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Here are some upcoming June events at the Black Rock Branch Library

Wednesdays, 10:45- 11:45 AM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: 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.

Fridays, June, 1^st – June 29^th 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Lee Y Seras: Read and You Will Be Spanish speaking parents of young children are invited to bring their little ones for a morning of food, stories and guidance in reading to a child.

Padres de habla hispana de los niños pequeños están invitados a traer a sus pequeños para una mañana de los alimentos, las historias y de orientación en la lectura de un niño. Contact: Bina Williams 203-337-9676.

Wednesdays, June 6th – June 27^th 3:30 AM – 5:00 PM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Learn to Knit at the Black Rock Branch knitting class for beginners of all ages. Learn basic stitches. Knit a scarf by the end of the course! FREE! Materials provided. Four Wednesday afternoons: June 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th from 3:30 – 5:00 PM. Taught by Jeanette Faison. Classes are free but space is limited to register call: 203 337-9676

Tuesdays, starting June 12^th 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Free Computer Classes for Beginners, a series of free computer classes designed for beginners. All classes begin at 6:30 PM or and will last approximately 1 hour. Space is limited so register for one or more classes now. Call: (203) 337-9676.

Thursdays, starting June 14^th 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents : The Black Rock Knitting & Crocheting Club. Please join us for a fun evening of knitting, crocheting and community. Knitters and crocheters of all levels are welcome. Free refreshments will be served and knitting and crocheting supplies will be provided for those who do not already have them. For more info call: 203 337-9676.

Saturday, June 2nd at 1:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Saturday Movie Matinee – 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. Clint Eastwood, Brian Haley Warner Bros.; Directed by Clint Eastwood Rated R; 116 minutes; 2008 Free Refreshments will be served – but feel free to bring a nonperishable food item for donation to the Black Rock Food Pantry. For more info call 203 337-9676.

Thursday, June 7th at 7:00 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: “Piano Creations” a Unique Musical Experience with Matthew Fishteyn. 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. Refreshments will be served . For more information call 203 337-9676.

Saturday, June 9th at 1:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Saturday Movie Matinee – MONEYBALL The Oakland A’s general manager defies conventional wisdom and outsmarts his competition when forced to reinvent his team with bargain players. 2012 Oscar nominee for Best Picture and Best Actor. Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Phillip Seymour Hoffman Columbia Pictures; Directed by Bennett Miller Rated PG-13; 113 minutes; 2012 Free refreshments will be served – but feel free to bring a nonperishable food item for donation to the Black Rock Food Pantry. For more info call 203 337-9676.

Saturday, June 16th at 1:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Saturday Movie Matinee – TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY Based on the classic novel of the same name, the international thriller is set at the height of the Cold War years of the mid-20th Century. George Smiley (Gary Oldman), a disgraced British spy, is rehired in secret by his government – which fears that the British Secret Intelligence Service, a.k.a. MI-6, has been compromised by a double agent working for the Soviets. Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy Focus Features; Directed by Tomas Alfredson
Rated R; 127 minutes; 2011. Free refreshments will be served – but feel free to bring a nonperishable food item for donation to the Black Rock Food Pantry. For more info call 203 337-9676.

Tuesday, June 19th at 6:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: The Art of Critiquing Art Please join us for the third 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. For more info call 203 337-9676.

Wednesday, June 20th at 1:00 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: 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 For more info call 203 337-9676.

Saturday, June 23rd at 1:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Saturday Movie Matinee – ALBERT NOBBS Award-winning actress Glenn Close plays a woman passing as a man in order to work and survive in 19th century Ireland. Some thirty years after donning men’s clothing, she finds herself trapped in a prison of her own making. Adapted from a short story by Irish author George Moore. Glenn Close, Janet McTeer, Mia MasikowskaLionsgate; Directed by Rodrigo Garcia Rated R; 113 minutes; 2012. Free refreshments will be served – but feel free to bring a nonperishable food item for donation to the Black Rock Food Pantry. For more info call 203 337-9676.

Thursday, June 26th at 7:00 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: ITALYCIOUS with Vincenzo (Enzo) Boscarino In this program Enzo will present some of his most delightful Italian songs. He will also present some songs from other parts of the globe. The songs will be performed in their original language, some folk, some romantic, some classic and others modern-rock. Humorous stories about the predicament of an immigrant Italian family will also abound. Enzo will have a large poster to illustrate the experience of such a family and their struggle with learning English. There will be a sing-along and participation from the audience. Come early. The last time Enzo was here it was standing room only. Refreshments and Italian pastries from Luigi’s will be served. For more information call 203 337-9676.

Saturday, June 30th at 1:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Saturday Movie Matinee – MARGIN CALL This thriller revolves around the key people at an investment bank over a 24-hour period during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis. Kevin Spacey, Zachary Quinto, Stanley Tucci Lionsgate; Directed by J.C. Chandor Rated R; 109 minutes; 2011. Free refreshments will be served – but feel free to bring a nonperishable food item for donation to the Black Rock Food Pantry. For more info call 203 337-9676.

"Books Worth Talking About" set to start at Westport Country Playhouse

Westport Country Playhouse and Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc. are partnering to enrich the theater-going experience with a new literary salon series called “Books Worth Talking About!” Launching in June, the program will feature a pre-show discussion with prominent authors followed by a performance of a Playhouse production. The themes of the literary salons and theatrical productions will complement each other.

 

The inaugural salon and its parallel Playhouse production on Wednesday, June 13, will focus on memoir writing as a healing tool. Nina Sankovitch, author of “Tolstoy and the Purple Chair: A Year of Magical Reading,” a memoir in dealing with the death of her sister, will be interviewed from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Playhouse’s Sheffer studio by Tessa Smith McGovern, memoir collection editor, writing professor at Sarah Lawrence College and founder of eChook Digital Publishing. 

 

Following at 8 p.m. will be a performance of “The Year of Magical Thinking,” based on the National Book Award-winning memoir by Joan Didion.  Featuring Maureen Anderman, the play is about hope and renewal following the author’s loss of her husband. 

 

“This is the first of many salons that we will do together with the Playhouse,” said Meryl L. Moss, president of Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc., an international literary public relations firm headquartered in Westport.“We look forward to a program that will provide an opportunity for the community to engage with recognized authors and enhance the content of the theatrical productions through provocative conversation.” 

UB Design Students to Showcase Work for Library Renovation

On Thursday, May 24th at 5:30 PM the Burroughs & Saden Library, 925 Broad Street Avenue Bridgeport. Presents: An exhibition and reception for the University of Bridgeport's Shintaro Akatso School of Design Junior Interior Design Students. Under the guidance of Professor Seung Hyeon Park, AIA, the Junior Interior Design Students created designs for the future renovation and repurposing of the former first floor Popular Library in new and innovative ways. Please join us as we showcase the extraordinary work these students have done. Refreshments will be served. For more info call 203 576-7777.

Author Joan Didion to appear at Fairfield University's Oak Room

FAIRFIELD – Esteemed author and essayist Joan Didion, who won the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 2005, will read from her latest work Blue Nights and speak about her lengthy career at “An Evening with Joan Didion” on Thursday, June 7 at Fairfield University. Her talk will begin at 7 p.m. at the Barone Campus Center Oak Room.

It will be presented by Fairfield’s College of Arts and Sciences, the MFA in Creative Writing and Fairfield Public Library.

One of America’s most influential authors, Didion is known for both her novels and her substantial contributions to literary journalism, including her first work Slouching Towards Bethlehem. The White Album is her 1979 collection of magazine pieces she wrote for The New York Times, Life, The New York Review of Books and other publications. In 1987, her book Miami considered expatriate Cubans living in Florida.

 

In 2005, she released The Year of Magical Thinking, a narrative covering the death of her husband of nearly 40 years, John Gregory Dunne. The book went on to win widespread acclaim and the National Book Award.

Her latest book Blue Nights deals with the prolonged illness and death of her 39-year-old daughter Quintana Roo just two years later.

Tickets are $10. To reserve your seats please phone Laura Keller at (203) 254-4110.

Book sale continues today!

VERY BIG

SPRING 2012 BOOK SALE

 

IN THE GARAGE OF THE

 

BURROUGHS-SADEN MEMORIAL LIBRARY

925 BROAD STREET

 

MONDAY 5/7 1 P.M. - 5 P.M

 

FILL A BAG OF BOOKS FOR ONLY $4

May events scheduled for the Old Mill Green Branch Library

Thursday, May 10th from 3:00 - 4:00 PM the Old Mill Green Branch Library 1677-81 East Main St. Bridgeport presents: Game On! Teen Gaming at Old Mill Green Library. Contact: Old Mill Green Library 203 576-7634

Tuesday, May 15th from 1:30 - 2:30 PM the Old Mill Green Branch Library 1677-81 East Main St. Bridgeport presents: Video Games Day for Children and Families. Contact: Old Mill Green Library 203 576-7634

Get ready for the FBPL VERY BIG SPRING BOOK SALE coming in May!

The Friends of the Bridgeport Public Library will hold their Very Big Spring Book Sale starting on Thursday, May 3, 12-4, Friday May 4, 11-4, Saturday May 5, 11-4, and Monday May 7, 1-5, in the garag eof the Burroughs-Saden Library, State and Broad Streets.

Hardcover books $2.00, buy 10 get 1 free, trade paperbacks $1.00, paperbacks 25¢, CDs, DVDs, videos $1.00. Some specialty books from $3.00-$6.00. Monday is “Fill a Bag for $4.00” day (12x12 plastic grocery bag). For more info, call Audrey at 203-371-6397.

John Gilmore to discuss new novel "Cocaineros Duel" Saturday at BPL

Saturday, April 14th from 3:00 - 4:00 PM the Bridgeport Public Library, 925 Broad Street presents: Meet the Author - Cocaineros Duel by John Gilmore. Join author and former Connecticut Post reporter and editor, John Gilmore  as he discusses his new novel, Cocaineros Duel. Broken police detective Frank Reardon is struggling to rebuild his life while being the only one able to save others. Abandoning Connecticut after failing to capture his wife's murderer, he attempts to get lost in Costa Rica. While there, he is first branded a suspect in the murder of an unidentified woman and then drawn into the rescue of an old girlfriend captured by the cocaineros, a drug gang. Refreshments will be served and copies of Cocaineros Duel will be available for purchase and signing. for more info call: Mary Witkowski 203 576-7417.

Zombies are coming to Black Rock!

The Black Rock Branch Library – Teen Center, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents a series of zombie survival workshops. This fun and informative program is open to teens in grades 7-12. Special activities planned will include: April 10th Zombie Apocalypse Preparedness Kit Making 3:30 PM Presented by Scott T. Appleby, CEM Emergency Management City of Bridgeport. For more information contact: Bina Williams 203 337-9676

Zombie events will also be held at the Burroughs & Saden – Teen Café Please call 203 576-7408 for times and dates.

 

 

Bridgeport Librarian is Nominated for First Annual New England Paranormal Awards

On Saturday, April 14th the New England and New York paranormal community will gather to honor researchers who have made significant contributions to their particular fields of the Unexplained. Michael J. Bielawa, of the Bridgeport Public Library, has been nominated for his latest book, Wicked Bridgeport. Award categories span ten areas of expertise including Best Photograph, Best Radio Show, Literary Work, and Humanitarian Award, among others. Nominees will be judged by a panel of paranormal experts from around the world. Bielawa is proud to be among the nominees, “It is an honor to be chosen for the paranormal New England Literary Award. Years of research went into Wicked Bridgeport. The book examines many strange occurrences here and in Stratford. These victims and unsolved crimes deserve to be remembered in our minds and hearts. Forgetting these stories, these rich local New England legends, would be the true crime.”

The public is invited to take part in the awards banquet. Hosting the event will be CC Carole. Known as “CC the Huntress,” Ms. Carole is a professional ghost hunter and an Emmy Award winner for her work on Ghost Tales Network (GTN). Scheduled speakers, in addition to CC Carole, include Alycia Bonovouloir, a deaf investigator from PACC Paranormal; Spiritualist Frank; world renowned physic-medium Lorna Reynolds; and Deb Perkins, creator of Night Visions Radio Network. Also speaking will be media authority Bob Boyd with over 40 years of TV industry experience.

Tickets must be reserved in advance. They cannot be purchased at the door. Cost is $25 each. Seating is limited. Arrival time at the abandoned First Parish Church / Old Meeting House, 214 Middlesex Road, Tyngsboro, Mass. is 7:00 p.m. The church is not handicap accessible. The Award Ceremony begins promptly at 8:00 p.m. and concludes at 10:00 p.m. The audience is welcome to take pictures but absolutely no video will be permitted. There will be an after-awards party at the Uno Chicago Grill, 304 Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua, NH. For NEPA ticket information please consult: www:ccthehuntress.com

Support the BPL

5:30 PM Tuesday April 3^rd
– City Hall, 45 Lyon Terrace

Support Your Library at Tuesday’s Charter Revision Committee Meeting

City Librarian Scott Hughes and the Bridgeport Public Library Board will be meeting with the Bridgeport Charter Revision Committee Tuesday, April 3rd at 5:30 PM inBridgeport City Hall’s Wheeler Room 45 Lyon Terrace. The purpose of the meeting is to demonstrate to the Committee the importance of the BPL and the positive impact it has on the Bridgeport Community.

Please join Scott, the Board, your friends and neighbors in helping to ensure a bright future for the Bridgeport Public Library and the Bridgeport Community.

The greater the turnout the brighter our future!

Health care discussion slated for March 31st at North Branch Library

Saturday, March 31st from 2:30 - 4:30 PM The North Branch Library, 3455 Madison Avenue (203) 576-7003 & Bridgeport Votes invite you to a Town Meeting on the "2011 Connecticut Civic Health Index" & a discussion of why civic engagement is crucial in providing our children the quality education they deserve.  Moderator:  Charlotte Jarrell, League of Women Voters of Fairfield. Panel: Mary Pat Healy, Executive Director of the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition, Robert Francis, Juvenile Department of Justice's Alliances, Maria Zambrano, Executive Director of Excel Bridgeport, Wiley Mullins, Board Chair of Bridgeport Public Educational Fund.  Free refreshments and a light lunch will be provided.

Film screening and book signing scheduled at Black Rock Library

Thursday, March 22nd at 6:00 - 7:30 PM. The Bridgeport Public Library, 925 Broad Street presents: Two Angry Moms is a documentary film that asks the question: What happens when fed-up moms try to change school food? Filmmaker Amy Kalafa crosses the country in search of alternatives to the toxic food environment found in many of our nations schools. Following the film there will be a Q&A session and a book signing of Amy's book - Lunch Wars: How to Start a School Food Revolution and Win the Battle for Our Children's Health. Healthy snacks and refreshments will be provided free of charge. Contact Info Desk: 203 576-7412.

Film screening and book signing scheduled at Black Rock Library

Thursday, March 22nd at 6:00 - 7:30 PM. The Bridgeport Public Library, 925 Broad Street presents: Two Angry Moms is a documentary film that asks the question: What happens when fed-up moms try to change school food? Filmmaker Amy Kalafa crosses the country in search of alternatives to the toxic food environment found in many of our nations schools. Following the film there will be a Q&A session and a book signing of Amy's book - Lunch Wars: How to Start a School Food Revolution and Win the Battle for Our Children's Health. Healthy snacks and refreshments will be provided free of charge. Contact Info Desk: 203 576-7412.

Black Rock Branch Library Schedules Saturday Movie Matinee Series for March

Saturday, March 24th at 1:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Saturday Movie Matinee – THE KING’S SPEECH: Based on the true story of the Queen of England’s father and his remarkable friendship with maverick Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue. Winner of 4 Academy Awards – including Best Picture. Free refreshments will be served – but feel free to bring a nonperishable food item for donation to the Black Rock Food Pantry. Contact: 203-337-9676.

Saturday, March 31st at 1:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Saturday Movie Matinee – TRUE GRIT (2011): Following the murder of her father by hired hand Tom Chaney, 14-year-old farm girl Mattie Ross sets out to capture the killer. To aid her, she hires the toughest U.S. marshal she can find, Reuben J. “Rooster” Cogburn. Free refreshments will be served – but feel free to bring a nonperishable food item for donation to the Black Rock Food Pantry. Contact: 203-337-9676.

Author Mark Albertson Book Signing at New Canaan Historical Society

WHEN: 3-12-12

TIME: 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: New Canaan Historical Society, 13 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, CT 06840

WHAT: Albertson, a resident of Norwalk, CT, will be available to sign copies of his book, On History: A Treatise.

The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki occurred before the attack on Pearl Harbor, right?  Well believe it or not there were two Americans walking around who actually believed just that.  The author knows he talked to them, young people who, at the time, had just graduated from the local high school!  It is just another example showcasing the swelling indifference and poverty of interest to history and geography in this country.  And this spurred the author to write this book.  In so doing, the author refers to events in history that have a distinct and sometimes controversial contemporary impact. On History:  A Treatise is meant to be a lightning rod to challenge the status quo. To stir the reader to think, to inquire, to learn.  On History:  A Treatise then, is not geared to those willing to succumb to the numbing conformity of political correctness; but rather those who are eager to question what they read and challenge what they're told.  For the unfettered exchange of ideas is a prerequisite to the survival of a free society.

Author Eric Lehman will be guest speaker at next Historical Society meeting

The Bridgeport Community Historical Society will feature Eric Lehman, author of “A History of Connecticut Wine” at its meeting on Tuesday, March 27, at 6:30 in the North Branch Library, 3455 Madison Avenue. The book will be available for purchase. Mr. Lehman’s other books are “Hamden: Tales from the Sleeping Giant” and “Bridgeport: Tales from the Park City”. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information, call Audrey at 203-371-6397.

Here are some upcoming March events at the Black Rock Branch Library

Mondays 10:30 – 11:30 AM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Free Computer Classes for Beginners. The Black Rock Branch Library announces a series of free computer classes designed for beginners. All classes begin at 10:30 AM or and will last approximately 1 hour. Space is limited so register for one or more classes now. Call: 203 337-9676

Mondays & Wednesdays – 1:00 PM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Get Fit Bridgeport – The Black Rock Branch announces a physical fitness series using exercise DVD’s, that are available at the library. They are simple to use and appropriate for those who have not exercised regularly, or who need a gentler way of exercising, yet want results. The format will be 15 minute welcome and education, 30 minute walking with the video, 15 minute handout /repeat education and close. This program is free but registration required. Please call 203 337-9676 to reserve your spot. As with any exercise program, check with your doctor if you have any known health issues.

Wednesdays – 10:45- 11:45 AM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: 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.

Thursday, March 8th at 7:00 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: A Musical Tour of Italy with ENZO BOSCARINO Singer and guitarist Enzo Boscarino offers an all-ages musical tour of the Italian countryside, ranging from Liguria and Veneto, down the peninsula through Tuscany, Lazio, and Campania, and finishing around the islands of Sicily and Sardegna. Dubbed “a true Renaissance Man” (Martha’s Vineyard Gazette), Enzo Boscarino has shared his love of Italy’s various musical traditions with audiences in Newport, Martha’s Vineyard, and NYC, as well as with the Hartford Festival Orchestra and at First Night in Hartford. Pastries and Refreshments will be served. For more info call 203 337-9676.

Saturday, March 10th at 2:00 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Second Saturday Drop In Craft: Grassy Headed Guys Children's Area-- Join us in welcoming spring by making a Grassy Headed Guy! Decorate the guy, put some seeds and dirt together and water...watch as the seeds sprout and give your guy a nice head of GREEN hair! Easy Peasy! For all ages.... Contact Miss Bina: 203-337-9676.

Tuesday, March 20th at 6:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Great Movies You Might Have Missed – SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION A banker (Tim Robbins) is convicted for life for murdering his wife and her lover. He befriends a seasoned lifer (Morgan Freeman) and plans an escape in this extraordinary tale of hope, survival, and friendship inside a maximum security prison.Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Gil Bellows, James Whitmore Columbia Pictures; Directed by Frank Darabont Rated R; 142 minutes; 1994. For more info call 203 337-9676.

Wednesday, March 21st at 1:00 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: 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 Life of Pi by Yan Martel Winner of the 2002 Man Booker Prize for Fiction. Life of Pi is at once a realistic, rousing adventure and a meta-tale of survival that explores the redemptive power of storytelling and the transformative nature of fiction. It’s a story, as one character puts it, to make you believe in God. Call the library today and reserve your copy: 203 337-9676

Thursday, March 22nd at 6:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: The Penn Act, Racial Profiling and Secure Communities (SCOMM) – an ACLU of CT presentation Please join Sandy Staub, legal director for the ACLU of Connecticut for a discussion of these important civil liberties issues. Sandy Staub is the legal director for the ACLU of Connecticut. A graduate of Yale Law School, Sandy has given testimony on the Penn Act and SCOMM numerous times. Please come and learn more about the ACLU’s perspective on these issues. We also encourage all who attend to share their own views, experiences and opinions on these very current and vital issues. For more info call 203 337-9676.

Here are some upcoming March events at the Black Rock Branch Library

Mondays 10:30 – 11:30 AM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Free Computer Classes for Beginners. The Black Rock Branch Library announces a series of free computer classes designed for beginners. All classes begin at 10:30 AM or and will last approximately 1 hour. Space is limited so register for one or more classes now. Call: 203 337-9676

Mondays & Wednesdays – 1:00 PM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Get Fit Bridgeport – The Black Rock Branch announces a physical fitness series using exercise DVD’s, that are available at the library. They are simple to use and appropriate for those who have not exercised regularly, or who need a gentler way of exercising, yet want results. The format will be 15 minute welcome and education, 30 minute walking with the video, 15 minute handout /repeat education and close. This program is free but registration required. Please call 203 337-9676 to reserve your spot. As with any exercise program, check with your doctor if you have any known health issues.

Wednesdays – 10:45- 11:45 AM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: 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.

Thursday, March 8th at 7:00 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: A Musical Tour of Italy with ENZO BOSCARINO Singer and guitarist Enzo Boscarino offers an all-ages musical tour of the Italian countryside, ranging from Liguria and Veneto, down the peninsula through Tuscany, Lazio, and Campania, and finishing around the islands of Sicily and Sardegna. Dubbed “a true Renaissance Man” (Martha’s Vineyard Gazette), Enzo Boscarino has shared his love of Italy’s various musical traditions with audiences in Newport, Martha’s Vineyard, and NYC, as well as with the Hartford Festival Orchestra and at First Night in Hartford. Pastries and Refreshments will be served. For more info call 203 337-9676.

Saturday, March 10th at 2:00 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Second Saturday Drop In Craft: Grassy Headed Guys Children's Area-- Join us in welcoming spring by making a Grassy Headed Guy! Decorate the guy, put some seeds and dirt together and water...watch as the seeds sprout and give your guy a nice head of GREEN hair! Easy Peasy! For all ages.... Contact Miss Bina: 203-337-9676.

Tuesday, March 20th at 6:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Great Movies You Might Have Missed – SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION A banker (Tim Robbins) is convicted for life for murdering his wife and her lover. He befriends a seasoned lifer (Morgan Freeman) and plans an escape in this extraordinary tale of hope, survival, and friendship inside a maximum security prison.Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Gil Bellows, James Whitmore Columbia Pictures; Directed by Frank Darabont Rated R; 142 minutes; 1994. For more info call 203 337-9676.

Wednesday, March 21st at 1:00 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: 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 Life of Pi by Yan Martel Winner of the 2002 Man Booker Prize for Fiction. Life of Pi is at once a realistic, rousing adventure and a meta-tale of survival that explores the redemptive power of storytelling and the transformative nature of fiction. It’s a story, as one character puts it, to make you believe in God. Call the library today and reserve your copy: 203 337-9676

Thursday, March 22nd at 6:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: The Penn Act, Racial Profiling and Secure Communities (SCOMM) – an ACLU of CT presentation Please join Sandy Staub, legal director for the ACLU of Connecticut for a discussion of these important civil liberties issues. Sandy Staub is the legal director for the ACLU of Connecticut. A graduate of Yale Law School, Sandy has given testimony on the Penn Act and SCOMM numerous times. Please come and learn more about the ACLU’s perspective on these issues. We also encourage all who attend to share their own views, experiences and opinions on these very current and vital issues. For more info call 203 337-9676.

HCC Professor David Koch to discuss Civil War newspapers March 7th

By ANSON C. SMITH

BRIDGEPORT –Housatonic Community College Professor David Koch will discuss Connecticut’s Civil War newspapers Wednesday, March 7, at the college.

The talk will center on the media coverage of the war, the partisan nature of newspaper coverage at that time, and the sometimes hostile clashes between newspapers and, at times, citizens, of the state.

The event, which will begin at 2 p.m. in the Beacon Hall Events Center, is open to the public at no charge.

Housatonic Community College provides an affordable and accessible education through two-year degrees, transfer preparation, and certificate programs, as well as a wide variety of continuing education and personal/professional enrichment seminars and workshops. In addition, HCC offers employee and occupational training for businesses, municipalities, government agencies, and professional associations to help develop the educated and skilled workforce required to meet regional business and industry needs. HCC is nationally recognized as an “Achieving the Dream” institution. To learn more, visit the college’s website at:www.hcc.commnet.edu.

HCC is located at 900 Lafayette Blvd. in downtown Bridgeport, less than 150 yards off I-95 (Exit 27) and Rte. 8 (Exit 1), a block from the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard. Free parking is available in the Housatonic garage.