Civil War music at the Pine Island Library
The Friends of the Pine Island Library are once again bringing back popular entertainers Suzanne and Jim. They always raise the roof here at the library. This year their program will be unique. In conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, Suzanne and Jim have researched music from that era. They will present “Civil War Times: The People’s Favorites.” These are songs that civilians and soldiers enjoyed. The program will be educational and lots of fun! You don’t have to be a Civil war buff to enjoy good music. The show starts on Wednesday Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. This program is part of VIVA FLORIDA 500, a year long celebration of our state’s 500th anniversary.
Also part of VIVA FLORIDA 500, we will present a public reading of Richard Powell’s “Pioneer, Go Home.” Mr. Powell was a Fort Myers resident and his book was inspired by Matlacha. We’ll be reading this hilarious novel at 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays from Jan. 8-29.
We’ll be doing some technology training over the next few weeks. At 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 11 and at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 7 we’ll present Computers 101. This is for people new to computers or with limited computer skills. Each session lasts two hours and will cover many topics such as use of the computer for writing and organizing; researching and buying on the Internet; and safety and security. And for all you lucky folks that got an e-reader for Christmas we’re presenting “Technology and Your Library: Download Depot and Use of E-Readers” at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 25 and at 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 21. The classes last two hours and will cover borrowing books from the Download Depot. Bring your device along or join us if you just want to learn the benefits of reading books electronically.
We’ll have a variety of programs over the next several weeks. At 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12 we’ll have “Bees Alive!” a program that discusses the importance of bees in agriculture, their classes and functions. There will be a demonstration hive with a queen bee. At 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 23 The Friends of the Pine Island Library are sponsoring David Kilbride performing “Rock Around the Clock: Music of the 50s and 60s.” This will be a rockin’ good time!
On Thursday, Jan. 24 at 1:30 p.m., Lillian Bradley’s book discussion is Octavia E. Butler’s “Kindred.” This discussion will be at held the Pine Island Methodist Church. Following this, the Friends of the Pine Island Library will meet at the library at 3:15 p.m. Everyone is invited.
We haven’t forgotten the children. Family storytimes begin on Thursday, Jan. 24 at 11 a.m. Miss Tonya always chooses exciting books and provides fun crafts. The focus of this first storytime of the year is pigs. I’m hoping Miss Tonya lets me read my favorite, “Pigs Aplenty, Pigs Galore.” And at the end of the month, Jan. 30 at 3:30 p.m., our Wacky Wednesday family program is “Out of My Hands Juggling!” Bring the kids or grandkids to this fun interactive program. It will delight and amaze.
New books are constantly arriving. It is a busy time of year but you can get a jump on other readers by placing holds on upcoming titles such as “Alex Cross Run” by James Patterson; “Until the End of Time” by Danielle Steel; and “The Rip Tide Ultra-Glide” by Tim Dorsey.
January is a hectic month for all of us. Be sure to swing by the Pine Island Public Library, just northwest of Pine Island Center. We have books, music, magazines, and DVDs for the whole family. We’re looking forward to seeing you.