Ephrata Public Library Press Room

Ephrata Public Library Awarded Grant from American Library Association

pennyatthelibrary — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 01:36:15 +0000

New Traveling Exhibition Tells the Story of Abraham Lincoln’s Struggle to Meet the
Constitutional Challenges of the Civil War

(Ephrata, PA) – “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War,” a traveling exhibition opening at the Ephrata Public Library on Monday, August 29 examines how President Lincoln used the Constitution to confront three intertwined crises of the Civil War—the secession of Southern states, slavery and wartime civil liberties.

Lincoln is widely acknowledged as one of America’s greatest presidents, but his historical reputation is contested. Was he a calculating politician willing to accommodate slavery, or a principled leader justly celebrated as the Great Emancipator? This exhibition provides no easy answers. Rather, it encourages visitors to form a nuanced view of Lincoln by engaging them with Lincoln’s struggle to reconcile his policy preferences with basic American ideals of liberty and equality. This exhibition develops a more complete understanding of Abraham Lincoln as president and the Civil War as the nation’s gravest constitutional crisis.

Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States in 1860, at a time when the nation was on the brink of war. Lincoln struggled to resolve the basic questions that divided Americans at the most perilous moment in the nation’s history: Was the United States truly one nation, or was it a confederacy of sovereign and separate states? How could a country founded on the belief that “all men are created equal” tolerate slavery? In a national crisis, would civil liberties be secure? President Lincoln used the Constitution to confront these three crises of war, ultimately reinventing the Constitution and the promise of American life.

“We are delighted to have been selected as a site for this exhibition, particularly as the first library in the country to act as host,” said Ephrata Public Library’s Executive Director, Penny Talbert. “As a new president, Abraham Lincoln was faced with enormous challenges. This exhibition shows how Lincoln struggled with issues of secession, slavery and civil liberties—all questions our country’s founding charter left unanswered. Each section of the exhibit features information about a different aspect of Lincoln’s presidency. For example, the section about slavery examines the various policy options Lincoln once embraced and how his thoughts about slavery evolved over time. Most importantly, the exhibit helps visitors understand why Lincoln’s struggle with the Constitution still matters today.”

The National Constitution Center and the American Library Association Public Programs Office organized the traveling exhibition, which was made possible by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH): great ideas brought to life. The traveling exhibition is based on an exhibition of the same name developed by the National Constitution Center.

The traveling exhibition is composed of informative panels featuring photographic reproductions of original documents, including a draft of Lincoln’s first inaugural speech, the Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment. In addition, the library will be hosting The Civil War Road Show on September 17-19 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

The library is sponsoring free programs and other events for the public in connection with the exhibition. Contact the library during normal business hours or visit www.ephratapubliclibrary.org for more information. “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War” will be on display at the library until October 1.

“My Peristroika” to Be Screened at Ephrata Public Library

pennyatthelibrary — Fri, 13 May 2011 17:59:30 +0000

The Ephrata Public Library will screen the film “My Peristroika” on May 18 at 6 p.m. The film is an intimate look at the last generation of Soviet children. Five classmates go from living sheltered childhoods to experiencing the hopes of Gorbachev’s reforms and the confusion of the USSR’s dissolution, to searching for their places in today’s Moscow. With candor and humor, the punk rocker, single mother, entrepreneur and married teachers paint a picture of the challenges, dreams and disappointments of those raised behind the Iron Curtain. Through first-person testimony, vérité footage and vintage home movies, this beautifully crafted documentary reveals a Russia rarely seen on film. A co-production of Red Square Productions/Bungalow Town Productions and ITVS International in association with American Documentary | POV.

May Events at the Ephrata Public Library

pennyatthelibrary — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:12:14 +0000

Events for May

Please note: registration is required for programs. To register, visit our website.

Monday, May 2, 4:30-5:30 p.m. – Can You Dig It? Join us for a hands-on exploration of how plants grow from seed to leafy stalk. Grubby clothes for class and open windowsill at home recommended. Grades K-3.

Monday, May 2, 6-8 p.m. – Chess Club Drop-In.Come in and play chess in the hallway. Boards provided.

Tuesday, May 3, 6 p.m. Screening of “How to Cook Your Life”. In this charming and enlightening film a Zen priest and a famous chef teach us how we connect food to the way we live our lives. The chef uses Zen Buddhism to teach about the problem of the disconnection from the physical world and how when you cook you give yourself the capacity to feel human again. Runtime: 94 minutes, Rated PG 13.

Tuesday, May 3, 6:30 p.m. Modern Classics Book Discussion: “Death in Venice” by Thomas Mann. Thomas Mann was a German novelist, short story writer, social critic, philanthropist, essayist, and 1929 Nobel Prize laureate, known for his series of highly symbolic and ironic epic novels and novellas, noted for their insight into the psychology of the artist and the intellectual. Death in Venice, this tale of forbidden love which has long intrigued the reading public, was his early masterpiece. Come discuss! Appropriate for teens and adults.

Wednesday, May 4, 3-5 p.m. Afterschool @ EPL: Gamer’s Club. Snacks provided.

Thursday, May 5, 6:30 p.m. “Little Known Facts about Colonial Lancaster County” with John Brown. Come learn about what makes Lancaster County’s history unique with Lecturer John Brown. In a few short decades of the early 1700′s immigrants from many European countries chose Lancaster County as their home. That diversity made Lancaster County unique, and some of those characteristics endure to this day.

Monday, May 9, 4-5 p.m. – Craft Time! Children grades 3-6 are invited for a special craft time. This month celebrates Memorial Day with a patriotic theme.

Monday, May 9, 6 p.m. Screening of “Bad Day to Go Fishing”. Jacob van Oppen – formerly “the strongest man on earth,” now a washed-up alcoholic – and his crafty manager, Orsini, make good money staging bogus wrestling matches in small South American towns. When this oddball duo arrives in the unassuming village of Santa Maria, business really takes off: the local newspaper sponsors the fight, and the quiet hamlet becomes plastered with posters announcing an open challenge to a worthy adversary. The ever-resourceful Orsini is sure he can find the right opponent to throw the fight, but fishing in Santa Maria yields a bigger catch than he’d hoped for. This film is not rated. Run time: 107 minutes. Spanish and English subtitles.

Monday, May 9, 6-8 p.m. – Chess Club Drop-In. Come in and play chess in the hallway. Boards provided.

Tuesday, May 10, 4 p.m. – Kids Reading Tales to Tailwaggers. Enjoy reading to a dog? Children in grades 1-4 are invited to read a story to a KPET certified dog. Each child may choose stories on his or her reading level lasting for approximately 10-12 minutes of reading. KPET therapy dogs and their handlers will be in the library’s story room. On the sign-up sheet you can indicate if you prefer the first or second half hour slot.

Tuesday, May 10, 6 p.m. – Screening of the POV Film “The Kings of Pastry.” Imagine a scene never before witnessed: Sixteen French pastry chefs gathered in Lyon for three intense days of mixing, piping and sculpting everything from delicate chocolates to six-foot sugar sculptures in hopes of being declared by President Nicolas Sarkozy one of the best. This is the prestigious Meilleurs Ouvriers de France competition (Best Craftsmen in France). The blue, white and red striped collar worn on the jackets of the winners is more than the ultimate recognition for every pastry chef – it is a dream and an obsession. The finalists, France’s culinary elite, risk their reputations as well as sacrifice family and finances in pursuit of this lifelong distinction of excellence. Similar to the Olympics, the three-day contest takes place everyfour years and it requires that the chefs not only have extraordinary skill and nerves of steel, but also a lot of luck.

Wednesday, May 11, 3-5 p.m. Afterschool @ EPL: Wacky Wednesday Teen Cartoon Afternoon. Snacks provided.

Thursday, May 12, 11 a.m. – Fun With Movement. Come join us for a fun time of moving to music. We will be learning how to play some fun musical games as well as using our bodies, scarves and parachutes to move with various types of music. Ages 3-6.

Thursday, May 12, 6 p.m. – Pajama Party Story Time. Join us for a sleepy time party! Come in your jammies with a favorite snuggle friend. Stories, non-hyper snack and games provided. (Ages 4-6.)

Thursday, May 12, 6:30 p.m. – The Dewey Decimal Club: Nonfiction Book Discussion Group. Join us for a brand new book nonfiction book discussion group! This month’s book is “Biggest Brother: The Life Of Major Dick Winters, The Man Who Led The Band of Brothers” about an Ephrata native by an Ephrata native, Larry Alexander.

Monday, May 16, 3 p.m. – Fantasy Series Book Club. Tweens grades 5-7 are invited to this book-tasting club. This month’s selection is the “How To Train Your Dragon” series.

Monday, May 16, 6-8 p.m. – Chess Club Drop-In. Come in and play chess in the hallway. Boards provided.

Wednesday, May 18, 3-5 p.m. Afterschool @ EPL: Gamer’s Club. Snacks provided.

Wednesday, May 18, 6 p.m. – Screening of the POV Film “My Perestroika.” After the world celebrated the end of the Cold War in the 1980s, a generation of Soviet children faced a new realm of possibilities. Was it liberating or devastating when Gen X Russians learned that the world they had been groomed to inhabit would soon no longer exist? Using previously unseen materials from Russian archives, Soviet television shows, training films and feature films, My Perestroika interweaves the visual world’s records with the narratives of people who came of age during Perestroika.

Thursday, May 19, 6:30 p.m. – Mystery Book Discussion Group. This month’s selection is “Along Came A Spider” by James Patterson. Life changes for Deputy Chief of Detectives Alex Cross when he is drawn into a high-profile case. Two nine-year-old children are kidnapped by a teacher, Gary Soneji, from the prestigious Washington Day School. Maggie Rose Dunne is the daughter of an actress, and Michael “Shrimpie” Goldberg is the son of the Secretary of Treasury. A ransom of $10 million is demanded.

Thursday, May 19, 7 p.m. – Family Story Time. The entire family can participate by listening to stories, singing songs, making crafts and enjoying a snack. The theme of the story time will be announced on the sign-up sheet. (Stories and activities are planned for children 3-7, but older and younger siblings are also welcome.

Monday, May 23, 6-8 p.m. – Chess Club Drop-In. Come in and play chess in the hallway. Boards provided.

Wednesday, May 25, 3-5 p.m. Afterschool @ EPL: Wacky Wednesday Teen Cartoon Afternoon. Snacks provided.

Thursday, May 26, 11 a.m. – Fun With Movement. Come join us for a fun time of moving to music. We will be learning how to play some fun musical games as well as using our bodies, scarves and parachutes to move with various types of music. Ages 3-6.

Tuesday, May 31, 6 p.m. – Screening of the POV Film “Sweetgrass.” An unsentimental elegy to the American West, “Sweetgrass” follows the last modern-day cowboys to lead their flocks of sheep up into Montana’s breathtaking and often dangerous Absaroka-Beartooth mountains for summer pasture. This astonishingly beautiful yet unsparing film reveals a world in which nature and culture, animals and humans, vulnerability and violence are all intimately meshed.

March Events Announced for the Library

pennyatthelibrary — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 12:31:33 +0000

The Ephrata Public Library will host the following programs in March. All events are free and open to the public. However, registration is required. To register, call the library at 717-738-9291 ext. 100 or visit their website at www.ephratapubliclibrary.org.

Wednesday, March 2, 9:30 a.m. – Wednesdays With…Preschool Movie Time. Each session we choose a popular character like Thomas, Franklin or Winnie the Pooh and watch a short movie about that character. The program includes a snack and some fun coloring pages each week. Ages 2-5 with caregiver.

Wednesday, March 2 10:30 a.m. – Homeschooler’s Book Discussion. In this group, a chapter book is read aloud to the group. We will stop periodically throughout the reading to discuss the book and ask comprehension questions. This is a great way to enhance your reading program and to give your children a chance to discuss books and learn from other childrens’ viewpoints. Ages 6-12.

Wednesday, March 2, 4 p.m. – Read Across America. Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! Come celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday and Read Across America Day. There will be stories, activities, food and a special visit from the Cat in the Hat. Come see what it’s all about. Ages 4-8.

Wednesday, March 2, 3-5 – Afterschool @ EPL: Gamers Club. Teens only. Snacks provided

Tuesday, March 8, 4 p.m. – Kids Reading Tales to Tailwaggers. Enjoy reading to a dog? Children in grades 1-4 are invited to read a story to a KPET certified dog. The dogs and their handlers will be in the library ready to listen. Each child may choose stories on his or her reading level lasting for approximately 10-12 minutes. You may choose the 4:00 or 4:30 p.m. time slot.

Tuesday, March 8, 6 p.m. – Modern Classics Book Discussion Group. This month’s selection is “If On A Winter’s Night A Traveller” by Italo Calvino.

Wednesday, March 9, 9:30 a.m. – Wednesdays With…Preschool Movie Time. Each session we choose a popular character like Thomas, Franklin or Winnie the Pooh and watch a short movie about that character. The program includes a snack and some fun coloring pages each week. Ages 2-5 with caregiver.

Wednesday, March 9 10:30 a.m. – Homeschooler’s Book Discussion. In this group, a chapter book is read aloud to the group. We will stop periodically throughout the reading to discuss the book and ask comprehension questions. This is a great way to enhance your reading program and to give your children a chance to discuss books and learn from other childrens’ viewpoints. Ages 6-12.

Wednesday, March 9, 3-5 p.m. – Afterschool @ EPL: Wacky Wednesday Teen Cartoon Afternoon. Snacks provided.

Thursday, March 10, 11 a.m. – Fun with Movement. Come join us for a fun time of moving to music. We will be learning how to play some musical games as well as using our bodies, scarves and parachutes to move with various types of music. Ages 3-6.

Monday, March 14, 4 p.m. – Introduction to Windows 7. Learn some new and cool things about Windows 7. Recommended for people who have just bought a computer or are planning on purchasing a computer.

Tuesday, March 15, 9-11 a.m. – Social Networking for Business. (A Collaboration with the Ephrata Area Chamber of Commerce.) Do your customers check-in at your business on Foursquare? Are you tweeting specials to get them in the door? Are you updating your company’s Facebook to get more traffic? If not, then this is the workshop for you. Join us for this workshop to not only tell you the advantages of these social networking tools, but also to help you set up your accounts! Space is limited, so register early. Donation: Chamber members: $20, Non-members: $30.

Tuesday, March 15, 6 p.m. – Screening of the Independent Film “1981.” This cheeky, coming-of-age comedy tells the story of 11-year-old Ricardo, who in 1981, struggles to fit in at his new school. With a flare for inventiveness and a desperate desire to impress his classmates, Ricardo weaves a web of untruths, which he must carefully maintain to keep up appearances for his new friends. But when reality finally catches up with him, Ricardo is forced to come to terms with his true self. French w/English subtitles.

Wednesday, March 16, 9:30 a.m. – Wednesdays With…Preschool Movie Time. Each session we choose a popular character like Thomas, Franklin or Winnie the Pooh and watch a short movie about that character. The program includes a snack and some fun coloring pages each week. Ages 2-5 with caregiver.

Wednesday, March 16, 10:30 a.m. – Homeschooler’s Book Discussion. In this group, a chapter book is read aloud to the group. We will stop periodically throughout the reading to discuss the book and ask comprehension questions. This is a great way to enhance your reading program and to give your children a chance to discuss books and learn from other childrens’ viewpoints. Ages 6-12.

Wednesday, March 16, 3-5 – Afterschool @ EPL: Gamers Club. Teens only. Snacks provided.

Wednesday, March 16, 7 p.m. – Aging in Place. One of the most stressful times in a person’s life can be taking care of an aging loved one who is no longer self-sufficient. Many individuals struggle with understanding what options are available to them and would give anything to receive support, expert advice, and guidance through every step of the process. Join Jessica A. Pavelko, CSA, founder of Pavelko Senior Consulting Services, LLC who will address questions as it pertains to exploring long term care options for yourself or a loved one.

Thursday, March 17, 11 a.m. - Unleashing the Power of Google. Google is not just for searching! Join us as we explore Gmail, Google Scholar, Google Books and much more! Internet experience and an email address required.

Thursday, March 17, 6 p.m. – Mystery Book Discussion Group. This month’s selection is “Acts of Violets” by Kate Collins.

Thursday, March 17, 7 p.m. – Family Story Time. The entire family can participate by listening to stories, singing songs, making crafts and enjoying a snack. (Stories and activities are planned for children 3-7, but older and younger children are also welcomed.)

Monday, March 21 & 28, 1 p.m. – Introduction to MS PowerPoint 2007. Learn the basics of MS PowerPoint 2007, including how to use the ribbons and how to create great presentations. A $25 fee covers all class materials and textbook. Prerequisite: Basic knowlege of Windows, the mouse and the keyboard.

Monday, March 21, 4 p.m. – Introduction to Skype. Do you have friends or family living far away? Comminicate with friends, children, grandchildren and people in the Armed Forces through video chat. Prerequisites: Basic Computer and Internet knowledge.

Wednesday, March 23, 9:30 a.m. – Wednesdays With…Preschool Movie Time. Each session we choose a popular character like Thomas, Franklin or Winnie the Pooh and watch a short movie about that character. The program includes a snack and some fun coloring pages each week. Ages 2-5 with caregiver.

Wednesday, March 23 10:30 a.m. – Homeschooler’s Book Discussion. In this group, a chapter book is read aloud to the group. We will stop periodically throughout the reading to discuss the book and ask comprehension questions. This is a great way to enhance your reading program and to give your children a chance to discuss books and learn from other childrens’ viewpoints. Ages 6-12.

Wednesday, March 23, 3-5 p.m. – Afterschool @ EPL: Wacky Wednesday Teen Cartoon Afternoon. Snacks provided.

Thursday, March 24, 11 a.m. – Fun with Movement. Come join us for a fun time of moving to music. We will be learning how to play some musical games as well as using our bodies, scarves and parachutes to move with various types of music. Ages 3-6.

Thursday, March 24, 7 p.m. – Friends of the Library Monthly Meeting. Library advocates are invited to come be a part of our Friends group! Everyone welcome!

Wednesday, March 30, 9:30 a.m. – Wednesdays With…Preschool Movie Time.Each session we choose a popular character like Thomas, Franklin or Winnie the Pooh and watch a short movie about that character. The program includes a snack and some fun coloring pages each week. Ages 2-5 with caregiver.

Wednesday, March 30 10:30 a.m. – Homeschooler’s Book Discussion. In this group, a chapter book is read aloud to the group. We will stop periodically throughout the reading to discuss the book and ask comprehension questions. This is a great way to enhance your reading program and to give your children a chance to discuss books and learn from other childrens’ viewpoints. Ages 6-12.

EPL to Begin Offering Kindles for Patrons

pennyatthelibrary — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 15:44:52 +0000

The Ephrata Public Library will start offering library patrons the opportunity to borrow Amazon Kindles preloaded with a variety of books. The Kindles will begin circulating February 15^th. Library Kindles will be loaded with books catering to a specific genre for patrons to use. “We have a Classics Kindle,” explains Library Director Penny Talbert. “These may be books that are classified as classics but may not be available at all libraries. Now they’re all available in one eReader.” Other Kindles will include inspirational titles, New York Times Fiction Bestsellers, New York Times Nonfiction Bestsellers, recently-released biographies, best selling mysteries and more. There will be a dozen Kindles available to patrons, all of them donated by the Friends of the Ephrata Public Library and private donors. Amazon launched the Kindle in November 2007. Currently, there are over 700,000 titles available for download. All of the library’s Kindles have titles preloaded so there is no need for patrons to do anything but start reading.

The eReaders will be available to library patrons aged 18 or older in good standing. Patrons must pick up the devices during business hours at the circulation and drop them off inside the building to a staff member, rather than in one of the library’s book drops. In addition, renewals will not be allowed and patrons must take financial responsibility for the Kindles if they are damaged or lost.

“Kindles can hold hundreds of books,” says Talbert, who, along with Assistant Director Abby Balmer, has been working out the details and selecting which titles will be included. “This is a new idea for libraries but we think the time has come for libraries to add this exciting medium to our shelves.”

African Drumming Workshop

pennyatthelibrary — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 08:54:08 +0000

LIVING IN THE RHYTHM WORKSHOP TO BE HELD AT LIBRARY

On January 31 at 7 p.m., the library will host a drumming workshop called “Living in the Rhythm.” This educational program will take you on a journey of sound and rhythm from ancient Australia to Africa and beyond. World drums, percussion and storytelling will be used to create a global rhythm ensemble. The program will take place in the multipurpose room at the Ephrata Public Library and is free and open to the public. Registration is required and can be done at www.ephratapubliclibrary.org or by calling 717-738-9291. The program is part of the library’s winter reading program.

The presenter, Mark Seaman, is the owner and operator of Earth Rhythms in West Reading, Pennsylvania. Mark has studied with Glen Velez, Pete Barnhart, Arthur Hull, Barry Bernstein and Paulo Mattioli. He has also completed training courses through Rhythm for Life and Unity with a Beat. He has presented his programs for nationally known social, corporate and community agencies.

January Events at the Library

pennyatthelibrary — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 07:58:36 +0000

Tuesday, January 4, 6 p.m. – Modern Classics Book Discussion Group. This month’s selection is “For Whom the Bell Tolls” by Ernest Hemingway.

Wednesday, January 5, 9:30 a.m. – Wednesdays With…Preschool Movie Time. Each session we choose a popular character like Thomas, Franklin or Winnie the Pooh and watch a short movie about that character. The program includes a snack and some fun coloring pages each week. Ages 2-5 with caregiver.

Wednesday, January 5, 10:30 a.m. – Homeschooler’s Book Discussion. In this group, a chapter book is read aloud to the group. We will stop periodically throughout the reading to discuss the book and ask comprehension questions. This is a great way to enhance your reading program and to give your children a chance to discuss books and learn from other childrens’ viewpoints. Ages 6-12.

Wednesday, January 5, 3-5 – Afterschool @ EPL: Gamers Club. Teens only. Snacks provided.

Monday, January 10, 4 p.m. – Introduction to Ebay. Learn how to buy and sell and how to be safe on an online auction site. Prerequisites: You must have an email and know the password; basic Computer and Internet knowledge.

Monday, January 10, 6 p.m. – Monday Night @ The Movies: Mulan II. Rated G. Mulan gets the surprise of her life when her love, Li Shang, now a General, asks her to marry him. Before they can walk down the aisle the Emperor assigns them to marry off his three daughters to the enemy Mongols to keep the peace. Mulan must contend with her conflicted feelings about their arranged marriages as well as dealing with Mushu the meddling dragon that is seeking to break up her impending nuptials.

Tuesday, January 11, 4 p.m. – Kids Reading Tales to Tailwaggers. Enjoy reading to a dog? Children in grades 1-4 are invited to read a story to a KPET certified dog. The dogs and their handlers will be in the library ready to listen. Each child may choose stories on his or her reading level lasting for approximately 10-12 minutes. You may choose the 4:00 or 4:30 p.m. time slot.

Wednesday, January 12, 9:30 a.m. – Wednesdays With…Preschool Movie Time. Each session we choose a popular character like Thomas, Franklin or Winnie the Pooh and watch a short movie about that character. The program includes a snack and some fun coloring pages each week. Ages 2-5 with caregiver.

Wednesday, January 12, 10:30 a.m. – Homeschooler’s Book Discussion. In this group, a chapter book is read aloud to the group. We will stop periodically throughout the reading to discuss the book and ask comprehension questions. This is a great way to enhance your reading program and to give your children a chance to discuss books and learn from other childrens’ viewpoints. Ages 6-12.

Wednesday, January 12, 3-5 p.m. – Afterschool @ EPL: Wacky Wednesday Teen Cartoon Afternoon. Snacks provided.

Thursday, January 13, 11 a.m. – Fun with Movement. Come join us for a fun time of moving to music. We will be learning how to play some musical games as well as using our bodies, scarves and parachutes to move with various types of music. Ages 3-6.

Monday, January 17, 4 p.m. – Introduction to YouTube. Learn how to upload and share videos with friends and family. Prerequisites: You must have an Google account and know the password; basic Computer and Internet knowledge.

Monday,, January 17, 6 p.m. – Monday Night @ The Movies: “The Great Mouse Detective.” Rated G. There’s action, mystery and comedy afoot when super sleuth Basil of Baker Street returns to match wits with his old nemesis, Professor Ratigan in this re-release of the Disney studios 26th full-length animated feature. Featuring music by Academy Award-winning composer Henry Mancini, this delightful, animated comedy-caper follows our hero and he pursues his evil rat rival from the depths of London’s sewers to the dizzying heights of Big Ben’s clock tower. The breathtaking climax is set against the meshing gears of the giant clock, which remains as one of the most complex, innovative and exciting sequences ever attempted in animation.

Wednesday, January 19, 9:30 a.m. – Wednesdays With…Preschool Movie Time. Each session we choose a popular character like Thomas, Franklin or Winnie the Pooh and watch a short movie about that character. The program includes a snack and some fun coloring pages each week. Ages 2-5 with caregiver.

Wednesday, January 19, 10:30 a.m. – Homeschooler’s Book Discussion. In this group, a chapter book is read aloud to the group. We will stop periodically throughout the reading to discuss the book and ask comprehension questions. This is a great way to enhance your reading program and to give your children a chance to discuss books and learn from other childrens’ viewpoints. Ages 6-12.

Wednesday, January 19, 3-5 – Afterschool @ EPL: Gamers Club. Teens only. Snacks provided.

Wednesday, January 19, 5-8 p.m. – Drop-In Valentine’s Day Card Making for Soldiers. Stop by the library and make Valentine’s Day cards for our “adopted” sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln.

Thursday, January 20, 3 p.m. – Introduction to the Keyboard and Mouse. This course will provide a general overview of using a PC. Little or no computer knowledge is required. Participants will learn the basic parts of a computer, as well as the proper use of basic computer functions such as: powering the computer on and off, using a mouse and keyboard, and highlighting, copying and pasting text.

Thursday, January 20, 6 p.m. – Mystery Book Discussion Group. This month’s selection is “Second Sitting” by Stella Whitelaw.

Thursday, January 20, 7 p.m. – Family Story Time. The entire family can participate by listening to stories, singing songs, making crafts and enjoying a snack. (Stories and activities are planned for children 3-7, but older and younger children are also welcomed.)

Beginning Monday, January 24, 10 a.m. – Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Computers. This six-part course is designed for people who have never used a computer before. Learn the lingo, master the mouse and keyboard and familiarize yourself with the computer’s desktop – all in a friendly and patient atmosphere. Participants are expected to attend all six classes. A $50 materials fee includes your book for the class and all handouts.

Monday, January 24, 4 p.m. – Introduction to Windows. Learn some new and cool things about Windows 7. Recommended for people who have just bought a computer or are planning on purchasing a computer.

Monday, January 24, 6 p.m. – Monday Night @ The Movies: “Lion King II.” Rated G. This sequel to the blockbuster animated hit follows the adventures of Princess Kiara, firstborn cub of Simba and Nala, and future heir to the kingdom. Kiara’s designated babysitters, Timon and Pumbaa, are no match for the feisty, curious cub, and soon Kiara is off on her own, exploring the forbidden territory known as the Outlands. There, she meets a handsome young lion cub named Kovu, and the two become fast friends. Will Kovu be able to resist his mother’s evil schemes to have a future with Kiara? Should Kiara convince her father to trust Kovu or is that the path to disaster? The very future of the pride depends upon the decisions the young princess must make.

Wednesday, January 26, 9:30 a.m. – Wednesdays With…Preschool Movie Time. Each session we choose a popular character like Thomas, Franklin or Winnie the Pooh and watch a short movie about that character. The program includes a snack and some fun coloring pages each week. Ages 2-5 with caregiver.

Wednesday, January 26 – Library is closed for in-service.

Thursday, January 27, 11 a.m. – Fun with Movement. Come join us for a fun time of moving to music. We will be learning how to play some musical games as well as using our bodies, scarves and parachutes to move with various types of music. Ages 3-6.

Thursday, January 27, 3 p.m. – Introduction to Computers, Part II. This class will explore Windows, the computer operating system, as well as various programs. Participants will learn about the basic elements of Windows including common menus, toolbars and icons. A basic overview of Microsoft Word will provide participants with the skills to create, save and print documents, use features such as Word toolbars, and check spelling and grammar. Prerequisites: How to Use a Mouse and Keyboard course OR familiarity with using a keyboard and mouse.

Monday, January 31, 7 p.m. – African Drumming. Feel like you have traveled to Africa! Come to the library to hear Mark Seaman, owner and operator of Earth Rhythms in West Reading, PA. He is bringing with him many African drums that he will demonstrate. You will also get a chance to play a drum. As a special treat, Mark is bringing along a friend who has made several trips to Africa and will be dancing for us. She is also a talented storyteller. Get a taste of African culture.

Mitten Tree Donations Being Accepted Now!

pennyatthelibrary — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 09:50:26 +0000

Public Libraries throughout Lancaster County will hold their 11th annual Mitten Tree Campaign beginning on Monday, November 15^th. Librarians from the county’s public libraries, in the spirit of holiday giving, will be collecting new mittens, gloves, hats, scarves, earmuffs and umbrellas that will benefit children & families served by Lancaster County Children & Youth Services. All 17 public libraries and the Bookmobile will participate in this year’s project. Donations may be made from Monday, November 15^th through Friday, December 17^th

The Mitten Tree project has been hugely successful during the past nine years. Last year the project netted 3,852 donations. Lancaster County’s Children and Youth Social Service Agency will oversee a portion of the distribution to children throughout the county, while many of the items will also be distributed to other service agencies in Lancaster County and local library communities. Ephrata Public Library’s donations will go to Ephrata Area Social Services.

Screening of “Days & Cloud” To Be Held at Library

pennyatthelibrary — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:22:51 +0000

On Monday, November 22 at 6 p.m., the Ephrata Public Library will screening the independent film, “Days and Clouds.” The film tells the story of well-to-do, sophisticated couple, Elsa and Michele, who have a 20 year-old daughter, Alice, and enough money for Elsa to leave her job and fulfill an old dream of studying art history. After she graduates, however, their lives change. Michele confesses he hasn’t worked in two months and was fired by the company he founded years ago. Elsa overcomes her initial shock by pouring extra energy into facing the crisis, while Michele, exhausted by an unsuccessful job hunt, lets himself go, alternating between vivacity and apathy. The growing distance between them eventually leads to a break-up. Only when they part will they realize that they risk losing their most precious possession: the love that binds them.

The film was nominated for fifteen David Di Donatello Awards in 2008, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Leading Actor, Best Supporting Actress and more. In addition, the film was an Official Selection of the Toronto International Film Festival, the Seattle International Film Festival and the London Film Festival.

Admission is free and open to the public.

Ephrata Public Library’s Winter Reading Program Kicks Off With A Storytelling Trip Around the World

pennyatthelibrary — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:47:28 +0000

Grab your passport, pack your bags, and buckle up. Children in the Ephrata Area are invited to go for a storytelling trip around the world. The library’s winter reading program kicks off on November 4^th at 6:30 p.m. with a special visit by Kids and Cultures’ “Treasures of the World.”

“Treasures of the World” is a fast-paced interactive storytelling program for elementary students featuring folktales from all over the world. Each story contains a virtue and offers a glimpse into the culture from which it comes.

“We can learn a lot about other cultures by the stories the people have passed down from generation to generation,” says storyteller Kristina Wenger, who shares the stage with husband Timm and their children Katia and Thaniel. The show includes audience participation and information about the cultures from which the stories are told.

The program is part of the library’s first ever winter reading program. For more information about the winter reading program for children, teens and adults, or to register for programs, visit the library’s website at www.ephratapubliclibrary.org.