Off the Shelf: July Events at the Bridgeport Public Library
By Sharon Saye on June 28, 2017 from Off the Shelf
Summer Reading is past the half way point, but there are a lot of programs and activity left. Readers are still welcome to join and attend our programs. The Summer Reading Finale Block Party is scheduled for Thursday, July 20 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The theme this year is Once Upon a Time emphasizing the diversity of American History. Registered Summer Reading participants are eligible to win prizes and attend programs; please register early as programs reach maximum capacity quickly.
At time of registration, participants are given a packet containing reading lists, activity sheets, and calendars of events. Registration for children requires the presence of an adult with a Bridgeport Public Library card. Registration for adults and teens requires a Bridgeport Public library card. Registration for July programs began on June 15.
Programs for children are generally offered on Wednesdays at noon and Thursdays at 6 p.m. with some exceptions. Family programs are usually scheduled on Fridays. Calendars of Events are available at the library and online.
Participants have been traveling through time over the last few weeks and July kicks off with Migrant Musicology. Both Annie Neeley and Anthony Douglas will offer musical instruction and historical context in their respective fields of expertise, singing and drumming. Registration is required and children are invited to participate in two musical programs, one on Wednesday, July 5 at 12 p.m. for Annie and 1 p.m. for Anthony, and on Thursday, July 6 at 6 p.m. for Annie and 7 p.m. for Anthony.
Summer Reeling will be showing “Iron Jawed Angels” for adults and teens on July 6th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. This movie shows defiant young activists taking the women’s suffrage movement by storm. Another selection is scheduled for Tuesday, July 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., “Come See the Paradise,” about a passionate romance between an Irish-American man and a Japanese-American woman threatened by racism and fear as Japanese Americans are forced into internment camps. And the last film in the program is the award-winning, “Hidden Figures,” on Tuesday, July 18th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. about a team of female African-American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U. S. space program.
On Family Friday on July 7 at 12 p.m., everyone is invited to dress in 1920s attire and attend a party at the library. Local dance talents Artie and Eileen Frank will provide the feature waltz performance. Wear your flapper dress or suit and join the fun. This event is a Summer Reading program for families.
On July 12 at noon and July 13 at 6 p.m., Dewey Dojo is scheduled. Participants will learn about karate and practice various moves under the watchful eye of instructors from the Mountaineer Karate Club. This program highlights aspects of Japanese culture, highlighted in this week of summer reading. Registration is required.
Family Friday on July 14 at noon will be a showing of the film, “Kubo and the Two Strings.” Registration is also required. Pizza and refreshments will be provided.
Equal Exchange will occur on Wednesday, July 19 where participants will play with paint and exchange colors by shaking hands. This activity highlights diversity and acts of kindness. It is messy and participants are asked to wear old clothes. Registration is required.
Join us to celebrate another successful summer of reading and programs in your community with an evening of fun, food, games, music and prizes at our Grand Finale on Thursday, July 20 from 4 to p.m. 6 p.m.
The Library will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, in celebration of our nation’s independence.
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