Press Release
BLACK HISTORY PROGRAMS
Bridgeport Public Library
Bridgeport, CT – February 13, 2007
Burroughs and Saden Main Library 925 Broad Street
Freedom: Bring the Lesson Home Experience first hand the triumph of the Civil Rights Movement! Pearlye Sams Allen uses audience interaction, role-playing and storytelling to bring history to life and bring the lesson home. Popular Library Department 1st floor.
Call Michele Jacobson at 203 576-7401 for more information
Saturday, February 16, 11:00 a.m.
African American Genealogy Program
Follow along with Virginia Banerjee, Genealogy Trainer and Consultant and John Hoda, Hoda Genealogy as they trace two women of color to the pre-civil war Deep South from property ownership in the North with a surprising twist. We will take some of the mystery out of searching for families of color in celebrating Black History Month.Both John and Virginia are members of the. CT Professional. GenealogistCouncil, Inc. Historical Collections 3rd Floor
Saturday, February 16, 2008 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Charles Chesnutt Lecture: Author Charles Chesnutt (1858-1932) is being honored this year with a Black Heritage US postage stamp being released on January 31, 2008. Richard Fewell will give a lecture on this famous African American author and political activist. 3rd Floor Community Room Call Michael Bielawa at 203 576-7413 for more information
Tuesday, February 19, 7:00 – 8:00
Little Liberia: Charles Brilvitch will give a program on the African American and Native American Roots of Bridgeport’s Little Liberia Neighborhood. 3rd floor Classroom.
Saturday, February 23 at 2:00
Newfield Branch 1230 Stratford Avenue
Dan Stevens: "History of the Blues: Concert and Talk" Natioanlly recognized Blues musician, Dan Stevens, began his love affair with guitars at the age of 16. Stevens has studied with Paul Rishell, winner of the W.C. Handy Award and he was blessed to study with Greenwich Village icon Dave Van Ronk. Another major influence in Dan's life were his years riding the rails, with guitar in hand, when hecrisscrossed the United States five times. An irrepressible guitar collector, Dan surrounds himself with vintage and custom instruments acquired in his many travels. Any given performance may find him choosing to play a 1950’s Sears Silvertone, a 1931 National Steel, or a retro lime green Resophonic.
Saturday, February 16, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Mary Witkowski: "Gee's Bend and Family History" An African American genealogy program given by the Head of the library’s Historical Collections Mary Witkowski
Thursday, February 21, 6:30 p.m.
For information on all the programs taking place at the Newfield Branch Library call Community Relations librarian, Michael Bielawa at 203 576-7413
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HOLIDAY SING-ALONG AND SNOWMAN CRAFT PROGRAM
Bridgeport Public Library-Children’s Department
Bridgeport, CT – November 29, 2007- The Bridgeport Public Library Burroughs and Saden Branch will hold a special holiday sing-along on December 15, 2007 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the first floor Children’s Department. Library board member and guitarist, Tom Errichetti, will once again entertain families with a variety of Christmas tunes. Audience participation is encouraged. A snowman craft will be available for children to make and take during the two-hour performance.
For more information call the Children's Department at 203 576-7408.
GUITARIST GLENN ROTH TO PERFORM THROUGHOUT DECEMBER
Bridgeport Public Library-All locations
Bridgeport, CT – November 23, 2007 Innovative guitarist Glenn Roth is back by popular demand to perform at all Bridgeport Public Library locations throughout December. As a gift to our patrons, Glenn will bring holiday cheer for the third year in a row. Take time out of your busy schedule to enjoy this musical treat appropriate for all ages.
All performances take place from 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Tuesday Dec 4 Main Burroughs and Saden Library Front lobby 925 Broad Street
Monday Dec 10 Old Mill Green Branch 1677-81 East Main Street
Monday Dec 17 Newfield Branch 1230 Stratford Avenue
Tuesday Dec 18 North Branch, Circulation Area 3455 Madison Avenue
For more information call Community Relations Librarian Michael Bielawa at 203 576-7413.
BRIDGEPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY Computer Classes For Job Hunters
Bridgeport Public Library, Burroughs and Saden Memorial
Bridgeport, CT – November 15, 2007- The Information Services Department on the second floor of the Burroughs & Saden building will be teaching two new computer classes for the job hunter. On Tuesday December 4 patrons will be introduced to the Resume Wizard. Choose styles, fonts, and formats to create your own personalized resume. Internet Job Searching will be offered on Tuesday, December 11. Learn the ins and outs of looking for a job on the Internet. Discover new job hunting websites. Both classes take place at 6:30 p.m. Some discussion about online applications will be included. For a complete listing of all our Tuesday night adult classes at the library, please visit our website www.bportlibrary.org
These free classes take place in the Information Services Department on the library’s second floor. The library is located at 925 Broad Street, Bridgeport, CT. For more information call 203 576-7412 or visit our website at www.bportlibrary.org These programs are free and open to the public.
BRIDGEPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY FRIENDS MEETING
Bridgeport Public Library-North Branch
Bridgeport, CT – November 29, 2007- The next meeting of the Friends of the Bridgeport Public Library will be Thursday, December 13, 2007 at 7:30 PM at the North End Branch Library, 3455 Madison Avenue. Friends sponsor a wide range of free programming such as exhibits, forums, concerts, book sales, and more. Come be a part of this growing organization. All Friends Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information visit www.bportlibrary.org/about/friends.htm or contact the Friends at friends@bridgeportpubliclibrary.org
Friends of bridgeport public library fall book sale
Bridgeport Public Library, Black Rock Arts Center
Bridgeport, CT – November 8, 2007—The Friends of the Bridgeport Public Library’s Fall Book Sale will take place Thanksgiving weekend on Saturday, November 24 from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Sunday November 25 from 1:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. at the Black Rock Arts Center, 2838 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport.
Hardcover books will sell for $1.50. Buy 10 and get one free. Paperbacks are 50¢. Buy 4 and get one free. The sale will also include DVDS and Videos that will sell for $1.00. Cassettes will sell for 50¢. On Sunday the Friends invite the public to fill a bag for $4.00. For more information about the Friends Book Sale please call 203 576-7777 or visit the library’s website at www.bportlibrary.org
Bridgeport Public Library, Burroughs and Saden Memorial, Historical Collections
Bridgeport, CT – October 31, 2007—The Historical Collections Department of the Bridgeport Public Library will continue its monthly film series. On Saturday, November 17, 2007 the library will feature Remembering Fairfield County: The Playgrounds of our Past. Produced by Emmy award winner Frank Borres, this latest in the series features the days of the Danbury Fair, the Ritz Ballroom and Pleasure Beach. Long time County residents will enjoy fond memories while a new generation learns about life in years gone by visiting these fascinating, historical places.
Show time is 2:30 p.m. at the Bridgeport Public Library, Burroughs and Saden Branch 3rd Floor Community Room 925 Broad Street, Bridgeport. For more information please contact Mary Witkowski at (203) 576-7417 or visit our website at www.bportlibrary.org
Bridgeport Public Library, Burroughs and Saden Memorial, Historical Collections
Bridgeport, CT – October 31, 2007—David Cruson, author of The Slaves of Central Fairfield County: The Journey from Slave to Freeman in Nineteenth Century Connecticut will discuss the enslavement and subjugation of slaves in the Northern States at the Bridgeport Public Library, Burroughs and Saden Branch 3rd Floor Community Room 925 Broad Street, Bridgeport on Thursday, November 15, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. Copies of Cruson’s book will be available for purchase at this event. For more information please contact Mary Witkowski at (203) 576-7417 or visit our website at www.bportlibrary.org
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS CLOSED ON MONDAYS
Bridgeport Public Library-Historical Collection
Bridgeport, CT - November 22, 2007 The Historical Collections Department located on the 3rd floor of the downtown Burroughs & Saden branch is closed on Mondays
BRIDGEPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY AUTHOR CHARLES BRILVITCH
Bridgeport Public Library-Historical Collections
Bridgeport, CT – October 29, 2007- Author and Historian Charles Brilvitch will launch his new book A History of Connecticut’s Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe, The History Press, on Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. in the Bridgeport Public Library’s Historical Collections Department on the 3rd floor. Brilvitch’s book chronicles the local Golden Hill Paugussett tribe through the Victorian Era to present day. Refreshments will be served. For more information call 203 576-7417. The Bridgeport Public Library is located at 925 Broad Street.
BRIDGEPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY SELF SERVE COMPUTER RESERVATIONS
Bridgeport Public Library
Bridgeport, CT – October 25, 2007- Reserving a computer at the Main Burroughs and Saden library building downtown just got easier. The second floor Gates lab now features EnvisionWare a self- serve process that allows users to reserve a computer for 30 minutes when using the Internet, word processor or a printer. Patrons may even make a reservation while the computers are in use. This new system also allows patrons to print direct to a color or black and white printer. Black and white copies are now 15¢ and color copies 50¢ In addition all Bridgeport Public Library branches sell floppy disks, CD’s, headphones and flashdrives. Patrons must have a valid Connecticut library card to use EnvisionWare. Out of town guests may receive a free pass when visiting the library. For more information about EnvisionWare please call the Information Services Department at 203 576-7412.
BRIDGEPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY CIVIL WAR SERIES
Bridgeport Public Library-North Branch
Bridgeport, CT – October 25, 2007- The Bridgeport Public Library will once again feature its popular November series “Not So Distant Guns” a collection of programs that focuses on the Civil War Era. All programs will take place at the North Branch Library, 3455 Madison Avenue.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. “First to Richmond”
“First to Richmond” will feature historian Bernie Crowley. This lecture will focus on the 29th, 30th and 31st Black regiments of Connecticut. Mustered in 1864, these two local companies from the 29th were the first infantry at the end of the war to enter Richmond, the confederate capital, and stand in the presence of Abraham Lincoln. Crowley will also give a background on the unit while concentrating on two Fairfield County heroes, Boston White from Stratford and Lafayette Williams from Bridgeport.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. Movie: The Red Badge of Courage.
Director John Huston brings to life Stephen Crane’s novel about one soldier’s struggle during the Civil War.
Monday, November 19, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. The Confederate Navy and the CSS Hunley
Commander Greg Florence, U.S. Navy, will provide a presentation on the Confederate Navy, focusing on the CSS H. L. Hunley. After providing an overview of the Confederate Navy and its strategy, CDR Florence will discuss the South's use of cutting edge technologies to compensate for their disadvantages in seapower as compared to the Union. Although the Southern use of ironclads, such as the CSS Virginia, is more famous, the Confederacy is also known for conducting the first successful, albeit pyrrhic, attack using a submarine, the CSS Hunley. Florence will discuss the development of the CSS Hunley, provide an overview of its characteristics and capabilities, and its use in battle. Additionally, he will provide information on the recovery of the CSS Hunley in April 2004, the subsequent archaeological research and restoration work on the submarine, and how those efforts have furthered our understanding of the technology behind the CSS Hunley and the brave men who sacrificed their lives to crew this unique weapon of war.
These programs are free and open to the public. For more information please contact Michael Bielawa at 203 576-7413.
BRIDGEPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY MOVIE MARATHON
Bridgeport Public Library, Newfield Branch
Bridgeport, CT – October 18, 2007- Sand, sun, and fun will abound this Saturday, October 27 at the Newfield Branch when the library hosts a day long Frankie and Annette movie marathon from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Join the famous boyfriend and girlfriend as they sing and surf their way through romance in these entertaining 1960’s films. The Newfield Branch library is located at 1230 Stratford Avenue. For more information call 203 576-7828.
BRIDGEPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY WIRELESS ACCESS
Bridgeport Public Library, Burroughs and Saden Memorial
Bridgeport, CT – October 18, 2007- Bring your laptop to the library! Free wi-fi capabilities are available at the Bridgeport Public Library. The 2nd floor Reference Department in the Burroughs and Saden building downtown and McLevy Green access are made possible by a grant from the One Coast/One Future Initiative of Coastal Fairfield County and funded through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Wireless internet access is also available at the North Branch, 3455 Madison Avenue, the Old Mill Green Branch 1677-81 East Main Street, and the Newfield Branch 1230 Stratford Avenue. The main library downtown is located at 925 Broad Street.
BRIDGEPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS
Bridgeport Public Library, Burroughs and Saden Memorial
Bridgeport, CT – October 10, 2007- Preschool Storyhours. Fall into a good book or two. Preschoolers are invited to join for a fun program filled with stories, finger rhymes, songs, short movies, and simple activities. Storyhours are offered at the following library locations beginning the week of October 15.
Burroughs and Saden
925 Broad Street
203 576-7408
Saturdays 10:30 a.m.
Newfield
1230 Stratford Avenue
203 576-7828
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.
North (Twees a special program for two and three year olds)
3455 Madison Avenue
203 576-7821
Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
Old Mill Green
1677-81 East Main Street
203 576-7634
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
These programs are free and open to the public.
BRIDGEPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY FREE COMPUTER CLASSES
Bridgeport Public Library, Burroughs and Saden Memorial
Bridgeport, CT – October 10, 2007- The Information Services Department on the second floor of the Burroughs & Saden building will be teaching Microsoft Word from soup to nuts this fall. Parts three and four in a series on Microsoft Word will end with the last two classes. Microsoft Word 3 takes place on October 16th and finishes up with Microsoft Word 4 on the 23rd. Other classes include eBay for Beginners on October 30. For a complete listing of all our Tuesday night adult classes at the library, please visit our website www.bportlibrary.org
These free classes take place in the Information Services Department on the library’s second floor. The library is located at 925 Broad Street, Bridgeport, CT. For more information call 203 576-7412 or visit our website at www.bportlibrary.org These programs are free and open to the public.
TEEN READ WEEK - OPEN MIC AND GAMING AT BRIDGEPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY
Bridgeport, CT – October 3, 2007 - Get ready for Teen Read Week at the Bridgeport Public Library. The first ever Teen Comics Open Mic Night will take place at the Burroughs and Saden Public Memorial Branch, emceed by professional comedian, Dan Kelly. Prepare a family friendly, witty routine 3-5 minutes long and get ready to entertain the masses. Open Mic Night will take place on Thursday, October 18, 2007 from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. as Bridgeport Public Library celebrates the tenth annual Teen Read Week October 14 – 20, 2007. They join thousands of other libraries, schools and bookstores across the country who are encouraging teens to celebrate this year’s theme, "LOL @ your Library, sponsored by the American Library Association. Audience participation is encouraged as viewers vote to discover who is the best comic. Prizes will be awarded to the top three comics.
This special event, open to all high school teens in the Greater Bridgeport area will take place in the downtown main library’s Fine Arts Department on the 2nd floor. Registration is required to participate as a comic. To sign up call Michele Jacobson at 203 576-7401. Michele may also be reached at mjacobson@bridgeportpubliclibrary.org. The Bridgeport Public Library is located at 925 Broad Street, Bridgeport.
A Teen Read Week event for kids ten and up is also planned at the Old Mill Green Branch. Teen Gaming night takes place Tuesday, Oct. 16 from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Have fun while trying your skills at a variety of computer, video and board games. The traditional giveaway at the end of the evening for this event will be books coinciding with the LOL @ your Library theme that encourages teens to read humorous books and graphic novels just 'for the fun of it'. and connects laugher and reading. The Old Mill Green Branch is located at 1677-81 East Main Street, Bridgeport. To sign up please contact the branch at 203 576-7634.
The Newfield Branch will host a “New Joke Contest” Make up a new joke and win a prize.Contest is open to teens ages 13-19 and jokes need to be submitted during Teen Read Week October 14-20 at Newfield Branch Library. Winner will be announced Saturday October 20. The Newfield Branch is located at 1230 Stratford Avenue. For more information contact the branch at 203 576-7828
For more information on any of these programs visit our website at www.bportlibrary.org
NEW LOGO, WEBSITE, AND NEW HOURS AT BRIDGEPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY
Bridgeport Public Library
Bridgeport, CT – October 3, 2007 Bport is the new face of the Bridgeport Public Library. Described as “chic and hip” by web designer Fredi Bremond, www.bportlibrary.org, the library’s new website incorporates the innovative logo that patrons will easily recognize as the city library’s fresh, new identity. The website, softly introduced at last month’s Bridgeport Public Library Friends meeting/reception, has the logo already being used in brochures and other library handouts. The Bport Library brand will also be used in all future library campaigns, flyers and other media. Assistant City Librarian Ann Osbon likens the “O” of the design to that of a portal by which one can enter to explore books, DVD’s, talking books, library resources, and more.
In addition to a new logo the library will also be expanding its hours beginning on Saturday, October 13. The main downtown, Burroughs and Saden building, 925 Broad Street will be open Monday, 10-6, Tuesday-Thursday 12-8, Saturday 10-5. The Newfield branch, 1230 Stratford Avenue will be open Monday and Thursday 12-8, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday 10-5. The North branch, 3455 Madison Avenue will open its doors Monday-Wednesday, 1-9, Thursday, 10-6, Friday and Saturday 10-5. The Old Mill Green branch, 1677-81 East Main Street, will be open Monday and Thursday 12-8, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday 10-5. The Black Rock branch, 2705 Fairfield Avenue is closed for renovation.
City Librarian Scott Hughes, invites all library users to actively engage in the new website and enjoy the benefit of the additional hours. “As the Bridgeport Public Library continues to grow, I believe that you will notice the difference. I am hopeful that we will better meet your needs. We hope to see you soon and often at Bport Library!” For more information visit the library at our new website www.bportlibrary.org or call 203 576-8355.
19th CENTURY WHALING CULTURE EXHIBIT- RECEPTION
Bridgeport Public Library Burroughs and Saden Memorial Public
Bridgeport, CT – September 17, 2007— A reception for current high school seniors and graduates interested in a Peace Scholarship to the University of Bridgeport, and for students of the UB Ideal program of Continuing Education and Professional Studies will be held at the Bridgeport Public Library, Burroughs and Saden Memorial Public building downtown on Wednesday, Sept. 26th from 4:30-6:00 p.m. in the 3rd floor community room.
The reception honors “19th century Whaling Culture and Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick” an exhibit currently featured in the Bridgeport Public Library’s first floor display case. The presentation is a collection of creative research projects and pictures submitted by the History/Literature 233 “Roots of Modern Culture” class members in the Ideal evening program at UB.
The course taught by Dr. Donna Ferrantello, author of Moby-Dick and Peace, had students initiate and research topics on aspects of 19th century whaling customs and subjects relating to pre-modern and modern aspects of culture in the Melville novel. One student, Art Crisci, made color laser prints of paintings elaborated on by Melville. Crisci explained that the paintings “contained symbolism important to the themes of the novel.” April Steele created a poem, “Ode to a Whale by a Slave” which compared the life of hunted whales in the sea to the life of hunted slaves in slave ships. The poem, set within a collage of pictures, is at the center of the library exhibit’s glass display case.
During the reception University of Bridgeport Ideal students will share information about UB courses and The Peace Scholarship Fund. Applications will be on hand for anyone interested in learning more about these programs. Refreshments will be served
This program is free and open to the public. The library is located at 925 Broad Street, Bridgeport, CT. For more information please call Dr. Ferrantello at 203 520-3158.
TREE PLANTING TO HONOR SEPTEMBER 11 VICTIMS
Bridgeport Public Library North Branch
Bridgeport, CT – September 4, 2007—A special tree planting ceremony will take place at the
Bridgeport Public Library, North Branch honoring those who lost their lives during the
September 11 tragedy. The heptacodium miconiodes, or seven sons flower, a native
of China and purchased by the North End Association was chosen because of its ability
to produce interesting foliage in all four seasons. A special plaque will also be
unveiled as part of the ceremony. Pastor Craig Carlson, Covenant Church of Easton, will give
the invocation and benediction. City officials and other dignitaries will be present along
with children from neighboring schools.
The public is invited to attend this dedication on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 10:30 a.m.
The North Branch Library is located at 3455 Madison Avenue, Bridgeport.
For more information please call (203) 576-8113.
BRIDGEPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY SPINE CHILLING GHOST STORIES
Bridgeport Public Library, All locations (October 10, 2007)
Get ready to be spooked at the Bridgeport Public Library this fall. Storyteller Michele Jacobson will give you goose bumps in this program of spine chilling tales geared for families of all ages. Always a favorite, Michele weaves a magic spell of urban legends, ghost stories and folk tales where audience participation is always encouraged. Join Michele at the Old Mill Green Branch, 1677-81 East Main St. on Monday October 22 at 6:00 p.m.; the North Branch 3455 Madison Ave. on Saturday October 27 at 3:00 p.m.; the Newfield Branch, 1230 Stratford Ave. on Monday at 4:00 p.m. and the downtown, Burroughs and Saden Public Memorial Branch, Popular Library, 925 Broad St. on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.
For more information contact the Popular Library at 203 576-7401or visit our website at www.bportlibrary.org These programs are free and open to the public.
BRIDGEPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY MEMOIR WRITING AND GENEALOGY PROGRAMS
Bridgeport, CT – September 12, 2007
Historical Collections at the Bridgeport Public Library
Bridgeport Public Library, Burroughs and Saden Memorial
The Historical Collections of the Bridgeport Public Library will offer the following ongoing programs this fall.
Bridgeport Memoir Writing Class: Participants write and document their own life stories in this free monthly program. Classes will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday October 13 and November 10 Beginners are welcome.
Bridgeport Historical Collections Genealogy Roundtable: Genealogist Bill Stansfield will
lead this monthly genealogy discussion that takes place at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday October 17
and November 21
Both programs take place at the Bridgeport Public Library, Burroughs and Saden Memorial Branch 3rd floor Community Room, 925 Broad Street, Bridgeport CT. For more information please call Mary Witkowski at 203 576-7417 or visit our website at www.bportlibrary.org
These programs are free and open to the public.
“SOME OF OUR BRAVEST AND FINEST” RESTORED FILM
Bridgeport, CT – September 12, 2007
Bridgeport Public Library, Burroughs and Saden Memorial, Historical Collections
A monthly film series will take place this fall at the Bridgeport Public Library Burroughs and Saden Memorial Branch downtown. The Historical Collections will unveil for the first time a recently restored silent film “Some of Our Bravest and Finest” taken by Corbit Photography studios in 1912.
This first film will view on Saturday, September 29 and features rare shots of Bridgeport streets and early footage of Bridgeport firemen and their fire apparatus in a parade. This film was restored with funding from the National Film Preservation Foundation.
The series continues on Saturday October 20 with a film produced by the McLevy Administration showing the Public Works Department and projects ca. 1938. This film shows rare footage of the bridges being worked in Bridgeport, including the Pleasure Beach bridge.
Finally, the CBS News, 60 Minutes program “Mayor Moran” features Mary Moran being interviewed in 1990 by news anchorman Harry Reasoner. The date for this program is Saturday November 17.
Show time is 2:30 p.m. at the Bridgeport Public Library, Burroughs and Saden Branch 3rd Floor Community Room 925 Broad Street, Bridgeport. For more information please contact Mary Witkowski at (203) 576-7417 or visit our website at www.bridgeporpubliclibrary.org
