Library Programs Offer an Escape on Cold Snowy January Days

By Susan Braunstein, Programming Library Associate

Where can you find birds, bees, art, insight into the economy and much more? Mark your calendars to start the New Year by attending a variety of library programs during January.

Our Community Voices free lecture series for adults kicks off with National American University’s chief executive officer Dr. John D. Quinn on Thursday, Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m. He will discuss, “The Economy in 2010 – What it Means to You.” Quinn is in his second year as the NAU CEO and he brings extensive business experience to the position. Refreshments will be provided.

There are two Discovery Day programs on Jan. 18 and Jan. 25. The first one will feature artist Dwayne Wilcox who will teach students about ledger art and attendees can create their own. Ledger art started over a hundred years ago when some Native Americans were forced into stockades and given used accountants’ ledger books. They drew pictures of their lives on them similar to what they would have done traditionally on buffalo hides. Wilcox, who was raised on the Pine Ridge reservation, has numerous awards and exhibits to his credit. You can check out his art on www.doghatstudio.com.

The second Discovery Day will bring Laurie Root, South Dakota Game Fish and Parks naturalist, who will talk about wildlife and their habitats. She will show students different animal hides and share rubber stamps of animal prints that students can use to make their own.

Both Discovery Day programs will be held from 9:30-11 a.m. downtown and 1-2:30 p.m. at General Beadle.
Also for students, a Cram Jam will be held from 6-9:30 p.m. on Jan. 17 at the downtown library.  Any student from 9th grade and above is invited to study after the library closes.  Laptops, snacks and a quiet place to study will be provided.

Bees will be the focus of the Lunch & Learn program on Jan. 20 from noon to 1 p.m. Jerry Owens, a local beekeeper, will discuss what it takes to be a beekeeper and how his concern for the future of bees inspired  him to start a new organization, Wannabe a Beekeeper. If you want lunch you must pre-register by calling the library by noon on Jan. 18. Lunch is provided by the Friends of the Library.

January is Adopt a Rescued Bird Month and the owners of the Black Hills Parrot Welfare and Education Center, Greg and Cindy Poulain, will bring rescued birds from their center to the library lobby on Jan.17 from 1-3 p.m. Check out their website,  www.blackhillsparrotwelfare.org.

A Winter Poets’ Gathering will take place on Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. Poets are invited to read their own poetry and listen to others at the library. This event is sponsored by the library and the High Plains Writers Group.