March
Coming Events
March 2018
 
 
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Here's what's coming up:
Little Discoveries with Mr. Wayne - Children Ages 3 to 6
Thursday, March 1, 10 - 10:30 a.m.
Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street
 
Mr. Wayne from the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center presents lessons and projects fusing science and literature for preschool children. Following the program, we encourage parents and children to stay and participate in crafts, play, and social time. For more information, please call the children’s department at 208-7086 or email crhodes@mplonline.org.
 
 
Matinee @ the Main - Enjoy Great Films
Thursdays, March 1, 8 & 15, 1 p.m.
Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street
 
Join us every Thursday in March for some of the best, contemporary films. For a complete list of films, please call 208-7098, or check out our website at www.mobilepubliclibrary.org.
 
 
The LUV Club - Girls Can Change the World!
Thursdays, March 1, 8, 15, & 22 & 29, 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Rd.
 
“Living Up to Values” for girls is a program designed to empower and encourage all girls through a variety of activities that include - crafts, games, music and special guests. Registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, please call 438-7075.
 
 
TGIT! Club Days Ages 8 to14
Thursdays, March 1, 15, 22 & 29, 4 p.m.
Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street
 
Thank goodness it's Thursday! Have fun with LEGO challenges, arts & crafts, a variety of games and even a movie! For more information, please call the children’s department at 208-7086 or email crhodes@mplonline.org.
 
 
Chess Club - Ages 6 to 18
Thursdays, March 1, 8, 15 & 22 & 29, 4 p.m.
Semmes Branch, 9150 Moffett Road
 
Learn to play Chess! Beginners and experienced players are welcome. For more information, call 645-6840.
 
 
A Celebration of Women’s History Month - Women Who Make America
Thursdays, March 1, 8 & 15, 6 p.m.
Bernheim Hall at the Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street
 
Join us for a special viewing of Season 1 of the PBS series, Makers: Women Who Make America. Streaming of this three-part series is made possible by Kanopy. To find out more about Kanopy, check out our website at www.mobilepubliclibrary.org/resources/emovies.php. For more information, please call 208-7079.
 
 
2018 Mobile Literary Festival - A Day to Discover!
Saturday, March 3, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street
 
Celebrate Mobile’s literary community and discover new literary obsessions with the local author book sale, stories behind the stories with the Beyond Book Club readers’ discussion panels, and story creation techniques in the Emerging Writers’ Workshop. Discover poetry, book publicity methods, and children’s and youth activities throughout the day.
 
Brought to you by the Mobile Public Library, Mobile Writers’ Guild, and the Metro Mobile Reading Council, this free festival is open to the public and features the area’s top literary talent. For more information, please call 251-208-7097.
 
For times and locations of each activity, check out the complete 2018 Mobile Literary Festival schedule at www.facebook.com/groups/MobileLiteraryFestival/?ref=group_cover.
 
 
Sew & Tell - Ages 8 and Up
Saturday, March 3, 10:30 a.m.
Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Ave.
 
Visit with friends and learn how to make sock owls. For more information, please call 470-7770 or email ftigner@mplonline.org.
 
 
Movie Time with Mr. Butch
Saturday, March 3, 2 p.m.
Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Ave.
 
The featured film for February is The LEGO Batman Movie. The film runs 104 minutes and is rated PG. For more information, please call 470-7770 or email ftigner@mplonline.org.
 
 
Teen Anime Club - Saturday Anime
Saturdays, March 3 & 17, 2 – 4 p.m.
West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Road
 
Watch some great anime, eat popcorn and make some new friends! For more information, please call 340-8571.
 
 
Chess Club - All Ages
Saturdays, March 3, 10, 17 & 24 & 31, 3 - 5 p.m.
Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Ave.
 
Come enjoy the fun! Learn to play chess or improve your skills. For more information, call 470-7770.
 
 
Book Club - Extravagant Readers
Saturday, March 3, 3 p.m.
Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Rd.
 
This month’s topic of discussion is Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. For more information, please call 438-7075.
 
 
Mobile Opera's Afternoon of the Stars - Meet the Cast of La Boheme
Sunday, March 4, 3 p.m.
Bernheim Hall, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street
 
Members of the cast of Mobile Opera's production of Puccini’s La Boheme. will perform their favorite musical selections. Come hear beautiful music and meet the stars over light refreshments following the performance. Admission is free. For more information, please call 251-432-6772 or go to www.mobileopera.org.
 
 
Mystery Monday - Boys & Girls Ages 6 to16
Mondays, March 5, 12 & 26, 3:15 p.m.
Parkway Branch, 1924-B Dauphin Island Parkway
 
There are no limits to creativity and innovation – arts, crafts, games, music and so much more! For more information, please call 470-7766.
 
 
Chess Club - All Ages
Mondays, March 5, 12, 19 & 26, 4 - 5 p.m.
West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Road
 
Come enjoy the fun! Learn to play chess or improve your skills. For more information, call the children’s department at 340-8571.
 
 
Teen Tech Week - Daily Programs
Monday – Friday, March 5 -  10
Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Ave.
 
Join us for a week of exploration into the world of technology through a variety of projects and resources.  For more information or a complete schedule of activities, please call 470-7770 or email eenglish@mplonline.org.
 
 
Fun & Fitness - Life is a Journey, Let’s Have Fun Along the Way!
Mondays, March 5, 12, 19 & 26, 6 p.m.
Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Rd.
 
Join Ms. Cynthia for a high powered session of aerobics, featuring movements inspired by various styles of Latin American dance. Registration is recommended. For more information or to register, please call 438-7075.
 
 
Watercolor Basics with Jaime Lee - Ages 18 and Up
Tuesday, March 6, 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Semmes Branch, 9150 Moffett Road
 
Beginners and veteran watercolor enthusiasts bring your projects to the Library and join us for Watercolor Basics. For beginners, wanting to learn watercolor basics, we suggest you bring the following supplies: a 9” x 12” or 11” X 14” watercolor pad, a Watercolor paint set of 12 colors, synthetic or nylon brushes (small round #4, 5 or 6, an angled shadier size ½” or ¾”and a big flat -2”), a 10-well plastic palette or an old dinner plate.
 
Additional supplies may include 2B drawing pencil/ mechanical pencil, an eraser, paper towels or old towel, and a container for water. Space is limited so registration is required. For more information or to register, please call 645-6840. This program is in partnership with the Mary Ellen Ward Art Guild.
 
 
Games and More! Ages 7 and Up
Tuesdays, March 6, 13, 20 & 27, 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Rd.
 
Board & video games, movies, puzzles and Karaoke for the afterschool crowd! For more information, please call 438-7075.
 
 
Tech Tuesdays - Ages 8 and Up
Tuesdays, March 6, 13, 20 & 27, 4 p.m.
Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street
 
Join us on Tuesdays as we explore the world of technology through a variety of projects and resources.  For more information, please call the children’s department at 208-7086 or email crhodes@mplonline.org.
 
 
Lego Fun Tuesday - Ages 6 and Up
Tuesdays, March 6, 13, 20 & 27, 4 - 5 p.m.
Semmes Branch, 9150 Moffett Road
 
Use your imagination and challenge your building skills with Legos. For more information, please call 645-6840.
 
 
Lego Club - Ages 5 to 12
Tuesdays, March 6 & 20, 4 - 5 p.m.
Saturday, March 24, 10 – 11 a.m.
West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Road
 
We supply the blocks – you supply the imagination! For more information, please call the children’s department at 340-8571.
 
 
Teen Tuesdays in the Teen Spot - Design & Create
Tuesdays, March 6 & 20, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Road
 
Great fun just for Teens! For more information or a complete list of activities, please call 340-8571.
 
 
Alfred Hitchcock Film Festival
Tuesday, March 6, 5:30 p.m.
Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Ave.
 
Enjoy the films of Alfred Hitchcock with commentary and fun facts provided by Frank.  This month’s feature is Vertigo. The film runs 128 minutes and is rated PG. For more information, please call 470-7770 or email ftigner@mplonline.org.
 
 
Celtic Celebration - The Kilted Man
Tuesday, March 6, 7 p.m.
West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Road
 
Matthew Gurnsey delights audiences with his rousing performances of traditional Irish and Scottish music. Through the marriage of wit and finesse, he charms his audiences, sweeping them into tales of wayward voyages, unrequited love and the vibrantly colorful lives of the every-man beloved in many Irish tales.
His unique talents with traditional Celtic instruments such as the concertina, bodhran, mandolin, penny whistle, and bowed psaltery, add an air of authenticity to each piece and his stirringly rich bass voice provides the foundation for the hauntingly beautiful melodies. 
Admission is free. For more information, please call 208-7097. For more information on The Kilted Man, go to www.thekiltedman.com/.
 
 
Learn to Knit Class - Ages 8 and Up
Wednesdays, March 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2 - 4 p.m.
Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Rd
 
Learn to knit with Ms. Wilhelmina Davis. Participants need to bring their own supplies. We recommend size 10, 10” long needles and a 7 oz. skein of regular, worsted weight yarn. Registration is encouraged but not required. Please call 438-7075.
 
 
Realism: A Proper Standard - Ages 10 and Above
Wednesdays, March 7, 14, 21 & 28, 3 p.m.
Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Ave.
 
Drawing Guru, Kendrick Grove will teach a class guided by the ideals of realism, and a collaboration of eye and hand. Paper and pencils will be supplied. Registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, please call 470-7770 or email eenglish@mplonline.org.
 
 
Chess Club - Ages 8 and Above
Wednesdays, March 7, 14, 21 & 28, 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Rd.
 
Parents are encouraged to accompany their child or children as they learn or sharpen their skills in the game of chess. For more information, call 438-7075.
 
 
What’s Up Wednesdays - Boys & Girls Ages 6 to16
Wednesdays, March 7, 14, 21 & 28, 3:15 p.m.
Parkway Branch, 1924-B Dauphin Island Parkway
 
Join us after school for some fun and exciting projects, movies, games & more! For more information, please call 470-7766.
 
 
Wonderful Wednesdays! Ages 6 and Up
Wednesdays, March 7, 14, 21 & 28, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Road
 
Join us after school for games and snacks. Let’s make the middle of the week wonderful! For more information, please call the children’s department at 340-8571.
 
 
Lego Club - Ages 6 and Up
Thursdays, March 8 & 22, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Saraland Public Library, 111 Saraland Loop
 
Use your imagination and challenge your building skills with Legos. For more information, please call 645-2879.
 
 
Alabama Contemporary Art Center Kids Studio – Ages 8 to13
Thursday, March 8, 4 - 5 p.m.
Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street
 
Participants are invited to explore contemporary art and music through hands-on and minds-on activities that stimulate and deepen their understanding of art. For more information, please call the Children’s Department at 208-7086 or email crhodes@mplonline.org.
 
 
Let’s Go Build with Legos - Ages 6 and Up
Thursdays, March 8 & 22, 4 - 6 p.m.
Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Ave.
 
Use your imagination and build something spectacular! For more information, please call 470-7770 or email mlmref@mplonline.org.
 
 
Book Club - Ebony Moments
Thursday, March 8, 6 p.m.
West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Rd.
 
Ebony Moments is a book discussion designed to increase the awareness of African-American authors, both past and present, and to promote the love of reading for all. This month’s topic of discussion is Deadly Rumors by Cheris Hodges. For more information, contact Betty Kidd at 470-7766.
 
 
Qigong for Beginners Exercise Class – Ages 18 and Up
Saturdays, March 10 & 24, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Semmes Branch, 9150 Moffett Road
 
Learn the techniques of Chinese healing energy art that combines breathing techniques, slow movements and focused intention and meditation to achieve harmony and balance.
Registration is required.  For more information or to register, please call 645-6840.
 
 
Maker Mornings - All Ages
Saturday, March 10, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street
 
We provide the supplies, ideas and space - families feel free to experiment in the making of fun projects. TEENS - Stop by the MaYker Lab upstairs for a Teen Tech Week Maker Fair! Meet members of the Mobile Makerspace for some great hands on exhibits and so much more! For more information, please call 208-7086 or email crhodes@mplonline.org.
 
 
Game On! Calling All Teens
Saturdays, March 10 & 24, 3-5 p.m.
Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street
 
Challenge your gaming skills with a variety of videogames and gaming consoles! For more information, please call 208-7570.
 
 
Bingo for Books - All Ages Welcome
Tuesday, March 13, 4 p.m.
Parkway Branch, 1924-B Dauphin Island Parkway
 
Fun for all! Winners get to choose prizes from our table of gently used books. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, please call 470-7766.
 
 
Family Bingo Night - Prizes & Popcorn
Tuesday, March 13, 6 p.m.
Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Ave.
 
Calling all families – Come play Bingo at the Library! Prizes will be awarded and lemonade and popcorn will be served.  For more information, please call 470-7770 or mlmref@mplonline.org.
 
 
Book Club - A Page in Time
Tuesday, March 13, 6:30 p.m.
West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Rd.
 
If you love Historical Fiction this book club is for you. This month's topic of discussion is The Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd. For more information, please call Michele at 340-8561.
 
 
D.I.Y.  Do It Yourself Day! Ages 6 -to14
Wednesday, March 14, 3:30 p.m.
Semmes Branch, 9150 Moffett Road
 
Learn something new – hands on activities in Art, Gardening, Cooking and so much more! For more information, please call 645-6840.
 
 
Comic Club - Teens Ages 13 to 17
Thursday, March 15, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Road
 
Join us on the third Thursday of each month as we discuss and explore new, graphic novels. Today our topic of discussion is The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller. Get the latest information on new characters and series! For more information, please call 340-8571.
 
 
Book Club - Bayside
Thursday, March 15, 6 p.m.
Parkway Branch, 1924-B Dauphin Island Parkway
 
This month's topic of discussion is Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. For more information, please call Betty Fowler at 476-2600 or 208-7097.
 
 
Ruthi Postow Birch - Growing Up in South Alabama
Thursday, March 15, 6:30 p.m.
West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Road
 
Ruthi Postow Birch grew up on a red-dirt road in south Alabama without any idea of what she would become in this world. When her father built her a new piano bench, not knowing a thing about how to do it, he passed on an important lesson.  “There is always just one right next step—and you know it because it’s the only one that makes sense. Find that and do it. Then look for the next. If there is something you can’t do, figure out who can do it for you.”
 
Ruthi took that advice from Petain Street all the way to an office on K Street in Washington D.C., where she built her own successful staffing firm from the ground up. In her new book, How to Build a Piano Bench: Lessons from a Red-Dirt Road in Alabama, she chronicles her humorous journey, and the important tokens of wisdom she captured along the way. For more information, please call 208-7097.
 
Ruthi is a successful businesswoman, author and speaker who has made people her life’s work. She currently lives in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. For more information on Ruthi Postow Birch go to www.ruthipostowbirch.com/.
 
 
2018 Young Authors’ Conference - Author Jerry Pallotta
Saturday, March 17, 9 a.m. - Noon
West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Rd.
 
Children’s author, Jerry Pallotta will be the keynote speaker for the 2018 Young Authors’ Conference. Mr. Pallotta is an award-winning author of children's alphabet books and imaginative fiction and non-fiction, including The Icky Bug Alphabet Book; The Construction Alphabet Book; Who Will Win Book series, which include Komodo Dragon Vs. King Cobra, as well as many other books. Mr. Pallotta loves writing books and visiting schools all over the United States. He lives in Boston, Massachusetts. For more information on Jerry Pallotta go to www.jerrypallotta.com/.
 
Following Mr. Pallotta’s presentation, students in grades 2-5 will break into small groups and participate in a variety of writing activities.
 
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Mobile Public Library, the Metro Mobile Reading Council and the Mobile Public Library. For more information on the Conference, please contact Young Authors Mobile at 251-391-5376 or youngauthorsmobile@yahoo.com.
 
 
Family Research - Information & Brochures
Saturday, March 17, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Local History and Genealogy Division, 753 Government Street
 
Members of the Tristan de Luna Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will be at the Local History and Genealogy Division from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. to assist you with your questions and research for documentation concerning your ancestors. For more information, call 208-7093.
 
 
Something Special for Saturday - Ages 5 and Up
Saturday, March 17, 10:30 a.m.
Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Ave.
 
Visit with friends and make your own pine cone lambs. For more information, please call 470-7770 or email ftigner@mplonline.org.
 
 
Saturday Disney Adventure Movies - Family Favorites
Saturday, March 17, 2 p.m.
Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Ave.
 
The feature is 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The film runs 127 minutes and is rated G. For more information, please call 470-7770 or email ftigner@mplonline.org.
 
 
Library Day! All Ages
Monday, March 19, 2 - 4 p.m.
Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street
 
School is out so come to the Library for an afternoon of fun! Enjoy gaming, a film screening of The LEGO Batman Movie, popcorn and so much more. The film runs 104 minutes and is rated PG.  For more information, please call the children’s department at 208-7086 or email crhodes@mplonline.org.
 
 
Matinee @ the Library - Family Features
Thursday, March 19, 2 – 4 p.m.
West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Road
 
Our feature is Sing. The film runs 108 minutes and is rated PG.  For more information, please call the children’s department at 340-8571.
 
 
Spoken Word of Mobile - Poetry Enthusiasts
Monday, March 19, 6 - 7:45 p.m.
Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Rd.
 
Join members of Spoken Word of Mobile for an evening of poetry readings at the Library.  Students and adults are encouraged to share readings of their own works or works from their favorite poets. For more information, please call 438-7075.
 
 
Book Club – Classics Revisited
Monday, March 19, 6:30 p.m.
Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street
 
Join us this month for some lively book discussions on some of our favorite classics. This month’s topics of discussion are Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll. For more information, please call 208-7902.
 
 
First Day of Spring! All Ages
Tuesday, March 20, 10 a.m.
West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Road
 
Join us for a special Spring Storytime and craft.  For more information, please call the children’s department at 340-8571.
 
 
Book Club – The Reader’s Choice
Tuesday, March 20, 1 p.m.
West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Rd.
 
Join us every third Tuesday for some lively book discussions and tips on what’s hot and what’s not in the world of books.  This month’s topic of discussion is Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann. For more information, please call 208-7097.
 
 
Tuesday Great Movie Adventure
Tuesday, March 20, 3 p.m.
Parkway Branch, 1924-B Dauphin Island Parkway
 
Our feature is The LEGO Batman Movie. The film runs 104 minutes and is rated PG. For more information, please call 470-7766.
 
 
Stay Active: Dance! Boys & Girls Ages 6 & Up
Thursday, March 22, 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Parkway Branch, 1924-B Dauphin Island Parkway
 
Staying active is fun when you meet new friends and learn basic dance steps and movement by way of Wii dance games. For more information, please call 470-7766.
 
 
Heart & Soul - Spoken Word
Thursday, March 22, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Rd.
 
Join members of Heart & Soul for an evening of poetry readings.  Students and adults are encouraged to share readings of their own works or works from their favorite poets. For more information, please call Cassandra at 209-3559 or email heartandsoulbookclub@gmail.com.
 
 
Easter Egg Hunt! Family Fun
Saturday, March 24, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street
 
Join us for a very “Bunny” storytime and craft, and an Easter Egg Hunt in the Library.
Take photos with our special guest, the Easter Bunny. For more information, please call 208-7086 or email crhodes@mplonline.org.
 
 
Tinker Tuesday for Teens - Design & Create
Tuesday, March 27, 4 p.m.
Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Ave.
 
Learn how to make water marbling eggs. For more information, please call 470-7770 or email eenglish@mplonline.org.
 
 
Knit & Kaboodle - Knitting & Crocheting
Tuesday, March 27, 6 p.m.
Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Ave.
 
Beginner and veteran needle crafters bring your special projects to work on at the Library. Learn and share with fellow crafters. For beginners wanting to learn how to crochet we suggest you bring an H, I or J size hook and yarn of choice; for knitting a US 7 – 10 needle of choice. For more information, please call 470-7770 or email mlmref@mplonline.org.
 
 
Celebrate Easter! Ages 3 and Up
Thursday, March 29, 6 p.m.
Saraland Public Library, 111 Saraland Loop
 
It’s a celebration of all things Easter – arts and crafts and an egg hunt in the Library. Bring your cameras and take a picture with special guest, the Easter Bunny! Groups must register. For more information or to register, please call 675-2879.
 
 
Book Club - Out of This World  Via Skype
Saturday, March 31, 10 a.m.
Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Ave.
 
Join us for a SciFi/Fantasy book club from the comfort of your home. Meetings will be conducted entirely over Skype video chat.  This month’s topic of discussion is An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors by Curtis Craddock.
 
To participate in the group chat, download the Skype app and set up an account for free at: www.skype.com/en/.  Contact Jill at (251) 470-7770 or jstewart@mplonline.org to share your Skype name so you can be added to the group. Once you’re added, all you need to do is have your device (phone, tablet, or computer) open to Skype on book club day and answer when it rings. For more information or help with Skype set up, contact Jill Stewart at 470-7770 or jstewart@mplonline.org.
 
For information on these and other events, visit the web site at www.mobilepubliclibraryonline.org.
 
 
 
Mobile Public Library
700 Government St.
Mobile, Alabama 36602
251-208-7902

www.mobilepubliclibrary.org