LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY
READER
Library News & Events Calendar • Spring 2022 • March–May
MAR 1–MAY 31, 2022
SAVE THE DATE MAY 25–AUG 20, 2022
Library Board of Trustees
VOLUME 3 / ISSUE 3
Sarah Goodwin Thiel, Chair David Vance, Vice Chair Jennifer Bonilla-Scotten, Secretary-Treasurer Susan Kang Judy Keller Ursula Minor Kevan Vick Courtney Shipley, Mayor Brad Allen, Executive Director
The Reader is a quarterly news magazine and events calendar by the Lawrence Public Library and the Library Friends & Foundation.
A message from Lawrence Douglas County Health Department *Public COVID-19 health rquirements as of 6/9/21
• Masks required inside City of Lawrence requires masks in all City buildings regardless of vaccination status.
Oceans of Possibilities Summer Reading 2022
• Feeling sick or COVID symptoms Come back when you're well • Exposed to COVID Come back after quarantine • Continue to social distance Please stay 6 feet apart • We have free masks At the door while supplies last Info is current at time of publication. See lplks.org for COVID-19 updates and current guidelines.
LIBRARY HOURS
MON–THU 10 AM–8 PM FRI–SUN 10 AM–6 PM QUESTIONS & FEEDBACK
Heather Kearns | Marketing Coordinator Kristin Soper | Events & Outreach Coordinator EMAIL: reader@lplks.org PHONE: 785-843-3833
SAY "CHEESE!"
Our free, public library programs may be photographed and/or recorded for library promotional use in print, on our website, and on social media. Please let library staff know if you want or need to opt out.
lplks.org | ©2021 Lawrence Public Library
2 • LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
CONTENTS Director's Note Plant Yourself at the Library We're Your Dot Connectors Friends & Foundation Annual Report Beach Author 2022: Colson Whitehead Library Events At-a-Glance Library Event Descriptions 463,000 Thank Yous
3 4 5 6 7 8-9 10-15 16
Lawrence Public Library (LPL for short) is a community hub that believes in the power of connecting with each other through shared knowledge and resources. Located in the heart of Downtown Lawrence, Kansas, we are committed to providing a space where our community can learn connect, create, and grow through access to our vast collections, resources, services, programs, and knowledgeable staff. The library is supported by tax dollars, record-breaking book sales and philanthropic efforts by the LPL Friends & Foundation, and the dedicated efforts of more than 300 volunteers.
All are welcome.
Library Friends & Foundation Board of Directors
Craig Penzler, Chair Rachel Rademacher, Vice Chair Jane Medina, Secretary Joan Golden, Treasurer Kassie Edwards Nieters Brandon Eisman Mary Gage Nancy Hambleton Annamarie Hill Stan Ring Dan Storey Imani Wadud Kathleen Morgan, Executive Director Angela Hyde, Program Coordinator Logan Isaman, Fundraising & Volunteer Specialist Brad Allen, Ex-Officio
We can help you in these languages: / Arabic Hazlett (MSA advanced) / Chinese Yilan (heritage speaker)
español / Spanish Trevin (heritage speaker) Ian (conversational) Logan (intermediate) français / French Hazlett (fluent) Heather (intermediate) Lauren (advanced) ગુજરાતી / Gujarati Anita (heritage speaker)
Libraries connect the dots Our Info Services Coordinator, Melissa Fisher Isaacs, likes to say that she and her team are “dot connectors.” I love this term so much. For me, it immediately harkens the thought of a child playing Connect the Dots wherein an image reveals itself. It also speaks to a crucial aspect of what public libraries do for our communities—help people find the things we need to live our best lives—in all the myriad ways we choose to do so. Perhaps the greatest thing public libraries do is hold space for everyone—no matter our station—to show up and discover our best selves and take deep dives into all that interests us. Librarians believe it is a human right to ensure that everyone is assured access to the information we need that allows us all to thrive. And sometimes we all need help navigating this vast sea of knowledge and ideas. Our dot connectors will always be here, ready to stand with you.
/ Hindi Anita (advanced)
THE READER • 3
INFO SERVICES | YOUR DOT CONNECTORS
LPL SEED LIBRARY | PLANT YOURSELF AT THE LIBRARY
start here
Think of yourself as a seed, ready to grow by Melissa Fisher Isaacs, Information Services Coordinator
“All summations have a beginning, all effect has a story, all kindness begins with the sown seed.” –Mary Oliver Every year, just before spring, the library's Information Services team heralds the coming season by bringing forth an old-school card catalog, its drawers brimming with seeds. Seeds! Each one containing the potential for growth and beauty. Each one benefitting from patience, care, knowledge, know-how and healthy interconnectedness. The mission of the Information Services department is to connect you to the information you need. Think of yourself as a seed: Planted where you are — what do you need to grow?
Is there something you’d like to make, find, learn, or do? Are you struggling to meet your basic needs, and need help finding help? Do you have an idea for a business and need to put a plan together? Are you preparing for a test, planning a trip, or buying a car?
health &s wellnes
build job skills
plan a trip
Are you looking for a better job and need to learn new skills? Does a loved one have a health condition you’d like to better understand?
desk
learn new & how-to
family history
test prep
crisis help
local history
r
consume info
start a small business
Do you have questions about your family history that you’d like to explore? We can help find answers to any and all of these questions for you. Sometimes, you’re just not sure what you need to know, or what to ask to find the information you need to move forward. Your query is like a seed in the darkness of the soil, waiting for the right moment to unfurl. That’s where we come in! Like a gardener, using their know-how in partnership with the sun and the rain and the soil to nurture the seed, we’re here to help your questions emerge into the light.
Visit our Ask Desk and let’s grow together! 4 • LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT Learn the ABCs about Medicare plans, coverage, and premiums
Welcome to Medicare
2nd THU of the month | 12-1 PM | Senior Resource Center 745 Vermont Street | Lawrence, KS Limited seating: 20 people / session Register for a spot: bit.ly/SRC_W2M_Signup If you're starting full Medicare coverage in the next 90 days, you'll want to join the Health & Human Services team for an informative presentation about what to expect from the Medicare system. For more info or to make a one-on-one appointment to discuss Medicare enrollment or other Medicare issues with a certified SRC counselor, call 785-727-7872. THE READER • 5
You can also make a gift online at LPLFF.org/give
What We Funded
Dang! You are AMAZING! by Kathleen O'Leary Morgan Director of Development & Community Partnerships You did it again. You volunteered countless hours and gave generously to the LPL Friends & Foundation in 2021. Your positive energy and good vibes were just what the library needed to keep Lawrence strong through another year of challenges.
It has been another unpredictable year. Yet one thing is certain: the library is a place where we come together as a community to support one another. Everyone is welcome and everyone belongs at Lawrence Public Library.
2021 Highlights
$436,000
(Total given to the library — a new annual record!) $100,000 unrestricted block grant $90,000 for Dottie (to date) $150,000 Book sale proceeds; up 37% from 2020* 53,092 Total book sale & library volunteer hours
*Our book sale volunteers' creativity in finding new ways to sell books to help the library was endless: Second Saturday Sales, personal shopping appointments, Downhall Books, Seasons Readings, and a safe and successful major book sale. In addition, online book sales hit a new record.
Friends & Foundation volunteers and donors worked incredibly hard for the library in 2021 and it paid off. 6 • LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY
• Dottie truck, retrofit, wrap, and equipment • Susan Orlean author visit • Summer Reading program • Read Across Lawrence • Deja’s Reading Rainbow • Retirement Boot Camp • Sing & Rhyme Storytime • Community Resource Needs: bus passes, hand warmers, hats, gloves • Staff birthday coffee gift cards • Children’s picture book room renovation • Support for Hoopla eBooks and eAudiobooks • Public computer replacement and upkeep • Kanopy movie streaming service • SOUND+VISION Studio equipment • Staff bonus support • Teen coding robots • Honor with Books • Outreach books for kids • Spanish translation services • Marketing support • Fish in Children’s Department • Lobby plants • Seed Library • Mergent Intellect database
The Lawrence Public Library Friends & Foundation (LPLFF) is a non-profit organization that works to strengthen and supplement the public's investment in the library. Even in a city like Lawrence, tax dollars aren't enough to provide all the important resources that people need. Together, we give, we volunteer, and we advocate so the library can connect and inspire everyone in our community. NAME ADDRESS
IMAGE CREDIT: colsonwhitehead.com
Thanks to you, Kansas Reads to Preschoolers, Deja’s Reading Rainbow, and Sing and Rhyme Storytime continued for families. You helped us meet a huge demand for eBooks and eAudiobooks. You supported Retirement Boot Camp so our seniors felt less isolated. You made sure that every child in Lawrence could participate in the Summer Reading program. And to top it off, you helped create “Dottie,” our new mobile library. This new outreach service – powered by your gifts and 60,000+ used book purchases – hits the road in mid-2022.
all made possible thanks to your generosity
FRIENDS & FOUNDATION | 2021 Annual Report
The Ross & Marianna Beach Author Series present in partnership with The Paper Plains Literary Festival
Colson Whitehead SAT | Apr 9 | 7–8:30 PM | Liberty Hall
646 Massachusetts Street | Lawrence, KS DETAILS ON PAGE 11
PHONE EMAIL
Make a one-time gift by check or credit/debit card: $25 — Short Story $50 — Novel $100 — Bestseller $500 — Classic $1000 — New Chapter Society Make a monthly gift and become a Page Turner: $25 (credit/debit only) $15 (credit/debit only) $10 (minimum; credit/debit only) $ other (credit/debit only) Paying by credit/debit card? Provide card info below or visit LPLFF.org/give and make your gift online. CARD # EXP DATE
3-DIGIT CODE
Please direct my gift to: immediate needs
endowment
no preference
YES! Send me information about:
100% Portion of programs paid for by the Friends & Foundation
volunteering
Support LPL’s kids programs! Participate in any 2022 St. Patrick’s Day Parade event and a portion of the proceeds goes to the library and other local non-profits. There’s something for everyone – bowling, trivia, running, and the parade! DETAILS: lawrencestpatricksdayparade.com
including the library in my estate plan
TOTAL AMOUNT — $ My gift to the Lawrence Public Library Friends & Foundation
Snip and send this form to: LPL Friends & Foundation PO Box 973 Lawrence, KS 66044
Thank you.
LPLFF.org
FREE EVENTS
AT-A-GLANCE
How to join online events: 1 — Go to lplks.org 2 — Search event name 3 — Click to join event 4 — Registration req'd? We'll send a link!
MARCH TUE 1
10:30 AM Library Storytime 3 PM Community Resource Clinic 4 PM Jackbox Games 6:30 PM A Question of Freedom
WED 2
9 AM 1 Million Cups 10:30 AM Books & Babies 2 PM Teen Zone Expanded 4 PM Kids' Action Club 5 PM SMART Recovery
THU 3
4 PM Tech Club 4 PM D&D Club 7 PM YA for Grownups
FRI 4
10 AM RBC Coffee Break 4 PM Tween Club
SAT 5
10:30 AM Jervis Guitar School 10:30 AM CuentaCuentos
SUN 6
2 PM Music at Your Library 3:30 PM Deja's Reading Rainbow
MON 7
10:30 AM Toddler Storytime 6 PM LAC Céili Dance Party 6:30 PM Sing & Rhyme Storytime
TUE 8
10:30 AM Library Storytime 3 PM Community Resource Clinic 6:30 PM Nature Book Club 6:30 PM Speculative Fiction Book Club
WED 9
9 AM 1 Million Cups 10:30 AM Books & Babies 2 PM Teen Zone Expanded 5 PM SMART Recovery 7 PM KU University Orchestra 7 PM RBC Dessert & A Movie 8 • LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY
THU 10
FRI 25
FRI 11
SAT 26
7 PM 2nd Thursday Book Club 10 AM RBC Coffee Break
SAT 12
10 AM Book Sale 11 AM Bee-ginning with Bees 11 AM Mindful Crafting
SUN 13
2 PM Repair Studio 3:30 PM Multicultural Storytime 4 PM Social Justice Book Club
MON 14
10:30 AM Toddler Storytime 2:30 PM March Madness 6:30 PM Sing & Rhyme Storytime ALL DAY Spring Break Take & Make
TUE 15
10:30 AM Library Storytime 3 PM Community Resource Clinic 4 PM Jackbox Games 7 PM BYOBB
WED 16
9 AM 1 Million Cups 10:30 AM Books & Babies 2 PM Mad Science 5 PM SMART Recovery
THU 17
4 PM D&D Club 5 PM RBC Wine Around the World 7 PM Thriller Thursday Book Club
FRI 18
10 AM RBC Coffee Break 10:30 AM My Neighbor Totoro 2 PM Spirited Away 4 PM Tween Club Field Trip
SAT 19
10 AM Jervis Guitar School 10:30 AM CuentaCuentos 1 PM NBA 2K22 Tournament 3 PM Goldenberg Duo
SUN 20
1:30 AM Mystery Book Club
MON 21
10:30 AM Toddler Storytime 6:30 PM Sing & Rhyme Storytime
TUE 22
10:30 AM Library Storytime 3 PM Community Resource Clinic
WED 23
9 AM 1 Million Cups 10:30 AM Books & Babies 2 PM Teen Zone Expanded 5 PM SMART Recovery
10 AM RBC Coffee Break 11 AM Urban Trees 7 PM Teen Trivia Night
SUN 27
1:30 PM Mysterious Mustache Book Club 3:30 PM Multicultural Storytime
MON 28
10:30 AM Toddler Storytime 6 PM Yoga 6:30 PM Sing & Rhyme Storytime
TUE 29
10:30 AM Library Storytime 3 PM Community Resource Clinic
WED 30
9 AM 1 Million Cups 10:30 AM Books & Babies 2 PM Teen Zone Expanded 4 PM Pokémon 101 4 PM RBC Gray Anatomy 5 PM SMART Recovery 7 PM Last Wednesday Book Club
APRIL FRI 1
10 AM RBC Coffee Break 4 PM Tween Club
SAT 9
10 AM Saturday Morning Cartoons 10 AM Train Park Tree Tour 10 AM Jervis Guitar School 11 AM Mindful Crafting 1 PM Gaming Tournament 7 PM Author Colson Whitehead
SUN 10
2 PM Repair Studio 3:30 PM Multicultural Storytime 4 PM Social Justice Book Club
MON 11
10:30 AM Toddler Storytime 6:30 PM Sing & Rhyme Storytime
TUE 12
10:30 AM Library Storytime 3 PM Community Resource Clinic 7 PM Speculative Fiction Book Club
WED 13
9 AM 1 Million Cups 10:30 AM Books & Babies 2 PM Teen Zone Expanded 4 PM Junior Author Camp 5 PM SMART Recovery
THU 14
5 PM RBC Wine Around the World 7 PM 2nd Thursday Book Club
FRI 15
10:30 AM CuentaCuentos
10 AM RBC Coffee Break 10:30 AM Dance Party for Littles 4 PM Tween Club
10:30 AM Toddler Storytime 6:30 PM Sing & Rhyme Storytime
10:30 AM Jervis Guitar School 10:30 AM CuentaCuentos
10:30 AM Library Storytime 3 PM Community Resource Clinic 4 PM Jackbox Games 9 AM 1 Million Cups 10:30 AM Books & Babies 2 PM Teen Zone Expanded 4 PM Junior Author Camp 5 PM SMART Recovery
TUE 19
SAT 2
FRI 8
10 AM RBC Coffee Break
10 AM RBC Coffee Break 10 AM Spring Book Sale 4 PM Earth Day Fairy Houses
SAT 23
10 AM Spring Book Sale
SUN 24
12 PM Spring Book Sale 1:30 PM Mysterious Mustache Book Club 3:30 PM Multicultural Storytime
MON 25
10:30 AM Toddler Storytime 6 PM Yoga 6:30 PM Sing & Rhyme Storytime
TUE 26
10:30 AM Library Storytime 3 PM Community Resource Clinic 6:30 PM Disappearing Birds
WED 27
9 AM 1 Million Cups 10:30 AM Books & Babies 2 PM Teen Zone Expanded 4 PM Junior Author Camp 4 PM RBC Gray Anatomy 5 PM SMART Recovery 7 PM Last Wednesday Book Club
FRI 29
TUE 10
3 PM Community Resource Clinic 6:30 PM Speculative Fiction Book Club
WED 11
9 AM 1 Million Cups 2 PM Teen Zone Expanded 5 PM Homebuyers Workshop 5 PM SMART Recovery 7 PM RBC Dessert & A Movie
THU 12
7 PM 2nd Thursday Book Club
FRI 13
10 AM RBC Coffee Break
SAT 14
11 AM Mindful Crafting
SUN 15
1:30 PM Mystery Book Club 1:30 PM Myst Mustache Book Club
TUE 17
3 PM Community Resource Clinic 7 PM BYOBB
WED 18
9 AM 1 Million Cups 2 PM Teen Zone Expanded 4 PM Genealogy/Loc. History Research 4 PM RBC Gray Anatomy 5 PM SMART Recovery
FRI 20
CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY
8 AM Baker Wetlands Birdwalk 1 PM Spoken Word Workshop
10:30 AM Toddler Storytime 6:30 PM Sing & Rhyme Storytime
MAY
10 AM Saturday Morning Cartoons 10 AM John Jervis Guitar School
10:30 AM Library Storytime 3 PM Community Resource Clinic 4 PM Robotics Challenge 7 PM BYOBB
TUE 3
3 PM Community Resource Clinic 4 PM Jackbox Games
3 PM Community Resource Clinic
TUE 5
4 PM Tech Club 4 PM D&D Club 5 PM Kids' Action Club 7 PM TYA for Grownups
FRI 22
SUN 8
2 PM Repair Studio 4 PM Social Justice Book Club
THU 19
SUN 17
THU 7
4 PM D&D Club 7 PM Thriller Thursday Book Club 7 PM Author Charles Yu
10 AM RBC Coffee Break 10:30 AM Weave A Tale Storytime
MON 4
SAT 16
WED 6
THU 21
MON 18
WED 20
9 AM 1 Million Cups 10:30 AM Books & Babies 2 PM Teen Zone Expanded 4 PM Junior Author Camp 4 PM Genealogy/Loc. History Spotlight 5 PM SMART Recovery 7 PM RBC Dessert & A Movie
SAT 30
WED 4
9 AM 1 Million Cups 2 PM Teen Zone Expanded 4 PM Kids' Action Club 5 PM SMART Recovery
THU 5
4 PM Tech Club 4 PM D&D Club 7 PM YA for Grownups
FRI 6
10 AM RBC Coffee Break
SAT 7
10 AM John Jervis Guitar School
5 PM Wine Around the World 7 PM Thriller Thursday Book Club 10 AM RBC Coffee Break
SAT 21
TUE 24
WED 25
9 AM 1 Million Cups 2 PM Teen Zone Expanded 5 PM SMART Recovery 7 PM Last Wednesday Book Club STARTS Summer Reading
FRI 27
10 AM RBC Coffee Break
SUN 29–MON 30
CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY
TUE 31
3 PM Community Resource Clinic 6 PM Yoga THE READER • 9
ALL AGES
Spring Book Sale
1 Million Cups Lawrence
FRI | Apr 22 | 10 AM–6 PM SAT | Apr 23 | 10 AM–6 PM SUN | Apr 24 | 12–4 PM LPLFF Garage Spring reads are blooming at the first book sale of the year. All books, CDs, DVDs and Audiobooks are priced $2 or less. Located on the Kentucky Street side of the library. Pandemic permitting, we'll update LPLFF.org with any changes.
Music at Your Library
SAT | Mar 6 | 2–3 PM | Auditorium Free and open to the public! Students from the String Department of the KU School of Music play pieces from their repertoire.
Deja's Reading Rainbow
SUN | Mar 6 | 3:30 PM | Auditorium Join host Deja Brooks as she reads and performs stories embracing our local LGBT community and celebrating families of all kinds. Reading Rainbow is a storytime about love and friendship, being different and belonging, being unique and being accepted, colors, rainbows, and fun!
WED | 9–10 AM | Auditorium We believe that conversations taking place over one million cups of coffee can make a measurable impact on the entrepreneur ecosystem and economics of Lawrence, KS. Each week, the 1MC program offers local startups an opportunity to present their companies to a diverse audience of mentors, advisors, and entrepreneurs. Join us, and help us reach our goal of 1 Million Cups! For more info, email Taylor LaRue: miles@wildmanweb.com.
Weave A Tale Storytime
FRI | Apr 29 | 10:30 AM | Auditorium Join storytellers extraordinaire, Ms. Linda and Kim Patton, as they do what they do best: tell stories! Weave A Tale is an event held in memoriam for Joyce Steiner, a beloved LPL librarian and storyteller.
ADULTS St. Patrick’s Day Céili Party
GENERAL EVENTS
MON | Mar 7 | 6 PM | Auditorium In Irish, the word “céili” (KAY-LEE) means "party". Celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day enjoying an Irish Step Dance performance and participating in traditional Irish group dances with Annie Stark from the Lawrence Arts Center!
Read Across Lawrence
Throughout April Book: Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu Save the date for April! We’ll have special programming every week, including a kung fu film screening, an affordable housing forum with city leaders, a presentation by David Mai, KU Assistant Professor of Film & Media Studies, multiple book talks, a virtual visit with author Charles Yu, and more! Check lplks.org/ral for the most upto-date information.
KU University Orchestra
WED | Mar 9 | 7–7:30 PM | Auditorium The KU University Orchestra, an ensemble open to students enrolled at the University of Kansas, aims to stretch the classical canon and bring it to the Lawrence community.
John Jervis Memorial Guitar School A Question of Freedom with William G. Thomas III
TUE | Mar 1 | 6:30–7:30 PM | Auditorium William G. Thomas III is the John and Catherine Angle Chair in the Humanities and Professor of History at the University of Nebraska. His latest book, A Question of Freedom, highlights the story of enslaved families in Maryland who sued for their freedom in the decades after the American Revolution. Between 1787 and 1861, these lawsuits challenged the legitimacy of slavery in American law and put slavery on trial in the nation’s capital. Thomas tells an intricate and intensely human story of the enslaved families, their lawyers, and the slaveholders who fought to defend slavery, and asks us to reckon with the moral problem of slavery and its legacies in the present day.
The Goldenberg Duo
SAT | Mar 19 | 3–4 PM | Auditorium Enjoy the artistry of two veteran classical musicians with William (piano) and Susan (violin) Goldenberg, who for the last 36 years have captivated audiences at venues like the Amalfi Coast Music Festival in Italy, The American Cathedral in Paris, and St. Peter’s Church in St. Albans, England.
10 • LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Mindful Crafting
SAT | Mar 12, Apr 9, May 14 | 11 AM–12 PM Zoom Free, but register online or at 785-843-3833 Connect with other crafters to explore crafting, art making, and creative play as it relates to mindfulness and health. Questions? Ask Ruby: rmackinnonlove@lplks.org.
Bee-ginning with Bees
SAT | Mar 12 | 11 AM–12 PM | Auditorium Long-time Kansas beekeepers Becky and Steve Tipton of Country Creek Honey will present on bees, honey, pollinators, and more. It’s almost spring! Questions? Ask Jake: jvail@lplks.org.
SAT | Mar 26 | 11 AM–12:30 PM Auditorium Levi Parkin, our City Arborist and Field Supervisor, will answer all your questions about Lawrence’s urban forest, and what it takes to maintain it. Questions? Ask Jake: jvail@lplks.org.
Train Park Tree Tour
SAT | Apr 9 | 10–11:30 AM Meet by the Train in Watson Park 600 Block of Kentucky Street | Lawrence, KS Tree I.D. in the Train Park, with former arborist and current LPL staffer Jake Vail. Take a leisurely stroll and get acquainted with part of the urban forest. Questions? Ask Jake: jvail@lplks.org.
An Evening with Colson Whitehead
SAT | Apr 9 | 7–8:30 PM | Liberty Hall 646 Massachusetts Street | Lawrence, KS In partnership with The Commons at KU, The Hall Center for the Humanities, and Paper Plains Literary Festival, we are thrilled to host Colson Whitehead as our 2022 Ross and Marianna Beach author. Whitehead is the author of 6 novels including the National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning The Underground Railroad. His latest novel is Harlem Shuffle—a New York Times notable book of the year, best seller, and gloriously entertaining novel of heists, shakedowns, and rip-offs set in Harlem in the 1960s. The Raven Book Store will have copies of Whitehead’s work for sale and a signing will follow his talk.
Colson
WHITEHEAD
Genealogy & Local History Spotlight: Baker University Archives & Old Castle Museum
WED | Apr 20 | 4–5 PM | Mtg Rm A Free, but register online or at 785-843-3833 Want to know more about your house’s history, delve into genealogy, or explore Lawrence’s storied past? Get acquainted with resources for digging into local and family history with Sara DeCaro, University Archivist and Museum Director at Baker University. She'll share the many resources Baker University's archives and Old Castle Museum have for researching your genealogy or your home. Got questions? Ask Melissa: mfisherisaacs@lplks.org.
An Evening with Charles Yu
THU | Apr 21 | 7–8 PM | Zoom We're thrilled to host Charles Yu, author of the 2020 Nation Book Award winner and our 2022 Read Across Lawrence selection Interior Chinatown. Yu will talk about screenwriting, representation, and identity in his playful but heartfelt latest work. Interior Chinatown is a send-up of Hollywood tropes and Asian stereotypes, and is Yu’s most moving, daring, and masterful novel yet—a deeply personal novel about race, pop culture, immigration, assimilation, and escaping the roles we are forced to play. Charles YU has received the National Book Foundation’s 5 Under 35 Award, been nominated for two Writers Guild of America awards for his work on the HBO series Westworld, and has also written for shows on FX, AMC, Facebook Watch, and Adult Swim. His fiction and non-fiction have appeared in a number of publications including The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic, Wired, Time, and Ploughshares.
Repair Studio
Charles YU
Photo credit: Tina Chiou
SAT | Mar 12 | 10 AM–4 PM | LPLFF Garage March to the Kentucky Street side of LPL to grab books, CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks, all priced $2 or less. Pandemic permitting, we'll update LPLFF.org with any changes.
2022
Second Saturday Sale
SAT | Mar 5, 19; Apr 9; 16; May 7, 21 10 AM–3 PM | Study Room 5 Free, but register online or at 785-843-3833 Lawrence guitar legend, John Jervis (1944–2021), lived by a willingness to share his talents — and expected nothing in return. In this spirit, local shop Guitarma is offering free, 25-minute guitar and ukulele lessons at the library. Sign up as a Novice, Intermediate, or Advanced player, and get to learning in John's memory.
Urban Trees
SUN | Mar 13, Apr 10, May 8 | 2–4 PM Auditorium Bring broken items and torn clothing to our repair mentors at the library's monthly workshop for stuff in need of fixing. They can even bring things back to life! While we can’t guarantee we can save everything, we can promise a fun time tinkering and learning about how things work. Questions? Want to be a Repair Mentor? Email Hazlett: hhenderson@lplks.org. THE READER • 11
Disappearing Birds
TUE | Apr 26 | 6:30–7:45 PM | Auditorium Mark Robbins, ornithologist and Collections Manager at KU Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum, will explore the reasons for the dramatic loss of grassland birds during the past 50 years. Questions? Ask Jake: jvail@lplks.org.
Annual Bird Walk
SAT | Apr 30 | 8–10 AM Baker Wetlands Discovery Center 1365 N 1250 Road | Lawrence, KS Join us for our yearly walk amidst the spring bird migration at Baker Wetlands with Roger Boyd. Questions? Ask Jake: jvail@lplks.org.
BOOK CLUBS Last Wednesday Book Club
Last WED | 7–8 PM | Zoom Join the library's longest running adult book club! Selections range from beloved classics to modern favorites. Anyone who's read the book for the current month is invited to participate. Email Leah for more info at lnewton@lplks.org. Mar 30 | The Song of Achilles Apr 27 | The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo May 25 | Their Eyes Were Watching God
Free Homebuyers Workshop
WED | May 11 | 5–8 PM | Auditorium Free, but register online or at 785-843-3833 Join Tenants to Homeowners (TTH) to learn about the steps to buying a home, why credit matters, the types of mortgage loans available, and more! The workshop is sponsored in part with US Bank. A HUD approved workshop certificate will be issued upon completion. Attending a workshop is a requirement of the TTH Home Purchase Program. Childcare provided. Register here: bit.ly/TTH51122.
Genealogy & Local History: Research Resources
WED | May 18 | 4–5 PM | Mtg Rm A Free, but register online or at 785-843-3833 Get acquainted with the library’s digital resources for digging into local and family history, including Ancestry Library Edition, NewspaperARCHIVE, and Sanborn Maps. We’ll wrap up with a brief tour of our local history room. Questions? Ask Melissa: mfisherisaacs@lplks.org.
Mystery Book Club
SUN | Mar 20, May 15 | 1:30–3:30 PM Auditorium We look at a different mystery subgenre at each meeting. Reserve your spot at this discussion and choose a book from our list of recommended titles. We'll enjoy a lively discussion as each person will have read a different book. Email Shirley for more info: sbraunlich@lplks.org. March's theme | Nature May's theme | Locked room mysteries
Nature Book Club
TUE | Mar 8 | 6:30–8 PM | Mtg Rm A Join us to discuss fiction or nonfiction books connected to the natural world. Share what you’re reading and get new recommendations from the library’s Jake Vail and Shirley Braunlich. Email Shirley for more info: sbraunlich@lplks.org.
Second Thursday Book Club
2nd THU | 7–8:30 PM | Zoom 1200 Oread Avenue | Lawrence KS Read and discuss a new title each month over food and cocktails. Questions? Email Polli at pkenn@lplks.org. Mar 10 | The Other Black Girl Apr 14 | The Sentence May 12 | Homegoing 12 • LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Social Justice Book Club
2nd SUN | 4–5:30 PM | Zoom This book club gets us thinking and talking about inequality and injustice in the U.S. Nonfiction, novels, memoirs and more– we seek multiple perspectives, with multiple points of entry, and we work to center the voices of marginalized communities and people through our exploration. Email Polli at pkenn@lplks.org for more info. Mar 13 | Homegoing Apr 10 | Last Night at the Telegraph Club May 8 | Mediocre
Speculative Fiction Book Club
2nd TUE | 7–8 PM | Zoom Whether you like world-building fantasy, eerie dystopias, and far-out sci-fi, or have no idea what we’re talking about, but want to talk about weird books with cool people, this club is for you. We meet monthly to discuss a different book. Questions? Ask Leah: lnewton@lplks.org. Mar 8 | Klara and the Sun Apr 12 | Scythe May 10 | The Midnight Library
HEALTH SPOT
+
3rd THU | 7-8 PM | Mtg Rm A A book club for readers who love chills, thrills, and bloody spills! Join this fun group for deep dives into the macabre. We’ll bounce back and forth between fun themes and popular titles ranging from horror to suspense to mystery thrillers. For a reading/theme list and more info, email Christina at cjames@lplks.org.
YA for Grownups
1st THU | 7–8 PM | Zoom This group is for adults who enjoy Young Adult fiction and anyone interested in exploring the variety of genres from the category. Anyone who has read the selection is welcome to come and participate. 10-12 copies are available from one of our book club in a bag sets. Email Kimberly for info or to reserve a book: klopez@lplks.org.
THU | Mar 17, Apr 14, May 19 | 5–6 PM Zoom Take a monthly virtual tour of one of the world’s wine regions with Steve Wilson of City Wine Market. Wine purchases optional.
Community Resource Clinic
TUE | 3–5 PM | Library Lobby Drop in to get help finding things like resources for housing, financial assistance with rent and utilities, safety planning, and more. We'll host a different lineup of social service agencies each week for variety.
SMART Recovery Groups
WED | 5–6:30 PM | Mtg Rm C & Zoom FRI | 5–6:30 PM | Zoom Self Management and Recovery Training supports individuals who have chosen to abstain or are considering abstinence from any type of addictive behavior, such as substance abuse or gambling addiction. Learn to change self-defeating thinking, emotions, and actions and work towards long-term quality and satisfaction. For more info, email Theresa at tbird@lplks.org.
RETIREMENT BOOT CAMP All events will be held on Zoom. If COVID improves, programs may be offered in a hybrid format (in person and virtual.) Visit LPLKS.org/retirement for updates.
Coffee Break
FRI | Mar 4–May 27 | 10–11 AM | Zoom Brew up a cup o’ joe and hang out in our weekly, online coffee group. We have no agenda, so topics may range from KU basketball to garden gnomes. It’s a great place to have a good laugh and meet new friends. Email Cathy to sign up: chamilton@lplks.org.
Yoga Mondays
MON | March 28, Apr 25, May 31 | 6–7 PM Auditorium Bring a mat and let Leanna from Yellow Brick Yoga guide you to stretch, strengthen, and breathe your way through yoga moves. No experience needed. Questions? Email Theresa at tbird@lplks.org.
TECHNOLOGY Thriller Thursday Book Club
Wine Around the World
Technology 1-on-1
SUN-TUE; THU | 4-5 PM & 5-6 PM | Tech Desk Need help with your tech? Our kind and patient Tech Staff are here for you. Book an appointment for 60 minutes of individual assistance and we'll take you from frustrated to fabulous. More info: jbarnes@lplks.org.
Tech Club
THU | Mar 3, Apr 7, May 5 | 4–5 PM | Zoom Join us online and get answers to your burning computer questions on the first Thursday of every month. Email Jim for details: jbarnes@lplks.org.
Pop-Up Bingo
Dates and times at lplks.org/retirement Zoom Everyone’s favorite library Bingo caller, Cathy Hamilton, invites you to join her for virtual pop-up bingo sessions. Bring a cocktail, wear a crazy costume, and win a prize! Email Cathy for info: chamilton@lplks.org.
Tech Club
THU | Mar 3, Apr 7, May 5 | 4–5 PM Zoom Get answers to your burning computer questions on the first Thursday of each month and wow your kids and grandkids with your digital wizardry!
Dessert & A Movie
WED | Mar 9, Apr 20, May 11 | 7–8 PM Zoom Whip up your favorite dessert and join friends online to discuss our Kanopy film of the month. This cool, movie-streaming service is free with your library card and offers over 35,000 independent films and documentaries. And the Oscar goes to Jeff and Mary Weinberg for making Kanopy possible for anyone with a library card!
"Wine-Tasting Tour" by Roz Chast (2017) | ©New Yorker Magazine
Gray Anatomy
WED | Mar 30, Apr 27, May 18 | 4–5 PM Zoom Learn about what to expect as we age from a Lawrence medical expert. Offered in partnership with LMH Health, we’ll talk about a new body part each month. Mar 30 | Bone Health Apr 27 | Sex after 60 May 18 | Foot Care
TEENS
Unless otherwise noted, in-person and online event locations will be announced at lplks.org. Teen programs are for anyone in grades 6–12.
Discord
Ongoing | Discord The Teen Zone Discord server is a safe place where Lawrence teens can make new friends, share art and writing, and play games. It's a gret way to visit the Teen Zone without leaving the house! Get an invite at lplks.org/teen-discord-server.
Teen Advisory Board (TAB)
Use your voice and join TAB to help make the Teen Zone an even better place for teens! TAB assists the Teen Services Team THE READER • 13
in deciding what type of activities and programs will take place. TAB membership and meeting attendance can count towards volunteer hours. New meeting date and time to be determined. Apply online for a spot at lplks.org/teen-advisory-board.
Jackbox Games
1st & 3rd TUE | 4–6 PM | Teen Zone No session on 4/19 and 5/17 Join Teen staff in the newly reopened Teen Zone to play a variety of quiz and art-based party games from JackBox.
Teen Zone Expanded
WED | 2–5 PM | Auditorium or Readers’ Theater No session on 3/16 On early release Wednesdays, head to the library for gaming, movies, crafts, and STEAM activities. Check our online calendar at lplks.org for each week’s events.
D&D Club
1st & 3rd THU | 4–6 PM Free, but register online or at 785-843-3833 No session on 5/19 Hail and well met! Transform yourself into a magical character and join in the epic adventure for 5th edition D&D twice a month. All are welcome — from seasoned adventurers to first-timers. You'll need a Discord account, so just email Margo for details: mmoore@lplks.org.
March Madness Bracket Tournament
Mar 14–Mar 18 | Teen Zone Bring your best guesses to the Teen Zone this Spring Break. We’ll be holding our own March Madness tournament where you’ll rank which video game character would win over all others!
Ghibli Movie Mania
FRI | Mar 18 | 10:30 AM & 2 PM Auditorium Two showings of two classic Ghibli films! In the morning we’ll be screening My Neighbor Totoro for the younger set. In the afternoon, we’ll show Spirited Away for Teens.
Gaming Tournament
SAT | Mar 19, Apr 9 | 1–3 PM Readers’ Theater Compete against your fellow gamers in our monthly gaming tournament. Games include Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart 8, and other games to be announced. March's NBA 2K tournament has prizes!
Teen Trivia Night
SAT | Mar 26 | 7–8 PM | Zoom Free, but register online or at 785-843-3833 Face off with friends in a battle of wits with questions varying in topic from YA lit to indie horror games like Five Nights at Freddy’s. Play solo or with a team, but you have to register to get Zoom info and a snack, which you can pick up here on FRI, Mar 25.
Saturday Morning Cartoons
SAT | Apr 9, May 21 | 10 AM–12 PM Auditorium Relive your childhood watching animated movies or TV shows and chill out for a quiet morning with friends.
Robotics Challenge
that embrace and celebrate our local LGBT community, families of all kinds, love and friendship, being different and belonging, colors, rainbows — and fun!
SPECIAL EVENTS Pokémon 101
Age 6–11 WED | Mar 30 | 4 PM | Auditorium Free, but register online or at 785-843-3833 Want to learn to play the Pokémon card game? How about finding new friends to play with? Join us to learn the Pokémon basics and afterwards we'll have a short tournament where you can put what you learned to the test.
Dance Party for Littles
Age 0–5 FRI | Apr 15 | 10:30 AM | Library Lawn* *Weather permitting Fun tunes and funky jams will fuel a dance party for the ages! Dance with LPL storytellers outside on the lawn with the perfect music for littles!
TUE | Apr 19 | 4–6 PM | Auditorium Learn all about the Teen Zone’s brand new Sphero Bots! Join Sahara and other Teen staff to explore different robotic challenges through programming, coding, and fun.
Spoken Word Workshop
SAT | Apr 30 | 1–3 PM | Zoom Whether a beginner or a seasoned poet, all teens are welcome to celebrate National Poetry Month with us! Learn how to turn your poem on page into a spoken word poem ready for the stage with Sahara Sista SOLS, LPL’s Teen Services Librarian and spoken word expert.
KIDS
Unless otherwise noted, in-person and online event locations will be announced at lplks.org.
ALL AGES Deja's Reading Rainbow
All ages SUN | Mar 6 | 3:30 PM | Auditorium Deja Brooks reads and performs stories
Apr 6 | 2018 Newbery Medalist Visit We'll kick off our Junior Author Camp series with the incredible Erin Entrada Kelly, author and winner for Hello, Universe. She'll Zoom with us, do a Q&A, and then give us a writing lesson! This event is open to all. Apr 13 | Author Lisa Bunker Join critically acclaimed writer Lisa Bunker to learn about her writing life, experience as a trans writer, and get advice on how to build strong writing habits. Lisa is the author of Zenobia July, a cyber mystery and story of a trans girl finding her home. Apr 20 | YA Novelist Chris Crutcher Chris Crutcher, ALA’s Margaret A. Edwards Award winner for his lifetime contribution in writing for teens, will talk about writing, inspiration, and creating characters that readers really connect with. Apr 27 | Poetry & Performance Workshop Join an amazing group of local poets to explore writing and sharing poetry. Nationally-touring spoken word artist (and LPL Teen Librarian) Sista SOLS will talk about poetry and performance. Anita Patel and Kayla Cook will take us through creating poems of our own in fun and creative ways.
Mad Science: “Fire and Ice”
Age 5–11 WED | Mar 16 | 2 PM Free, but register online or at 785-843-3833 We’ve got a spectacular show of thrilling and impressive science experiments, complete with foggy dry ice storms and mind-boggling vanishing paper. Come be amazed by sizzling, shivering scissors, and special bubbly showers.
Ghibli Movie Mania
FRI | Mar 18 | 10:30 AM & 2 PM Auditorium Free, but register online or at 785-843-3833 Two showings of two classic Ghibli films! In the morning we’ll be screening My Neighbor Totoro for the younger set. In the afternoon, we’ll show Spirited Away for Teens.
Tween Club: Field Trip!
3rd–5th grades (ages 8-11) FRI | Mar 18 | 4 PM | Jungle House 924 Delaware | Lawrence, KS Free, but register online or at 785-843-3833 Didn’t get a chance to get out of town? We’re headed out of the building and over to the lush, warm JH greenhouse. They’ll give us a tour and we'll build terrariums! Don't miss this one-of-a-kind Tween Club.
Erin ENTRADA KELLY Junior Author Camp
Age 8+ WED | Apr 6, 13, 20, 27 | 4 PM Free, but register online or at 785-843-3833 Would you love to be an author? Do you want to create amazing characters and stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats? Join us to hear from incredible authors (including a Newbery Medalist!) about different kinds of writing, get tips, and find inspiration. Each registrant gets a writing kit and is invited to contribute to a JAC anthology to be added to LPL’s shelves.
SPRING BREAK Spring Craft Take & Make
Age 5–11 MON | Mar 14 | All Day | Kids’ Desk Free, but register online or at 785-843-3833 Keep boredom at bay with our springthemed craft. Claim a kit, then pick it up.
All ages MON | 6:30 PM Explore movement, play, and the joy of active music-making with Singing Sarah.
Library Storytime
TUE | 10:30 AM Age 3+ w/ their families Join Ms. Linda as she shares her favorite stories and rhymes.
Books & Babies
WED | 10:30 AM Birth–23 mos w/ their families Bounce, sing, and hear stories with Anita.
CuentaCuentos Spanish Storytime
All ages 1st & 3rd SAT | 10:30 AM Disfruta de algunas historias y canciones en Español con Trevin. Todas las edades son bienvenidas. Enjoy some stories and songs in Spanish with Trevin.
CLUBS Clubs are free but registration is required online (lplks.org) or at 785-843-3833.
Tween Club
1st & 3rd FRI | 4 PM | Auditorium Age 8-11 or grade 3–5 No Tween Club in May Meet up, hang out, play games, and craft with your friends.
Earth Day Fairy Houses
Age 5–11 FRI | Apr 22 | 4 PM Free, but register online or at 785-843-3833 We’re using the magic of Earth Day to build fairy doors with found materials. Jungle House will use their green thumb to teach us about local plants for seed bombs and creating the perfect patch of flowers for our new fairy friends! Costumes welcome!
Sing & Rhyme Storytime
Kids’ Action Club (KAC)
STORYTIMES Storytimes are on break from May 1–Jun 5.
Multicultural Storytime
All ages 2nd & 4th SUN | 3:30 PM Stories and songs with guest presenter highlighting a language or culture.
Toddler Storytime
Toddlers w/ their families MON | 10:30 AM Stories, songs, and MORRIS THE MONKEY! The perfect wiggly storytime for toddlers.
WED & THU | Mar 2, May 4, Apr 7 | 4 PM Age 8-11 Want to help make life in Lawrence better? Join KAC to meet local leaders, new friends, and carry out amazing service projects both big and small. Be a part of KAC and see what cool things we can do together!
Mysterious Mustache Book Club
SUN | Mar 27, Apr 24, May 15 | 1:30 PM Age 8–11 Love getting into the world of a book? Want to chat with other book lovers and be part of a book club? Join us online! We'll email the Zoom link and password after you register. Info: jcook@lplks.org. THE READER • 15
Imagine more.
Lawrence Public Library 707 Vermont Street Lawrence, Kansas 66044 785-843-3833
MON–THU 10 AM–8 PM FRI–SUN 10 AM–6 PM
lplks.org
The Friends & Foundation
volunteers & donors
worked incredibly hard* for the library in 2021 and it paid off. SEE HOW ON PAGE 6
*436,000 thank yous are in order
LPLFF.org/give
