Conversational Spanish
Mondays & Fridays, July 1,3,6,10,13,17,20,24,27,31, 
Volunteer Literacy tutor Al Tieken is offering a 10-week class in conversational Spanish.  There is no charge or registration required.  Muchas Gracias Amigos!

AARP Driver’s Safety Course
Saturday, July 11, 9:15am
Registration has begun for this AARP Driver Safety Program to be offered in a one-day, 5-hour refresher course on Saturday, July 11. Earn an insurance rate discount (check with your insurance company) by taking this class for drivers age 55 and over. The fee is $12 for members and $14 for non-members. You must be a current AARP member w/ a card to qualify for the discount. Call 873-3049 to register.

Economics in the Present Tense
Thursday, July 16,    6:30pm
Author Joel Gibbons will discuss his book, Economics in the Present Tense: Dysfunctions of the Welfare State. Gibbons is a noted scholar and successful businessman. He holds a doctorate from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago. His book has been called a "timely analysis of today’s economic realities because it relates to the headlines." He addresses questions such as: "Why did we have a worldwide crash? Is stimulus the answer, and what are the risks and potential returns?" After spending years developing cutting-edge methodologies to economics and finance and applying them in action, Gibbons has a keen sense of the practice of economics, as it happens in the present tense.

Bookmarks 
Friday, July 17, 2:00pm
The time has changed to 2:00pm for Bookmarks for the summer. Home Safe by Elizabeth Berg will be reviewed by Hilda DeMuth Lutze. It’s the story of recently widowed Helen Ames and her 27-year-old daughter, Tessa. Helen is shocked to learn that her mild-mannered and loyal husband had been leading a double life. Helen and Dan saved money for a happy retirement, but that money has disappeared in several big withdrawals; money spent by Dan before he died that Helen knew nothing about. Love, work, and the absence of both figure prominently in the story, a rumination on loss and replenishment. Helen, a successful writer, finds herself unable to write and though her publisher isn’t worried, she is–particularly after a disastrous performance at a public speaking engagement. Tessa gets impatient with her mother and longs for some distance while Helen struggles to let go and at the same time deal with her new life as a widow.

Free Films in Washington Park: Inkheart
Friday, July 17 at Dusk (approx. 8:30pm)
The Michigan City Public Library and the City of Michigan City are collaborating again this year to bring family films to the Jaycee Stage in Washington Park. Kung Fu Panda will be shown Friday, July 17. Movies begin right after sunset (about 8:30pm). The films are free. Cars will be subject to regular parking charges. (Also showing this summer: Bolt on August 21).

Travel the World through Photos: Rome & Venice
Thursday, July 23,   6:30pm
Join Sonia & Bob Lawrentz as they return with their slide and lecture presentation of Rome and Venice. Tour St. Peter’s, the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, the Castle St. Angelo, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, the Coliseum and the impressive Roman Forum. Travel out of Rome to the Villa D’Este. Then on to Venice, a truly magical city with its intricate canals, gondolas, and historic architecture. Sonia gives special tips for traveling, especially for seniors.

Great Books
Wednesday, July 29, 6:00pm
The Great Books meets Wednesdays at 6:00pm for the summer.  The June reading is a collection of short stories by Nikolai Gogol. New members are always welcome. If you are interested in the group call Public Relations at 873-3049.

Basket Weaving Class
BasketWeaving is taking a break in July but will return August 29. Margie Warner  teaches basket weaving in this one session class. Each person will make a watermelon picnic basket to take home. The class includes all materials. A $10 non-refundable deposit is required. Actual prices vary according to size of basket. The basket will be on display and sign up is at the library circulation desk.

Literacy Tutors Needed
If you can volunteer an hour or two a week, the Learning Center needs math and reading tutors for children. Call Cyndie McKinney at 219-873-3043 for more information and to volunteer.

July Events at a Glance

Mondays & Fridays, 11:15am--Conversational Spanish

Thursday, July 9, 6:00pm - Writer's Rendezvous--all writers are invited to share their work and expertise.

Thursday, July 9,  6:00pm - Collector's Club

Saturday, July 11,  9:15am -- AARP Driver Safety Course--call 219-873-3049 to reserve a spot

Thursday, July 16,  6:30pm-- Economics in the Present Tense by Joel Clarke Gibbons

Friday, July 17, 2:00pm - Bookmarks:   Home Safe by Elizabeth Berg will be reviewed by Hilda DeMuth-Lutze

Friday, July 17, Dusk (approx. 8:30pm) - Movies in Washington Park:  Inkheart

Wednesday, July 22, 2:00pm - Library Board Meeting

Thursday, July 23,  6:30pm-- Travelogue with Bob & Sonia Lawrentz:  Rome & Venice

Wednesday, July 29,  6:00pm - Great Books

Writing Out Loud Fall 2008

September 6, 2008
Author Elizabeth Berg with Interviewer Lynne Blitstein   

September 20, 2008
Author Bich Nguyen with Interviewer Patricia Klewer

October 18, 2008
Author Robert Kurson

       Library 111th Birthday Celebration

Thursday, October 9, 2008 

Michigan City Public Library is dedicated to bringing exciting programs to you and your family. 
If you are interested in attending or presenting a program

    Contact the Library Public Relations Office at 219-873-3049
or e-mail rkohn@mclib.org

Read to Your Kids Today.
       See What They Become Tomorrow!

revised 6/22/09