Ellisville Library Unveils Ways to Recover From April Showers

Check out all the ways to jump into May next month with the following programming offerred at the Daniel Boone Branch Library in Ellisville.

Children’s Programs:

Friday, May 4, 10:00 a.m.
Art @ Your Library: Fairytale Ballet
Presented by DaySpring School of the Arts. Hear a fairy tale, enjoy coloring and crafts, learn some simple dance steps and watch a performance by a real live ballerina.
Ages 3 and up. Registration required.

Friday, May 4, 2:00 p.m.
St. Louis Storytelling Festival
Heather Harlan performs stories and songs to audiences of all ages. Warmth, animation, and audience participation are the hallmarks of her performances. Marilyn Kinsella, “Taleypo,” is a full–time teller of tales from around the world. She shares her stories with the young and young–at–heart.

Saturday, May 5 & 19, 2:00 p.m. 
Tamil Classes for Children
Tamil language classes will be conducted by the Tamil School of St. Louis on first and third Saturdays of each month.
Ages 4–13. 

Saturday, May 5 & 19, 2:00 p.m.
Malayalam  Classes for Children
Ohmkaram presents Malayalam classes for children. Learn to speak and understand Malayalam. Classes will be held on the first and third Saturdays of each month.
Ages 4–10.

Monday, May 7 & 21, 7:00 p.m.
 Project Chess
Join our prestigious chess club and enjoy an hour of critical thinking and reasoning!  We meet twice on Mondays of each month.
Ages 8 and above. Registration required.

Thursday, May 10, 7:00 p.m.
Evening Story Time: Vacation Time
Let’s plan a get–away. Where will we go? Pajamas welcome.
Ages 2–6. Registration required.

Thursday, May 10, 7:00 p.m.
Book Bites Junior: “Magic Tree House: Hour of the Olympics” by Mary Pope Osborne
Their magic tree house takes Jack and Annie back to retrieve a lost story in ancient Greece, where they witness the original Olympic games and are surprised to find what girls of the time were not allowed to do. We will discuss the book, share a snack and make a craft together.
Ages 7–8. Registration required.

Thursday, May 10, 7:00 p.m.
Book Bites: “The Fast and the Furriest” by Andy Behrens   
The overweight and un–athletic son of a famous former football star discovers that his equally fat and lazy dog is unexpectedly, and obsessively, interested in competing in dog agility contests. We will discuss the book, share a snack, and make a craft together.
Ages 9–11. Registration required. 

Friday, May 11, 10:00 a.m.
Celebrate Moms
Join us to listen to stories honoring mothers and make a craft for the mother, grandmother, or special person in your life.
Ages 3–6. Registration required.

Saturday, May 12, 2:00 p.m.
Author Julia Durango, “Under the Mambo Moon”
Author of the delightful picture books “Go–Go Gorilla” and “Cha–Cha Chimps,” Julia Durango’s new book celebrates the diverse musical heritage of Latin America. On summer nights, Marisol helps out in her father's music store. In a dazzling array of poetry, each customer tells of a favorite form of music—from salsa to tango to the cha–cha–cha.

Saturday, May 12 & 26, 11:00 a.m.
Mandarin Chinese Language Classes for Children
Join us to learn Mandarin Chinese twice monthly on Saturdays. Ages 4–12. Registration required.

Saturday, May 12 & 26, 2:30 p.m.
Kannada Language Classes for Children
Kannada Language classes will be held twice monthly on the second and fourth Saturdays.
Ages 5 –12.

Thursday, May 17, 7:00 p.m.
Everybody Loves a Mystery
Develop some super sleuthing techniques as we use forensic science to solve a puzzling mystery at the library. 
Ages 7–14. Registration required.

Friday, May 18, 10:00 a.m.
Homeschool Explorations: Everybody Loves a Mystery
Make St. Louis County Library a partner in your homeschooling and develop some super sleuthing techniques as we use forensic science to solve a puzzling mystery at the library.
Registration required.

Tuesday, May 22, 7:00 p.m.
Kid’s Art Club
We will discuss Vincent van Gogh and create sunflower masterpieces.
Ages 7–11. Registration required.

Saturday, May 26, 10:00 a.m.
“Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons”
Buttons come and buttons go. Count down with Pete in this rocking new story from the creators of the bestselling “Pete the Cat” books.
Ages 2–6. Registration required.

Saturday, May 26, 2:00 p.m.
Lego Block Party
Calling all Lego fanatics. Stop by the Lego Block Party and show some of your building skills. We will provide the building materials, you bring the inspiration.
Ages 6–11. Registration required.

Story Time: Ages 2–3 
Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. 
Child must be accompanied by an adult.

Story Time: Ages 4–6
Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.
 
Lap Time
Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.  
Listen to stories, sing songs, and enjoy other fun activities to stimulate the mental and physical development of your child.
 Ages 9 months to 2 years.

Teen Programs:

Thursday, May 3, 7:00 p.m.
Teen Advisory Group
Are you interested in helping the library better serve teens? Join the Teen Advisory Group (TAG) to share your opinions and ideas. TAG meets the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Teen Corner.
Ages 12–18.

Saturday, May 5, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Free Comic Book Day
Stop in at your local branch on Saturday, May 5 to receive a free comic book. While supplies last. One comic per person. All ages.

Wednesday, May 9, 7:00 p.m.
Author Ridley Pearson, “Kingdom Keepers V: Shell Game”
St. Louis adventure writer Ridley Pearson presents the fifth installment in his bestselling Kingdom Keepers series. In "Shell Game," the teen protectors of Disney World must board a Disney cruise ship to stop the latest nefarious plot by the Overtakers. The battle is on in new and exotic arenas!

Thursday, May 24, 7:00 p.m.
Beyond Book Bites:  “Evolution of Calpurnia Tate” by Jacqueline Kelly
In central Texas in 1899, eleven–year–old Callie Vee Tate is instructed to be a lady by her mother, learns about love from the older three of her six brothers, and studies the natural world with her grandfather, the latter of which leads to an important discovery. We will discuss the book, share a snack, and make a craft together.
Ages 11–14. Registration required. 

Adult Programs:

Tuesday, May 1, 2:00 p.m.
Free Film Series: 2012 Oscar Winners
“Hugo” (2011) An orphaned boy secretly lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station and looks after the clocks. He gets caught up in a mystery adventure when he attempts to repair a mechanical man. Winner of five Academy awards, directed by Martin Scorsese and stars Ben Kingsley, Asa Butterfield and Emily Mortimer. MPAA rating: PG Running time: 127 min. Refreshments served.
Registration requested. Adults.

Tuesday, May 1, 6:30 p.m.
Free Film Series: 2012 Oscar Winners
“Descendants” (2011) A land baron tries to re–connect with his two daughters after his wife is seriously injured in a boating accident. Nominated for five Academy awards, directed by Alexander Payne and stars George Clooney and Shailene Woodley. MPAA rating: R  Running time: 115min. Refreshments served.
Registration requested. Adults.

Tuesday, May 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Creative Writing Workshop
Writers and aspiring writers participate in an 8–week session in April, May and June examining basic principles of good writing and sharing and critiquing their own personal work. Essays, short stories, memoirs, novel chapters – all are welcome. Take advantage of the chance to connect with other aspiring writers while developing and expanding your own skills. Registration requested. Adults.

Wednesday, May 2, 6:00p.m.
Map Your Neighborhood
Your own readiness and your neighbors’ assistance are likely your only support in the first hour after a disaster. A simple program can provide the information that you need to more easily cope in the next disaster.  Attend a free, one–hour Map Your Neighborhood Orientation presented by Greg Hempen PhD., a Geophysicist and expert in earthquake and disaster preparedness.

Saturday, May 5, 11:00 a.m.
Cooking Class: Mexican
We will make Mexican salad and Tacos.  Adults. Registration required.

Saturday, May 5 & 19, 10:00 a.m.
Yoga & Meditation presented by the Patanjali Pyramid Spiritual Society
Practice yoga and meditation meeting on the first and third Saturdays of each month. Reduce stress and restore health, harmony and peace to your Life.  Please bring your mats and eat lightly before coming to the class. Adults. Registration required. 

Tuesday, May 8, 2:00 p.m.
50+: Line Dancing
Put on those dancing shoes for a fun afternoon as Karen Merlin puts us through our paces with line dancing. Always a great time, even if you go left when everyone else is going right! Registration encouraged. Adults.

Wednesday, May 9, 2:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.
Boone’s Bookies: Book Discussion Group
We will discuss “A Year On Ladybug Farm” by Donna Ball. Three friends decide to give up their comfortable suburban lives to renovate a beautiful but crumbling mansion.  Refreshments will be served. Registration requested.

Monday, May 7 & 21, 6:30 p.m.
Yoga Basics with Diane
Join us for a comprehensive introduction to yoga basics. The class meets twice monthly on Mondays. Please bring your mats and eat lightly before you come to class. Adults. Registration required. 

Saturday, May 12, 2:00 p.m
Cinco de Mayo: Flamenco Fusión (Cultural Dance Performance)
“Flamenco Fusion” blends the traditional Flamenco–style dance with the fiery Gypsy Spirit to create a multidimensional dance and vocal performance. “The Art of Flamenco” explores the true passion behind this Spanish dance while illuminating its rich Spanish history.
Adults. Registration required.

Monday, May 14, 7:00 p.m.
Just One More Stitch
Enjoy the company of fellow needle workers and bring any handwork you enjoy doing. Lessons given for those who want to learn to knit and crochet.
Registration requested. All ages.

Tuesday, May 15, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Lions Club Hearing Screening
Ferguson Lions Club Volunteers will offer hearing screenings and consultations at St. Louis County Library Branches throughout 2012. Free screenings are provided as a public services to adults and children over six.

Tuesday, May 15, 6:30 p.m.
Daniel Boone Presents: Women’s Self Defense Workshop
Please join us for an evening of tips and skills to help you be prepared in the event of an unsafe situation. Elaine Harshman, 5th degree black belt in Shorin–ryu Karate and mother of three, will demonstrate and teach basic self–defense techniques for women.  This workshop is for women 12–years–old and up. Registration requested.

Friday, May 18, 1:00 p.m.
Books 'n More: A Book Discussion Club
The book of the month is “Two old women” by Velma Wallis. This club meets once a month on the third Friday.
Adults. Registration required.

Saturday, May 19, 2:00 p.m.
Hindi Class
Hindi classes meet once a month–ask at the desk for more information. Classes run for one hour.
Ages 7 to adult. Registration required.

Tuesday, May 22, 2:00 p.m.
Storm Chasers
Weather can be dangerous. Eddie Weiss, a famous storm chaser and founder of Chasing 4 Life, will be here with his storm chaser equipment. Learn all there is to know about severe weather, the basics of forecasting weather, examine a weather map and learn how to protect yourself and family in the event of a disaster. Registration required.

Tuesday, May 22, 6:30 p.m.
Genealogy Resources
Joyce Loving, Manager of the Special Collections at the St. Louis County Library will present an overview of the rich resources that are available for family history research.  The Special Collections Department contains an ever–growing collection of books, periodicals, microfilm, microfiche and CD–ROM titles Registration requested.



Card Sharks and Games
Wednesdays 1:00 p.m.
Choose your favorite card game or board game and match up with others who enjoy playing.  Get your own group together for bridge, pinochle, canasta, dominoes or mahjong and have an enjoyable afternoon.
Registration requested.

ESL Classes for Adults
Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m.
Thursdays, 9:00 a.m.
Thursdays, 7:00 p.m.
The Rockwood School district and St. Louis County Library present ESL Classes for Adults. Registration required.

GED Classes for Adults
Mondays, 9:00 a.m.
Thursdays, 9:00 a.m.
The Rockwood School District and St. Louis County Library present GED Classes for adults. Registration required.