In preperation for Mother’s Day a large number of patrons (young and not so young) came to the Black Rock Branch to learn how to make beaded jewelry from expert beaded jewelry makers and library staff members Henrietta and Tina. From all accounts a good time was had by all.

To the left, a father and daughter make sure they they will be ready to present Mom with some special gifts on her special day.

For more photos:

12►

Little Rocks

Join us for our popular Little Rocks program for children up through age 3 with a caregiver. Stories, rhymes, music, movement, short films, and time for play are all part of the mix!

Contact: Miss Bina:   203-337-9676

Family Film Festival – THE MUPPETS

On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, and his friends Gary and Mary from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds.

To stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10-million needed to save the theater, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit the Frog reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways.

Amy Adams, Jason Segel, Chris Cooper
Walt Disney Pictures; Directed by James Bobin
Rated PG; 98 minutes; 2011

View trailer

Bridesmaids

Annie is a maid of honor whose life unravels as she leads her best friend, Lillian, and a group of colorful bridesmaids on a wild ride down the road to matrimony. Annie’s life is a mess. But when she finds out her lifetime best friend is engaged, she simply must serve as Lillian’s maid of honor.

Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph
Universal Pictures; Directed by Paul Feig
Rated R; 125 minutes; 2011

View Trailer

Free refreshments will be served – but feel free to bring a nonperishable food item for donation to the Black Rock Food Pantry.

The Art of Critiquing Art

Please join us for the second in a series of monthly programs focusing on the arts conducted by the World Artist Network.

This particular art critique program, aims to help people integrate with more ease into the art world and assist to them in developing the analysis, synthesis and evaluation skills needed to enhance and fully appreciate all forms of art.

In an age in which people are struggling to become part of a larger global community, the Arts are a language that cuts across racial, cultural, social, educational, and economic barriers and enhance cultural appreciation and awareness.

World Artist Network Info

Free refreshments will be served.

The Charles Cooper

Co‐Sponsored by the BRCC History Commttee and the Black Rock Branch Public Library.
Admission for this lecture is free.

As Maritime Historian Michael Stammers explains, “ The Charles Cooper was a unique link to America’s wooden sailing ships when its mercantile fleet was a dominant force in world shipping during the 19th century.  The Charles Cooper, 1,000 tons, was launched on the 11th of November, 1856, at Black Rock, Connecticut, and spent only ten active years at sea, trading between Antwerp and New York, carrying many of the early emigrants to the United States .“

Presentor: Norman Brouwer is the former curator of ship restoration at the South Street Seaport in New York City and is a Maritime Historian, writer and lecturer.

It’s Spring in Paris and time for a little French in Black Rock…. Bonjour!

A class on French language for beginners will be offered at the Black Rock Public Library. If you have you ever wanted to learn some French this is a chance to get a free introductory class which involves basic conversation and pronunciation.

Please register early as this class will be conducted by our neighborhood language wizard Rob Foley whose recent Italian classes were extremely popular.

To register call: 203 337-9676.

THE SOLOIST

This biographical drama tells the true life story of musical prodigy Nathaniel Ayers. He dropped out of Julliard after developing schizophrenia and became a homeless musician on the streets of Los Angeles. A reporter looking for an article finds Ayers one day and develops a close relationship with the troubled but gifted artist.

Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey, Jr., Catherine Keener
DreamWorks Pictures; Directed by Joe Wright
Rated PG-13; 109 minutes; 2009

View trailer

Co sponsored by the Kennedy Center, Inc.

Free refreshments will be served.

GRAN TORINO

Walt Kowalski is a grumpy, tough-minded old man whose prize possession is a 1973 Gran Torino he keeps in cherry condition. When a neighboring teenager tries to steal it, Kowalski sets out to reform the youth. Drawn against his will into the life of the would-be robber’s family, Kowalski is soon taking steps to protect them from the gangs that rule their neighborhood.

Clint Eastwood, Brian Haley
Warner Bros.; Directed by Clint Eastwood
Rated R; 116 minutes; 2008

View Trailer 

Free Refreshments will be served – but feel free to bring a nonperishable food item for donation to the Black Rock Food Pantry.

“Piano Creations”

Matthew Fishteyn is an 19 year old, immensely talented musician with a high-energy repertoire that includes his original compositions written in different styles of music including jazz, Latin, blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll. Matthew calls his program “Piano Creations”because it transforms the musical experience, giving the listener more ways to relate to and understand the music, and making the performance a more personal, interactive experience.

Video preview       Composer interview

Free refreshments will be served.

Do you want to have an unforgettable experience? Then join Matthew Fishteyn at the Black Rock Branch Library to witness a composer at work, and become one with the music. His performance integrates nearly all genres of music, artfully decorated with his own touch. Matthew’s compositions can be related to lace embroidery, in that they contain subtleties, upon which much attention is called. These subtleties are so evident in his work that a voice of new musical understanding is being created. This interactive experience should not be missed by all aficionados of good music and a soul!

Food for Thought – Book Discussion

The Black Rock Branch Library’s lunchtime book club meets the 3rd  Wednesday of the month at 1:00 PM - bring your brown bag lunch, we will provide coffee, tea and dessert.

Our next book up for discussion is:

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Debut author Morgenstern doesn’t miss a beat in this smashing tale of greed, fate, and love set in a turn of the 20th-century circus. Supporting characters* are perfectly realized and live easily in a giant, magical story destined for bestsellerdom.Starred Review. Publishers Weekly