the history of rap music and its growth from perceived "fad" to the sound that changed the world of commercial radio today.

Questions about this program or others being hosted by the Racine Public Library may be directed to the Adult Information Services at 262.636.9217. A listing of upcoming programs may be found at the Library's website at racinelibrary.info or on the Library's blog at rplinfo.blogspot.com.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Tuesday, November 17: Library Hosts Thanksgiving After-School Storytime and Family Fun Night

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is hosting two events for children ages 5-10 and their families.

On Tuesday, Nov. 17 from 3:30-4:30 and on Tuesday, Nov. 24 from 6:30-7:30 librarians will present family fun events in which children will hear stories of the season and create simple holiday crafts.

The programs are free and open to all; no registration is necessary. Questions may be directed to the Youth Services information desk at 262.636.9245.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Racine Public Library Program Canceled For This Evening.

The Racine Public Library is announcing the cancellation of this evening's workshop on "Healthy Holiday Eating" to be held at 6:30 pm. Eat Right Racine, the program facilitator, was forced to cancel the program due to a family emergency. A future workshop may be rescheduled. The library appreciates your assistance in spreading the word.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Friday, October 30: Anime Night at the Library

The Racine Public Library and the Racine Arts Council are hosting an Anime/Manga/Cosplay Night at the Library on Friday, October 30 from 6-9 pm. The totally free event will feature music by American Restless; a screening of an Operation Anime film; martial arts demonstrations by Chay's Tae Kwon Do; an anime art workshop; video gaming; and a cosplay contest. The event is appropriate for teens and young adults; no registration is necessary. For more information, contact Becky Spika at the Racine Public Library, 262-619-2571 or becky.spika@racinelibrary.info.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Saturday, August 6: Family Fun Day Celebrates Summer Reading and Emily A. Lee

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is hosting a Family Fun Day on Saturday, August 8 from 1:30-3:30 pm to celebrate the completion of the 2009 Summer Reading Challenge. Families of children ages 3-10 are encouraged to visit the Youth Services Dept. anytime during the event to share in a number of fun family activities.

The library's listening dogs from the Ruff Readers program will be available to listen to all kids read. Teen Book Buddies will be on hand to share their favorite books with any kids who would like to listen. Families can spend time playing board games and scavenger hunts, exploring the preschool activity room, and creating fun art and craft projects. Sandeep Reddy, a 2009 finalist in the NSF National Math Bee, will offer fun math literacy activities for kids of all ages. As well, the 2009 Summer Reading Challenge grand prize winners from each age group will be announced.

In addition to celebrating successful summer reading during the August 8 event, the library will recognize the birthday of Emily A. Lee, the library's first benefactress who was born on August 10, 1849. In 1927, Emily bequested $100,000 to the Racine Public Library, a donation that by today's standards would exceed one million dollars. Emily Lee was the wife of Charles H. Lee, the first President of the Library Board of Directors. Mr. Lee oversaw the development of the library from its very beginnings. To honor Mrs. Lee, the library will serve a special birthday cake at the Family Fun day event.

Family Fun Day is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary. Contact the Youth Services Dept. at 262.636.9245 for more information.

Thursday, August 6: Creative Poetry Writing for Youth

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St. will host a series of exciting, creative and fun-filled poetry writing workshops for youth in grades 3-10 beginning Thursday, August 6. Two workshops will be featured for kids in grades 3-6 and two for teens in grades 7-10. All programs are free and open to 20 participants in each. The classes will be facilitated by Mike Isaacson, a conceptual writer for Jockey International who has had experience in children's book writing and publishing.

The following workshops are being offered:

Introduction to Poetry Writing I (grades 3-6)
August 6, 1:30-2:30 pm
Young poets will learn how to conceptualize and compose their own poetry through several unique writing exercises.

Introduction to Poetry Writing II (grades 3-6)
August 20, 1:30-2:30 pm
Although a continuation of the first workshop, this class may be taken on its own. Youth will further explore their own unique voice.

Poetry is Contagious! (grades 7-10)

August 13, 1:30-2:30 pm
Teens will explore several styles and models of modern poetry in this writing intensive workshop. They will learn how to compose award-winning poems by putting their new insight into practice.

Breaking Down and Building a Haiku (grades 7-10)
August 27, 1:30-2:30 pm
Teens will be introduced to the ancient world of Haiku through reading, discussion and writing. They will learn the standard rules along with ways to spur their imaginations to write their own Haikus. Pre-requisite? One must be able to count to five and seven!

To register for any of the workshops, contact the Youth Services Dept. at 262.636.9245.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Be Creative @ Your Library...Take the Summer Reading Challenge

"Be Creative @ Your Library" this summer and explore the world of music, dance, art, books and more. The Racine Public Library's 2009 Summer Reading Challenge is open to people of all ages, youth and adults alike, with programs and special events, prize drawings, story hours, and more.

Registration for the Summer Reading Challenge begins on June 18, 2009. Registration forms will be available at the Racine Public Library's Youth Services Dept, 75 Seventh St., at the Mobile Library, and on the Library's website at racinelibrary.info. Participants of all ages should complete and submit a registration form to receive a reading record and other challenge information. After reading the required number of items or minutes for the appropriate age group, reading records may be turned in for a free gift. All readers who turn in a reading record will be eligible for the library's grand prize drawing. Bonus activities are also available for those participants who would like to earn an extra chance in the grand prize drawing.

To celebrate the "Be Creative @ Your Library" 2009 Summer Reading Challenge, the library is pleased to host another season of professional entertainers in the Storywagon Series. The following performances will be featured on Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. in June and July:

  • Thursday, June 18: Morris, The Magic Man!
    With over 30 years of experience, Magic Man Morris Taylor is guaranteed to thrill and engage children of all ages with his combination of audience participation, puppetry and magic.
    This is our Summer Reading Challenge kickoff day! Enjoy this exciting show and register your family for the challenge.

  • Thursday, June 25: Naturalist/Humorist David Stokes
    Always a popular addition to the library's summer Storywagon series, David Stokes brings
    his live animals, craziness, laughs, and other animal antics to his highly entertaining environmental education program.

  • Thursday, July : The Muses
    If Celtic music brings a tap to your feet and a clap to your hands, then The Muses are the band for you.
    With vigor, strength and passion, Tanya Brody and Matthew Gurnsey play a plethora of exotic instruments ranging from bohdran & concertina to harp & hammered dulcimer, among others.

  • Thursday, July 16: Stuart Stotts
    Singer, songwriter and consummate storyteller Stuart Stotts has graced several Racine Public Library programs in the past and
    has become an audience favorite. His popular performances encompass foot stompin' music, interactive storytelling, and plenty of laughs all around.

  • Thursday, July 23: The Rambling Sailors
    The library is excited to host
    this first appearance by the Rambling Sailors. This duo act is dedicated to performing traditional and modern sea shanties and ballads of the sea, delivered with their original passion, and better instruments. Their music is characterized by powerful vocals, strong harmonies, and a mood range from the sweet to the epic. We're sure this is going to be a must-see performance.

All performances begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. in the Youth Services Dept. No registration is necessary and all programs are free. Seating is available on a first come/first serve basis. Sign language interpreters are available for these performances with advance notice. Contact the library at 262.636.9245 for more information. The Storywagon Series is sponsored by Lakeshores Library System and supported in part with LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) grant funds.

Monday, June 8, 2009

WHO DUNNIT? RACINE HISTORY MYSTERIES CAMP FOR KIDS

The Racine Public Library, Racine Heritage Museum and RAM's Wustum Museum are once again hosting Racine's History Mystery Creative Writing, History and Art Camp, a unique summer camp opportunity for youth ages 9-13. From July 20-24, young writers will be inspired by local artifacts and lore, learning the myths that surround them and the clues that will tell the real story. Camp "detectives" will investigate murders, mysteries, crime scenes and the art of forensics through their writing. Each participant will create a written and illustrated short story that details it all and solves the final question…Who Dunnit?!

Working with archivists, librarians, artists, and museum/library staff adventurers will explore the
Racine Heritage Museum, the Racine Public Library, and RAM's Wustum Museum. Each day will include exploration of the book writing and making process, games, fun activities, and other great adventures.

Campers will be spending each day from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at a different venue with the following schedule:

Monday, July 20 - Racine Public Library (and tour of an undisclosed location!)

Tuesday, July 21 - Racine Heritage Museum

Wednesday, July 22 - Racine Public Library

Thursday, July 23 - RAM's Wustum Museum

Friday, July 24 - RAM's Wustum Museum - Special "Author's Corner" at 4:00 pm

Registration and a camp fee of $95 are required. Register before July 1 and receive $5 off the registration fee. Win a free scholarship to attend Racine History Mysteries III: Who Dunnit? by writing a brief paragraph about why you want to attend the mystery camp. Send entries to:

Racine History Mystery Camp
RAM's
Wustum Museum
2519 Northwestern Avenue, Racine, WI 53404-2299

For more information or to register, call Wustum Museum at 262.636.9177 or visit www.ramart.org.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Library Events at Java Vino

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

  • Local film enthusiasts are invited to attend Cultural Film Nights at JavaVino to preview some of the Racine Public Library's collection of intriguing foreign films. Appetizers, wine and coffee are available for purchase during the film. Participants are encouraged to then visit Downtown Racine's finest restaurants for dinner.

    The next film in the series will be shown on Saturday, April 11 at 5 p.m. This month's feature is "August the First," the story of an urban black family in the United States. The morning of main character Tunde's graduation party begins to unravel. Tunde has managed to alienate his sister, Simisola; is persistently criticized by his older brother, Ade; and watches helplessly as their mother begins drinking again. Unbeknownst to his family, Tunde has orchestrated the return of his long estranged father, resurrecting unresolved family anguish against the backdrop of Tunde's celebration. Layer by layer, deception and half-truths are peeled away as secrets are uncovered in what will be become the most unforgettable day the family has ever experienced.

    "August the First" directed by Lanre Olabisi is a multiple award winner taking Best Feature Film at the San Francisco Black Film Festival and Audience Award at the Urbanworld Film Festival. IndieWire calls the film, "A smart and engaging debut…..notable for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it portrays black middle-class Americans in a normal domestic crisis situation sans guns, drugs, dealers or pregnant teens...."

    Because these films are not rated, the Racine Public Library is unable to recommend them for children under age 17.
  • Families of children ages 8 and younger are invited to spend select Saturday mornings with storytellers from the Racine Public Library at JavaVino's monthly Saturday Stories. The next storytelling event will be held April 18 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and will feature storytelling with a simple craft. Enjoy a relaxing morning of breakfast fun with your children. This is a free event and no registration is necessary.

  • Teen and adult poetry enthusiasts are invited to attend the Racine Public Library's Poetry Roundtable, to enjoy a lively discussion of some of today's most intriguing poets. The group generally meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 12-2 p.m. at Java Vino, 424 Main St. These free events focus on contemporary American poetry, highlighting a different poet at each meeting. As a group, participants will read poetry excerpts, analyze them and discuss their significance in today's society. Individuals with varying levels of poetry experience are welcome.

    This month's poetry discussion will be held on the 2nd Saturday, April 11, 12-2 p.m. (Please note date change). The group will be exploring the works of poet K. Silem Mohammad whose work has been characterized as "Goofy, weird, beyond funny, wise…wicked."

    Poetry Roundtable is facilitated by Nick Demske, a local poet and employee of the Racine Public Library. Contact Nick at nick.demske@racinelibrary.info or visit the Poetry Roundtable page at racinelibrary.info for information about each month's selected poet,including interviews, criticisms, poetry and more.

    For more information about upcoming library programs, contact the library at 262.636.9217 or visit the library's blog atrplinfo.blogspot.com and website at racinelibrary.info.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Thursday, January 29: Author Offers Book Talk and Publishing Tips for New Authors

The Racine Public Library will host a one hour presentation on publishing tips for new authors, and a book-talk by Doug Story, author of the 2007 book, "The Blood of Soldiers Makes the General Great: Preparing for the Business Wars to Come." The program will be held on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the library's Lee Room.

In his presentation, Doug Story will discuss the evolution of his book from idea conception through the publishing process. He will touch upon how he put his ideas into book form and the process he went through to locate a publisher in tough economic times. Discussion of Story's current publication will also be offered.

Douglas Story has been working nationally and internationally in business for over 20 years. During this time he kept journals on his activities, the business programs he participated in, and the people he met. From his journals, he began to see that a primary indicator of the future success of a business was apparent in the way that business handled its employees in times of crisis.

In 2007, the information Doug Story collected took the form of a published book, "The Blood of Soldiers Makes the General Great: Preparing for the Business Wars to Come." Since that time, many of the concepts put forth in his book have made it into mainstream media and are being witnessed in the way businesses are dealing with the current economic downturn…through the elimination of many of their most experienced and knowledgeable employees via layoffs and forced retirements. These companies may be able to survive today, but what will the future hold?

Douglas Story was born in North Carolina and was raised all over the world. He graduated from Western Carolina University with degrees in Biology and Chemistry and from Loyola University with an MBA.

This program is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Seating will be available on a first come/first served basis. Call the library at 262.636.9217 for more information.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Tuesday, January 6: Bookmaking Techniques for Children

On Tuesday, Jan 6 at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. the library will offer book-making workshops designed to teach techniques that can be used in craft projects with young children. Bev Schumacher, founder of Learning Props Educational Games and Books and herself an educator, will share exciting ways to encourage children to explore concepts, share ideas and use their creative talents in a hands-on workshop packed with a variety of different construction methods and book styles.

Space and supplies are limited for this free workshop, so registration is required. Interested people should contact the Racine Public Library at 262.636.9245 to register before Jan. 6. Participants are encouraged to bring their own pair of scissors.

Bev Schumacher is the founder of Learning Props, a Racine company that creates educational games and books for Bilingual and English preschool learning. Bev has worked in education and early learning for over 30 years. She has co-authored a book, Menu For successful Parent and Family Involvement, in addition to the 24 books and 21 games being produced and distributed across the country. Many of her games are available for checkout from the Racine Public Library.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

FORECLOSURE PREVENTION AT THE LIBRARY

In these tough economic times, many people are faced with the possibility of losing their home. For those members of the community in need of guidance, the Racine Public Library is offering a program on Foreclosure Prevention presented by Housing Resources, Inc. The free seminar will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the library's Lee Room.

In this one-hour presentation, participants concerned about possible foreclosure on their property will learn the ways in which Housing Resources, Inc. can help, what rights homeowners are entitled to, and ways in which lenders may be willing to assist.

Mark Schultz of Housing Resources, Inc. will be on hand to discuss the foreclosure time line and what documents are needed when meeting with counselors. Topics such as "short sales" and loan modifications vs. refinancing will also be discussed.

Participants will be able to find our where they are in the foreclosure process and what options are available. Appointments may be scheduled with a HUD-approved bilingual Foreclosure Prevention Counselor.

Housing Resources, Inc. is a HUD-approved, NeighborWorks-chartered, non-profit organization that specializes in homeownership training, foreclosure prevention counseling and reverse-equity mortgage counseling. They have been performing these services in Racine for approximately eight years and have assisted several hundred families purchase their first home. Due to the unprecedented number of foreclosures taking place, Housing Resources, Inc. began foreclosure prevention counseling in June of the 2008. This knowledgeable staff completed HUD and NeighborWorks training and have gained certification from both agencies.

Registration is recommended for this free program. Please call 262.636.9217 to reserve a spot.
Questions about the program may be directed to Housing Resources, Inc. at 262.636.8271

KIDS BUGHOUSE CHESS TOURNAMENT

The Racine Public Library is hosting a Bughouse Chess Tournament for kids in grades 2-9, on Mondays, Dec. 1 and 8 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Youth Services Dept.

Facilitated by Edward Larkin of EL ChessAcademics LLC, the gathering is intended for both beginners and advanced players.

Bughouse, also referred to as tag team chess, is played by two teams of two players each. This requires that two chessboards be placed side by side with partners sitting on the same side of the table. For each team, one player plays with white pieces and the other plays with black.

Each pair of contestants plays an orthodox chess game with one special feature: All captured pieces are given to ones partner. These then become reserve pieces which can be dropped onto an empty square on the board at anytime during the game. This is done in lieu of a board move.

Early arrival (15 min.) to the match is suggested in order to complete partnering and brief instruction.

Registration is required for this free program and may be made by contacting the Youth Services Dept. at 262.636.9245 or by visiting the YSD reference desk in person.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

GREEN BROTHERS' TOUR DE NERDFIGHTERS HITS RACINE!

It started in 2007. Two brothers, John and Hank Green, made the decision to abandon text messaging to each other and communicate, instead, through daily videoblogs on YouTube. In these vlogs, the brothers discussed social justice issues, Hank wrote/sang hit songs, and John discussed his many books for teens/young adults.

What started as a private project, Brotherhood 2.0 (youtube.com/vlogbrothers), turned into a YouTube sensation as the people who watched the videos started to form a community. The community began calling themselves the Nerdfighters: Fighters for the Rights of Nerds.

In 2008, with over 40,000 subscribers, the brothers created a website: nerdfighters.ning.com. From this website they talk about books, writing, reading and social justice issues. The site has become a kind of "sandbox" for the teens and young adults that have followed along, allowing them a way to express their creativity through writing and art. The Green Brothers have become an Internet sensation and are taking their show on the road as only the VlogBrothers can.

John and Hank's videos have been watched more than 11 million times, making theirs one of the most popular channels in YouTube history. The Green brothers have been featured in The Wall Street Journal and on NPR, Fox News, and BBC Radio.

On Saturday, November 15, Tour de NerdFighting will be visiting Racine for two exclusive appearances. At 2 p.m., the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., will host a meet and greet with the celebrities where John's books, Hank's cd's, and other NerdFighter items will be available for signing.

At 4 p.m., the Racine Park and Recreation Dept. will host the Tour de NerdFighting event at the John Bryant Center, 601 21st St., where John Green will read from his newly released book, "Paper Towns," Hank will share his much beloved hit songs, and a NerdFighter discussion of all things important will take place. The Green Brothers will be available for signing books, CD's and other NerdFighter items after the program. The event is free and no registration is necessary.

John Green, the celebrated author of 2006 Michael L. Printz Medal winner Looking for Alaska and 2007 Michael L. Printz Honor book An Abundance of Katherines, is bringing readers his highly anticipated third novel, Paper Towns. Green is the only American to be twice recognized by the Printz committee. Both his previous books were finalists for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and are being developed into films. John's work has been translated into eleven languages, winning many awards internationally.

As a final enticement, John Green says of the NerdFighter's event: "General NerdFighting will take place! Tell the people there will be lots of free stuff floating around! At every tour stop, we'll give away books; but more importantly, because we're doing the city-to-city gift exchange, there will be t-shirts, NerdFighter art and jewelry, and God knows what else to give away. Then, during the signing, we'll collect gifts for the next city."

Mark your calendars, NerdFighters…its time to get organized!



More Information about John Green's latest book: PAPER TOWNS

In Paper Towns, the popular and extravagantly mischievous Margo Roth Spiegelman cracks open a window and climbs back into her next-door neighbor Quentin's life after a decade grown apart from him. Though their all-nighter through Orlando feels to Q like the beginning of a new life, he arrives at school the next day to discover that Margo has vanished—always an enigma, she has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that Margo has left behind clues—and they're for him. With nothing left to guide him but a seemingly random collection of maps, books, online entries, and an annotated copy of Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself," Q and his friends must find Margo and unpeel the ever-changing layers of meaning behind her "paper towns." Urged down this disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees of the girl he thought he knew.

A brilliantly ambitious novel, Paper Towns is distinguished by Green's trademark wit and searing emotional honesty, which have inspired a new generation of readers. For more information about John Green's books and videos, you can visit nerdfighters.com and sparksflyup.com.

About John Green

John Green has been a commentator on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" and has reviewed books for publications including The New York Times and Booklist. His first novel, Looking For Alaska, won the 2006 Michael L. Printz Award and his second novel, An Abundance of Katherines, was a 2007 Michael L. Printz Honor Book. Although John grew up amid the subdivisions and theme parks of Orlando (where Paper Towns is set) he now lives in Indianapolis, IN with his wife, Sarah.

For more information, please contact Jess Michaels, Associate Director of Publicity Penguin Young Readers Group, 212.414.3437/ jessica.michaels@us.penguingroup.com

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

LIBRARY TEENSPACE CANCELED FOR FRIDAY

Racine – The Racine Public Library's TeenSpace event scheduled for Friday, October 31 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. has been changed to Saturday, Nov. 15, from 2:00-3:30 p.m.

The Nov. event will feature a special meet and greet with author John Green and his brother Hank. The Green Brothers are founders of NerdFighters, an online community that fights for the rights of Nerds and that provides teens and young adults a space for creative expression. The event will be held at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St.

The monthly Friday TeenSpace events for the future will be rescheduled to other days due to the change in the Library's open hours.

The Racine Public Library's TeenSpace is a monthly gathering for teens ages 11-18 offering gaming (video and board), music, art projects, the newest teen materials, and refreshments. The events are free and open to all teens. No registration is necessary. For more information contact Becky Spika at 262.619.2571.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Library Hosts Intro to Sahaja Yoga

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., will host a series of introductory programs about Sahaja Yoga, a unique method of mediation based on Self Realization (kundalini awakening) on Tuesday, Sept. 23 and on Wednesdays, Oct. 8 & 15 from 6-7 pm in the Library's Lee Room. This introductory class is free of charge and no registration is necessary. Sessions will be started every 15 minutes so registration is not necessary and drop-in visitors are welcome.

Sahaja Yoga Meditation is practised by many thousands of people around the world. Its popularity has grown steadily since it was founded in 1970, by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi. Many centers have been established around the world to offer the public an opportunity to experience this simple meditation.

Meditation is best understood as a state of 'mental silence' in which one is fully alert and aware but free of the unnecessary thoughts or worries that lead to many of life's day to day stresses. This state of silence occurs spontaneously when one learns how to focus on the experience of the present moment, leading to a state of peace and calm. Through a simple process, known as Self-Realization (kundalini awakening) this meditation state can be quickly established, maintained and, most importantly, enjoyed!

Research conducted in Australia and elsewhere indicates that Sahaja Yoga meditation can improve physical and mental health plus reduce stress. Recent studies suggest that Sahaja Yoga meditation is unique even when compared to other forms of meditation. People who meditate regularly, using Sahaja Yoga for around 20minutes a day, find they become healthier, calmer and much more relaxed, with an improved outlook on life.

Sahaja Yoga can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of age or lifestyle. This form of meditative yoga offers simple techniques that are easy to practice. For more information about this unique form contact Smita at (732)-357-7564 or sahaja.info@gmail.com