Brentwood Library Buzz

Reduce Your Anxiety, Stress, and Other Ailments

2012-01-27T16:35:00.003-06:00

Date: Thursday, February 9
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Place: Meeting Room A
Instructor: Michelle Chalfant
Class Fee: $40.00

In this session, we will explore relaxing and energizing breathing techniques and learn various types of meditation for calming and soothing our minds and bodies. In addition, we'll learn and experience slow movements and stretching that have profound effects on various systems of the body to promote deep healing.

Vanderbilt Medical Seminar: Heart Health

2012-01-27T16:20:00.005-06:00

Date: Tuesday, February 7
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Place: Meeting Room A
Cost: Free

Vanderbilt doctors answer your questions ranging from high cholesterol and blood pressure to complex surgical procedures. This series is designed to be light on lecture and heavy on audience participation and Q & A. So get your questions ready, and be prepared to soak up the answers.

Please reserve your seat online, or call 371-0090 ext. 8510.

Teen Theater Thursdays: Frankenstein

2012-01-25T18:43:00.002-06:00

Date: Thursday, February 2
Time: 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Place: Fall Room
Cost: FREE!

Are you in middle school or high school? Then join us for Teen Theater Thursdays! This month, we'll be screening the 75th anniversary edition of Frankenstein. Come see the movie, enjoy some popcorn, bring your own drinks, and have fun. Please follow the link to register, or call Cara at 371-0090 ext. 8130, so we know how much popcorn to pop.

Bridge Class for Beginners

2012-01-20T15:07:00.003-06:00

Dates: Monday evenings. January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27, March 5, 12, 19
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Meeting Room B
Class Fee: $85 (includes student handbook)

This eight-week class introduces bridge through lessons followed by actual playing time to reinforce each lesson. This is a great format for the new bridge player, as well as bridge players who have been away from the game for several years.

Register online, or call Robyn at 371-0090 ext. 8510.

Scholastic Chess Club

2012-01-20T15:01:00.002-06:00

Date: Friday, January 27
Time: 4:30 - 6:00 PM
Place: Meeting Room A
Cost: FREE!

All ages and skill levels are welcome to enjoy this noncompetitive and fun atmosphere. On-site chess coach, Dr. Jim Lech, Nashville Chess Center, teaches beginning fundamentals, as well as advanced strategies. Free of Charge. Boards will be provided. No reservations necessary… just come and play!

Children in grades K-2 are invited!

2012-01-20T13:00:00.000-06:00

After School Explorers.

Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Grades K-2. Let’s explore the world through books, activities, games and crafts. A snack will be offered. There is a limit of 20 students per session. Register online or call 371-0090 ext. 8290.

NEW PROGRAM

2012-01-20T12:34:00.000-06:00

Homeschool Explorers

Friday, February 17th, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Grades K-2. We will read some seasonal stories and connect them to activities, games and crafts. A snack will be offered. There is a limit of 20 students per session. Parents are welcome to attend. Please call Patricia Rua-Bashir @ 371-0090 ext. 8290 for further information or to register.

Chakras Class

2012-01-18T17:57:00.005-06:00

Chakras: Understand Your Health and Emotions from the Outside In!
Date: Thursday, January 26
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Place: Meeting Room B
Fee: $50.00 (includes manual and pendulum)

We all have chakras, but few know what they are. These spinning wheels of light extend from our bodies and hold the keys to mental, emotional and physical health. Chakras date back over 4000 years, and modern medicine is beginning to give these energy centers credence and explore the health issues related to them. In this class, we will discuss what a chakra is and where they are, link the emotional and physical issues to each chakra, explain how to heal through the understanding of chakras, measure and “see” our chakras, and learn how to clear and balance them to maintain optimal health.

Register online, or call 371-0090 ext. 8510.

Learn to Make Flower Hair Clips

2012-01-17T18:50:00.006-06:00

Day: Thursday, January 26
Time: 4:00 - 6:00
Place: Fall Conference Room
Cost: FREE!

Due to popular demand, the hair clip class is back! Come to the library and learn to make beautiful flower hair clips. We'll provide the supplies. This class is sponsored by the Teen Program, so all participants must be in middle school or high school. It's free, but please register in advance so we'll have enough supplies for everyone. Register online, or call Cara at 371-0090 ext. 8130.

Painting a Still Life Class

2012-01-13T15:05:00.004-06:00

Date: Saturday, January 21
Time: 12:00 - 2:30 PM
Location: Computer Lab
Other Information: Class Fee is $35.00 (includes all materials).

No experience necessary! Students will receive individual assistance while completing an 8"x10" still life painting of grapes and cheese to take home. Table easels are welcome if you have one to bring. Please wear "paint friendly" clothing. Register online, or call Robyn at 371-0090 ext. 8510.

Evening Book Discussion Club

2012-01-13T15:01:00.002-06:00

Date: Wednesday, January 18
Time: 6:30 - 7:45 PM
Place: Fall Room
Cost: FREE!

Please join us for a discussion of the novel Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson. No registration is required for this free event. If you have any questions, please contact Robyn Zandi at 371-0090 ext. 8150, or send an e-mail.

Learn to Play Backgammon

2012-01-13T14:58:00.001-06:00

Date: Sunday, January 15
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Place: Meeting Room A
Cost: FREE!

Music City Backgammon Club will be teaching beginning backgammon and hosting casual play at the library. Free Event! Boards provided! No registration necessary.

More Non-Fiction from Tim

2012-01-12T16:43:00.003-06:00

Fire and Rain: The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, James Taylor, CSNY, and the Lost Story of 1970 by David Browne
If you were in college in 1970, then you know and you remember what that year was like, the headlines relentlessly pounding you with bad news, and more importantly, the music pouring out of the radio and off the vinyl albums on the stereo. David Browne’s book sharpens those memories so much that it’s almost painful to relive that time—the Beatles’ caustic break-up, Simon and Garfunkel’s relentless drifting apart, CSNY’s chaotic incarnation and tour, and James Taylor’s game-changing arrival. Dust off the LPs (or the mp3’s).

Adam's Second Book in 2012

2012-01-12T16:35:00.005-06:00

God's Debris
By Scott Adams
“...Remember my first question to you, about the coin toss?”
“Yes, you asked why a coin comes up heads half the time.”
“Probability is omnipotent and omnipresent. It influences any coin at any time in any place, instantly. It cannot be shielded or altered. We might see randomness in the outcome of an individual coin toss, but as the number of toss increases, probability has firm control of the outcome. And probability is not limited to coins and dice and slot machines. Probability is the guiding force of everything in the universe, living or nonliving, near or far, big or small, now or anytime.” (pg. 46)

Before I really get into what is happening in this book, I should tell you this: the literature is not for everyone. I say that because many of the ideas discussed in the story attempt to denounce popular and religious beliefs, or at the very least, cause one to question the belief in the first place.
Let me preface by saying that I am not a student of philosophy. I took a few courses dealing with it in college and my grades were less than stellar. I am often bothered by questions that don't have answers and I get increasingly annoyed when someone tries to answer a question with another question.
That said though, I did enjoy reading this book. There were many questions raised in it that caused me to simply think without actually being annoyed.
God's Debris has an uncomplicated storyline. A delivery guy brings a package to an unsuspecting old man known only as “Avatar”. What he doesn't realize is that the old man has a higher purpose for him as he begins with the question, “did you deliver this package or did the package deliver you?”.
The narrative deals most with ideas about God, free will, probability, and the nature of omnipotence, but it does so without become preachy. Readers will easily identify with the delivery man as he comes to represent a lay person who is seemingly ignorant of the ideas Avatar introduces.
Interestingly enough, this book was written by Scott Adams, whom many of you will recognize as the author of the Dilbert comic strip. Yet, God's Debris is not a comedy, nor does it have any sex or violence. As a self-described thought experiment, Mr. Adams states in his introduction that this story is for mature audiences only, adding that the devoutly religious and older generations will probably not approve of the material. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a good brain teaser and have an open mind, this book may be just the cure you are seeking...and you'll never look at a coin toss the same way ever again.
If you like this story, or literature about philosophy in general, you might also enjoy “Sophie’s World” by Jostein Gaardner, a narrative about a girl who gets mysterious letters in the mail about philosophical ideas from the likes of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. This book is also safe for children to read, unlike God’s Debris.
You can find God’s Debris in the adult non-fiction section of the library under the heading
“110 ADA”. We have only one copy of this so put a hold on it while you can!

Teen Book Club & Craft: The Hunger Games

2012-01-12T16:14:00.003-06:00

When? Thursday, January 19
What time? 4:00 - 5:00
Where? Fall Room at the Library

What are you doing next Thursday? If you're in middle school or high school, and you like to read, join us for our next Teen Book Club! We'll be discussing The Hunger Games and doing a related craft. It's free, but please let us know you're coming so we have enough craft supplies. Register online, or call Cara at 371-0090 ext. 8130.

Library Computers & Phones Down This Evening

2012-01-12T14:39:00.000-06:00

Due to server maintenance, our library computers and phones will be down this evening, Thursday, January 12th from 5-8 p.m. We won't be able to answer the phone and our patron computers will not be available during this time. However, we will still be open and you will be able to check out items. The wireless should still work for those with laptops. We're sorry for any inconvenience this might cause. Everything should be up and running Friday when we open at 9 a.m.

Movie Matinee: Forrest Gump

2012-01-11T16:36:00.003-06:00

Date: Saturday, January 14
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Place: Meeting Room B
Cost: FREE!

Come see this award-winning favorite, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, and Sally Field. This matinee is free, but space is limited. To register, call 371-0090 ext. 8510, or register online .

Do you like crafts? We have the volunteer job for you!

2012-01-11T15:45:00.003-06:00

Do you like arts and crafts, and you're looking for a volunteer opportunity? We have the job for you! The Children's Library is looking for one volunteer to help prepare crafts for the Afternoon Explorers program. This volunteer should be available every Friday from 4:00 - 6:00 to prepare the children's craft and possibly help with children's programs, as needed. It's a great volunteer job for high school students, parents, or grandparents. If you have questions, of if you'd like to help, please send an e-mail to Jen. Thank you!

Adam Reads 100 books in 2012!

2012-01-10T14:47:00.005-06:00

Brentwood Library employee, Adam Dickson, has resolved to read 100 books in 2012 and he's offered to share his thoughts about the books with you. Book #1 - The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman:

There’s always a part of you that wonders whether there isn’t a grain of truth to some of the stories you read. I’m not going to spoil it for you now though; you’ll have to read this to find out for yourself.
The last time I read “The Whipping Boy”, I was probably in the 4th grade, around nine years old, if I had to hazard a guess. I remembered liking this story then and you might be interested to know that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

The Whipping Boy is a tale about two children, a prince and his whipping boy. The prince runs away from his castle and drags Jemmy, his servant, along. Among their adventures, the boys run into trouble with soldiers, thieves, and even a dancing bear. However, by the end of the story, they learn a lot about themselves and each other.

It’s funny that once we grow into “adults” we somehow find excuses not to revisit the books we loved as children. Whether we may feel too old for the literature or convince ourselves that we won’t enjoy kids’ stuff anymore, there is always some reason we refuse to go back to the stories that once captured our imaginations growing up.
This book is an excellent read for children. The chapters are divided such that even the most reluctant of readers will be satisfied with the pace of action and dialogue that, while colorful, will draw them into the story rather than leaving them behind. Short enough for small attention spans, but long enough to encourage just one more chapter. Even though this book is most definitely geared towards a younger audience, I would encourage adults to pick this one up too. Sometimes it’s nice to take a break from what’s expected and try something you never thought to read. At only 90 pages, you’d probably never suspect that this little book won the Newberry Award in 1987. Peppered with wonderful illustrations by Peter Sis, this is a great and quick little read for both children and adults.
You can find this book under the heading “J FLE” in the Children’s Library. We have 10 copies of this one so please check it out and give it a try!

Staff Recommendations

2012-01-03T08:59:00.003-06:00

Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and the Dawn of the Modern Woman by Sam Wasson
Released in 1961, Breakfast at Tiffany’s starred Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly, a role she was reluctant to take and that Truman Capote wanted to go to Marilyn Monroe. Sam Wasson tells how Capote’s novella became the Hollywood film, with stories about Hepburn, about fashion and the advent of the “little black dress,” and about “Moon River.”
Tim Kotora can frequently be found at the circulation desk, and is always willing to recommend a title for your reading pleasure. He will be sharing some non-fiction titles that peaked his interest last year.

Teen Theater Thursdays

2011-12-30T15:52:00.002-06:00

Date: Thursday, January 5
Time: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Place: Fall Room
Cost: FREE!

Are you in middle school or high school? The join us for Teen Theater Thursdays! This month, we'll be screening Tim Burton's version of Alice in Wonderland with Johnny Depp and Anne Hathaway. Come see the movie, enjoy some snacks, and have fun.

Fitness Classes at the Library

2011-12-30T15:39:00.004-06:00

Did you have a few too many cookies over the holidays? No problem! Come to the Brentwood Library to keep your New Year's Resolutions and drop those extra pounds. To register for a class, call 371-0090 ext. 8510, or use the library's online calendar and registration system .

WalkFit on Tuesdays
Dates: January 3, 10, 17, 24
Time: 6:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Place: Meeting Room B
Cost: $5.00 per class

Yoga Fundamentals on Tuesdays
Dates: January 3, 10, 17, 24
Time: 6:40 - 7:40 p.m.
Place: Meeting Room B
Cost: $5.00 per class

Tai Chi on Wednesdays
Dates: January 4, 11, 25
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Place: Meeting Room B
Cost: $5.00 per class

Pilates on Wednesdays
Dates: January 4, 11, 25
Time: 7:15 - 7:45 p.m.
Place: Meeting Room B
Cost: $5.00 per class

Tai Chi on Thursdays
Dates: January 5, 12, 26
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Place: Meeting Room B
Cost: $5.00 per class

READS class

2011-12-27T09:45:00.001-06:00

LEARN TO DOWNLOAD eBOOKS TO YOUR eREADER
Monday, January 23 6:00-7:30 p.m.
This class will teach you how to use your home computer to search, borrow and download free eBooks from the Library’s website to your eReader. IMPORTANT: Classes are for Kindle, Nook or IPad devices only! You must have a valid library card with no fines or fees to take this class. Limited Space! Register for the free class by clicking on the following link eBooks and complete the registration form, or call 371-0090 ext. 8510.

Holiday Closings

2011-12-23T16:47:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas! The library will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but we'll re-open on Monday morning at 9:00 a.m.

Did you ask for an eReader for Christmas? You can visit the library the day after Christmas to download eBooks for your new Kindle or Nook!

Crochet a Creature Class

2011-12-16T17:01:00.003-06:00

Date: Tuesday, December 13
Start Time: 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Location: Fall Room
Presenter: Dianne Tyler

If you missed our first Creature Class, don't worry--we're doing it again! You must already have beginner level crochet skills to attend this class. Supply list will be provided upon registration.

Register online, or call Robyn at 371-0090 ext. 8510.