Events Calendar

Teen Read Week: Comixtravaganza

Friday, October 17

11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. - Central Library, 4th Floor Meeting Room

Join us as we celebrate comics and graphic novels. Meet local comic books artists and writers, learn how to draw manga, and watch a recent animé release while enjoying free treats.

Teen 5-Hour Read-A-Thon

Friday, October 17

11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Highland Park

The 2008 Teen Read theme is Books With Bite, and the first 20 teens who arrive for this event will receive a free copy of Twilight by Stephanie Meyer.

Join us for hourly prizes, pizza, and beverages!

4th Annual James McFadden Model Boat Show

Saturday, October 18

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Merriam Park

"Ships Through the Ages": Ship Models & Nautical Art

Join members of the Nautical Shipbuilders Society as they display work by local artisans.

Free admission for all ages.

Brodini Comedy Magic Show

Saturday, October 18

11:15 a.m.- Central Library

Scarves, coins, cards, balls, ropes, and ordinary items become animate objects of wonder and curiosity in Brodini's hands, but never without some help from children and adults in the audience.

Saturday Live! events are generously supported by the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library.

Teen Read Week: Twilight Party

Saturday, October 18

1 - 3 p.m. - Central Library, 4th Floor Meeting Room

Love Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series? Celebrate the new book and the upcoming movie with talk, treats, a contest, and music inspired by the books

Movies for Families

Saturday, October 18

2 p.m. - Rice Street

The Addams Family

The Wee Mad Road: A Midlife Escape to the Scottish Highlands

Sunday, October 19

2:00 p.m. - Central Library

3rd floor Magazine Room

Jack and Barbara Maloney read from The Wee Mad Road, the book about a midlife escape to the Scottish Highlands.

Read more about the book and their adventures, and join us October 19!

Keeping Kids Safe in the 21st Century

Tuesday, October 20

7:00 p.m. - Riverview

A presentation by staff from the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center and take-home safety information for parents to continue conversations with their children.

Co-sponsored by the Saint Paul Public Library and the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center.

Saint Paul E-Democracy: Podcasting

Monday, October 20

7 p.m. - Rondo Community Outreach Library .

A podcast is a radio-style show distributed over the Internet to anyone who wants to listen. Come learn how to record, edit and publish a podcast from your home computer.

Yoga for Beginners

Tuesday, October 21

12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. - Hamline Midway

Chris Gordon from Big River BodyWorks will lead free classes of gentle yoga geared for all ages beginning Tuesday, October 7. Gordon asks that all participants wear comfortable clothing and bring their own mat, if they have one.

Anyone interested in attending should call 651-642-0293, but walk-ins are welcome as space allows.

Small Business Workshop: Customer Service

Tuesday, October 21

6 - 7:15 p.m. - Rondo

Learn the basics of how to start or grow your business! Call Bonita Martin at 651-379-8429 to register or for more information. All classes are free!

Sponsored by the Neighborhood Development Center.

Candidates' Forum

Tuesday, October 21

7 - 8:30 p.m. - Saint Anthony Park

Candidates from State Representative District 66 A & B

• 66A: Gilbert A. Hignera and John Lesch
• 66B: Alice Hausman, Mark Roosevelt, and Lucky RosenBloom

Presented by The League of Women Voters and Saint Anthony Park Library.

Health Resources Workshop

Wednesday, October 22

10:30 - 11:30 a.m. - Rondo Community Outreach Library

An introduction to consumer health tools freely available on the internet and discussion of ways to evaluate health information found on the internet.

The primary tools that will be introduced and demonstrated include the National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus, a consumer health information database, and the My Health Minnesota --> Go Local directory of local health services.

Small Business Workshop: Cash Flow Projection

Thursday, October 23

6 - 8 p.m. - Rondo

Learn the basics of how to start or grow your business! Call Bonita Martin at 651-379-8429 to register or for more information. All classes are free!

Sponsored by the Neighborhood Development Center.

Celebrate the Second Half of Life

Learn how to manage your retirement, record your legacy, and discover post-retirement career options.

Your Retirement Transition: Gateway to a New Way of Life

Thursday, October 23

7:00 p.m. - Merriam Park

Robert Riesett, Adult Development and Counseling specialist and author of The Retirement Transition: Gateway to the Third Age of Life, will outline how recent retirees can explore the fullness of life balanced with emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well being.

"Is There a Doctor in the Book?": Physicians Write About Their World

Thursday, October 23

7:00 p.m. - Saint Anthony Park

A Second Opinion: Rescuing America's Health Care by Arnold Relman

A Harvard medical school professor's take on what's wrong with American health care, and how to fix it.

How do doctors think? How do they learn to act like doctors? What happens when a doctor becomes a patient? What happens when a doctor acts against medicine's highest values? What's a doctor's prescription for our ailing health care system?

In four very different evenings, using four very different books, we will visit a doctor's world with help from guest commentators, themselves physicians.

Sponsored by The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library.

Three Rivers Park District

Saturday, October 25

11:15 a.m. - Central Library

Bones, skeletons and more will be discovered in this interactive nature program sure to entertain and educate too.

Saturday Live! events are generously supported by the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library.

Richard Rousseau presents: Stories that Span the Ages

Saturday, October 25

2:00 p.m. - Central Library , 4th floor Meeting Room

Please join beloved storyteller Richard Rousseau as he shares stories at the historic Central Library that can be enjoyed from ages 8 to 80.

Printable flyer (PDF).

Movies for Families

Saturday, October 25

2:00 p.m. - Rice Street

Addams Family Values

Publication Event for Cuttings

Sunday, October 26

2 p.m. - Saint Anthony Park

Don’t miss the publication party of Artichoke Press’s new title, Cuttings, a collaborative work by ten Minnesota writers. In this limited edition fine press book, Georgia A. Greeley uses phrases that have been cut from contributors’ previous manuscripts to create something new and beautiful.

Sponsored by The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library and Artichoke Press.

North End Book Club

Monday, October 27

12:30 p.m. - Rice Street

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

For more information please call Sandy at 651-293-8811. This group is offered in partnership with North End Community Education.

Saint Paul E-Democracy: Building A Website

Monday, October 27

7:00 p.m. - Rondo Community Outreach Library

This workshop will introduce you to the basics of creating a website, from HTML to content management systems and hosting. We'll show you what to consider when setting up websites large and small.

Yoga for Beginners

Tuesday, October 28

12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. - Hamline Midway

Chris Gordon from Big River BodyWorks will lead free classes of gentle yoga geared for all ages beginning Tuesday, October 7. Gordon asks that all participants wear comfortable clothing and bring their own mat, if they have one.

Anyone interested in attending should call 651-642-0293, but walk-ins are welcome as space allows.

Trace Your Family's Heritage

Tuesday, October 28

1:45 - 2:45 p.m. - Saint Anthony Park

Get tips on searching your family history using books, web sites, and databases. Sessions are drop-in style. Come with questions and curiosity. Call 651-642-0411 for more information.

Movie Matinee & Treasure Hunt

Wednesday, October 29

2:00 p.m.

A treasure hunt (with prizes!), followed by a screening of Monster House.

Small Business Workshop: Your Product, Your Offer

Thursday, October 30

6:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Rondo

Learn the basics of how to start or grow your business! Call Bonita Martin at 651-379-8429 to register or for more information. All classes are free!

Sponsored by the Neighborhood Development Center.

Celebrate the Second Half of Life

Harvesting the Wisdom of Our Work

Thursday, October 30

7:00 p.m. - Merriam Park

Rachael Freed, author of Women’s Lives, Women’s Legacies, Passing Your Beliefs and Blessings to Future Generations, will demonstrate the importance and pleasure of preserving experience and wisdom for future generations during a legacy writing workshop.

"Is There a Doctor in the Book?": Physicians Write About Their World

Thursday, October 30

7 p.m. - Saint Anthony Park

Oath Betrayed: Torture, Medical Complicity, and the War on Terror by Steven Miles

Careful research leads a Minnesota ethicist to insights on how and why doctors, nurses, and medics helped abuse prisoners at Guantanamo.

How do doctors think? How do they learn to act like doctors? What happens when a doctor becomes a patient? What happens when a doctor acts against medicine's highest values? What's a doctor's prescription for our ailing health care system?

In four very different evenings, using four very different books, we will visit a doctor's world with help from guest commentators, themselves physicians.

Sponsored by The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library.

Saturday Live!: Magic of Celtic Music

Saturday, November 1

11:15 a.m. - Central Library

The wizardry of Celtic winds and strings comes alive in Willow Brae, the duo of Andrea Stern and Laura MacKenzie. Willow Brae weaves delightful Irish folk tales, stories, and songs created by their unique combination of Celtic harp and wind instruments.

A Young Audiences of Minnesota program.

Paw Pals

Saturday, November 1

2:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Highland Park

An opportunity for children to read with dog and human teams trained to share books with children in a relaxed, fun environment. For kids ages 6-12.

Call 651-695-3700 to register your child.

Susan Runholt

Saturday, November 1

3:00 p.m. - Highland Park

Reading and discussion with the author of The Mystery of the Third Lucretia.

The Stem Cell Dilemma: Beacons of Hope or Harbingers of Doom?

Sunday, November 2

2:00 p.m. - Central Library Fourth Floor Community Room

From Leonardo Da Vinci to today, stem cell science has the potential to revolutionize the world of medicine. Please join William Hoffman and Leo Furcht M.D. as they discuss their book, The Stem Cell Dilemma: Beacons of Hope or Harbingers of Doom?. The researchers analyze the bioethical and biological questions raised by this breakthrough in medicine.

Everyone is welcome.

An Evening of Flamenco with Michael Hauser

Thursday, November 6

7:00 p.m. - Founders Hall, Metropolitan State University

Concert in Founders Hall Auditorium, Metropolitan State University; reception at Dayton's Bluff library

Come and hear one of the great flamenco guitar masters residing in the United States. Michael Hauser has dedicated his life to performing and teaching this intrinsically Spanish folk art.

Co-sponsored by The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library and Metropolitan State University's Center for Community-Based Learning.

Highland Park Book Club

Thursday, November 6

7 p.m. - Highland Park

Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum

Combines a passionate, doomed love story, a vivid evocation of life during WWII, and a poignant mother-daughter drama. A profound exploration of what we endure to survive.

We will meet in the Activity Room at the Hillcrest Recreation Center. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome!

Celebrate the Second Half of Life:
The Changing Dimensions of Retirement

Thursday, November 6

7:00 p.m. - Merriam Park

Mark and Janet Skeie, founders of MYR, Inc., will discuss their book Mapping Your Retirement: A Personal Guide to Maintaining Your Health, Managing Your Money and Living Well, how it offers a holistic approach to one of life's big transitions, and the importance of integrating these three areas into one plan.

TRACES BUS-eum

Friday, November 7

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Highland Park - Hillcrest Recreation Center parking lot

The TRACES BUS-eum (a museum in a bus) will feature an exhibit on American POWs in Germany during World War II.

Leading Ladies

Friday, November 7

10:30 a.m. - Rice Street

Award-winning short films from the MinnesotaHistorical Society’s Greatest Generation Moving Pictures film project.

First Lady of Minnesota: Mrs. Jane Freeman, by Amanda Becker, tells the story of Orville Freeman, who served three terms as Minnesota’s 29th governor, and his equally engaged and politically active wife, Jane.

Rosalie Wahl: A Vision for a Better World, by John Knauss, Jonathan Quijano illustrates Rosalie Wahl’s story from her humble beginnings in a one-room school house in rural Kansas to her groundbreaking appointment to the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Saturday Live!: Chef Roberto's Magic Show

November 8

11:15 a.m. - Central Library

Books, magic and cooking - what a fabulous combo! Join us for this exciting and entertaining magic program (with a special surprise or two) for all ages.

Murder Has a Public Face: Crime and Punishment in the Speed Graphic Era

Saturday, November 8

2:00 p.m. - Central Library Magazine Room

Join acclaimed writer and journalist Larry Millett as he brings to life images of crime scenes from the forties and fifties from the photo files of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Fans of true crime - this is for you!

Memory & Music

Sunday, November 9

2:00 p.m. - Central Library

Award-winning short films from the Minnesota Historical Society’s Greatest Generation Moving Pictures film project.

Bluebirds of Dover, by Mary Ahmann, explores the lives of two young musicians enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard who play in the 135th Infantry band. They saw it as a way to make a living as musicians. Pearl Harbor irrevocably changed their views.

Charles Beasley: Integrating the Band, by Bick Smith, shows us Beasley growing up in North Minneapolis when there were very few African Americans in the area. Throughout his life, he has used his gentle demeanor and musical talents to break down racial barriers.

Gratefulness: Madeleine Titus, by Steve Date, tells the story of Madeleine Titus, who taught piano at Macalester College and in her home in Minneapolis for more than 60 years. Madeleine has touched the lives of hundreds of students, friends, and family in her 94 years.

Trace Your Family's Heritage

Monday, November 10

1:45 - 2:45 p.m. - Saint Anthony Park

Get tips on searching your family history using books, web sites, and databases. Sessions are drop-in style. Come with questions and curiosity. Call 651-642-0411 for more information.

Veterans Day

Tuesday, November 11

All libraries closed.

Central Library Book Club

Thursday, November 13

10:30 a.m. - Central Library

House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus

Home Club

Thursday, November 13

6:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Room 218, Metropolitan State University/Dayton's Bluff

Meet and share how to improve the home ownership experience and related personal finances. Guest speakers.

For more information, please call the branch or visit the Club's blog at http://homeclub2008.blogspot.com/

Co-sponsored by Community Neighborhood Housing Services; and Library and Information Services, Metropolitan State University.

Celebrate the Second Half of Life:
Flexible Employment in the Second Half of Life

Thursday, November 13

7:00 p.m. - Merriam Park

More than three-quarters of adults approaching retirement say they plan to continue working in some capacity during retirement. If you are pllanning to work after retirement, learn how to pursue a second career that provides income, a sense of purpose and flexibility.

Mary Christensen and Damien Martin, co-founders of Experienced Resources, LLC, will share their vision for providing projects and interim assignments to business professionals with over 20 years of experience.

Rick Griffith Presents: Early Music For Plucked Stringed Instruments

Thursday, November 13

7:00 p.m. - Ecolab Room (302), Metropolitan State University

Lutenist Richard Griffith will present a music program of 16th and 17th Century music for lute and vihuela da mano, and discuss the history and origins of the modern guitar.

Co-sponsored by The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library and Metropolitan State University's Center for Community-Based Learning.

Saturday Live!: Tricia and the Toonies

Saturday, November 15

11:15 a.m. - Central Library

Celebrate "America Recycles Day" with Tricia and the Toonies' Enviro-Show. Using puppets, music, and educational theater, Tricia and the Toonies demonstrate that everyone can help protect and preserve our planet. A great family experience!

Susan Runholt

Saturday, November 15

2:00 p.m. - Central Library

Reading and discussion with the author of The Mystery of the Third Lucretia.

The Collected Sicilian Folk and Fairy Tales of Giuseppe Pitrè

Sunday, November 16

2:00 p.m. - Central Library Magazine Room

Presented by Jack Zipes, Dean of Fairy Tales, Author, Activist, Master Storyteller

The greatest European folklorist of the 19th century, Giuseppe Pitrè wrote over forty books and collected hundreds of fairy tales, legends, and myths. Professor Jack Zipes translated the tales and edited this two-volume collection. He will discuss the significance of Pitrè’s life and works, and read from the collection.

Download the event flyer.

Health Resources Workshop

Wednesday, November 19

10:30 - 11:30 a.m. - Rondo Community Outreach Library

An introduction to consumer health tools freely available on the internet and discussion of ways to evaluate health information found on the internet.

The primary tools that will be introduced and demonstrated include the National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus, a consumer health information database, and the My Health Minnesota --> Go Local directory of local health services.

A Salute to Django Reinhardt

Thursday, November 20

7:00 p.m. - Hillcrest Auditorium / Highland Park Library

Django Reinhardt was one of the greatest guitarists who popularized the genre of Gypsy Jazz.

Join author Michael Dregni, who chronicled this colorful artist's life and work and the Twin Cities Hot Club musicians, who recreate and communicate the joy of this music.

Download the event flyer.

Susan Runholt

Thursday, November 20

7 p.m. - Saint Anthony Park

Meet Saint Paul author Susan Runholt as she talks about how she became a children’s author, and hear her read from her book The Mystery of the Third Lucretia.

In this art mystery, two teenage sleuths unearth an international art forgery scheme. Convinced no one will believe them without more evidence, they embark on an adventure to find the forger.

Saturday Live!: Loki Puppet Players

Saturday, November 22

11:15 a.m. - Central Library

Saint Paul Public Library’s Loki Puppet Players will present a modern retelling of the classic folktale “The Gingerbread Man” on the Central Library’s historic Jemne puppet stage.

A special encore of the nursery rhyme “Old Mother Hubbard” will follow, featuring the Library’s historic Steiff puppets.

Saturday Live! events are generously supported by the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library.

Chemists in the Library

Saturday, November 22

1:30 to 3:30 p.m.- Central Library

Experience hands-on chemistry activities for children with an adult. Chemistry volunteers will be on hand to assist children and adults with each activity.

Susan Runholt

Saturday, November 22

2:30 p.m. - Hayden Heights

Reading and discussion with the author of The Mystery of the Third Lucretia.

Trace Your Family's Heritage

Monday, November 24

1:45 - 2:45 p.m. - Saint Anthony Park

Get tips on searching your family history using books, web sites, and databases. Sessions are drop-in style. Come with questions and curiosity. Call 651-642-0411 for more information.

Saturday Live!: Magician Matt Dunn

Saturday, November 29

11:15 a.m. - Central Library

A one of a kind magic show that is fast paced, extraordinarily visual, audience participation filled, and packed with magic that leaves children and adults screaming for more.

Great Gift Books for Adults & Children

Wednesday, December 3

12:00 - 1:30 p.m. - Central Library Zelda Coffee

Looking for ideas for great gift books for the holidays? Our expert children's and adult librarians can help!

Saturday Live!: Hunter Marionettes

Saturday, December 6

11:15 a.m. - Central Library

Accompanied by music ranging from classical to lively dance tunes, each member of this cast of intricate, hand-crafted marionettes will entertain you with his or her own special talents.

You'll see a penguin try his luck on the flying trapeze. You'll see an ostrich attempt to fly. You'll see dancing and juggling and much, much more.

Paw Pals

Saturday, December 6

2:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Highland Park

An opportunity for children to read with dog and human teams trained to share books with children in a relaxed, fun environment. For kids ages 6-12.

Call 651-695-3700 to register your child.

The World of Classical Guitar with Tony Hauser

Sunday, December 7

2:00 p.m. - Central Library Magazine Room

Join us at the historic Central Library for a Sunday afternoon with the classical music of renowned local guitarist Tony Hauser.

Download the event flyer.

Trace Your Family's Heritage

Monday, December 8

1:45 - 2:45 p.m. - Saint Anthony Park

Get tips on searching your family history using books, web sites, and databases. Sessions are drop-in style. Come with questions and curiosity. Call 651-642-0411 for more information.

Central Library Book Club

Thursday, December 11

10:30 a.m. - Central Library

Plainsong by Kent Haruf

Home Club

Thursday, December 11

6:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Room 218, Metropolitan State University/Dayton's Bluff

Meet and share how to improve the home ownership experience and related personal finances. Guest speakers.

For more information, please call the branch or visit the Club's blog at http://homeclub2008.blogspot.com/

Co-sponsored by Community Neighborhood Housing Services; and Library and Information Services, Metropolitan State University.

Saturday Live!: Wildlife Science Center presents All About Wolves

Saturday, December 13

11:15 a.m.- Central Library

Learn all about these much misunderstood animals in an interactive nature program for all ages.

Saturday Live!: American Swedish Institute - A Year of Swedish Traditions

Saturday, December 20

11:15 a.m.- Central Library

Why do Swedes hop like frogs around the maypole? How do Swedish families celebrate Sankta Lucia? Why do we leave rice pudding for the tomte? Our Swedish holiday basket is full of objects showing how Swedes celebrate a year of traditions.

Trace Your Family's Heritage

Monday, December 22

1:45 - 2:45 p.m. - Saint Anthony Park

Get tips on searching your family history using books, web sites, and databases. Sessions are drop-in style. Come with questions and curiosity. Call 651-642-0411 for more information.

Circuit Bending Workshop

Monday, December 22

2:00 p.m. - Rice Street

This Beatrix*JAR workshop transforms circuit board to sonic canvas and gives recycled toys a new life as unique new musical instruments.

A direct result of experimentation and play, circuit bending requires very little technical know-how to get started.

Please bring a battery powered toy and extra batteries for the circuit bending workshop.

Saturday Live!: Mad Science of Minnesota

Saturday, December 27

11:15 a.m. - Central Library

Finish off 2008 with a bang! Discover a great science program that both educates and entertains with Mad Science of Minnesota. Best for school age audiences.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians - Open House at Camp Half-Blood

Tuesday, December 30

1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Central Library

Do you think your teachers are secretly monsters? Do you suspect you have hidden powers? Could your real father or mother be an Olympian god?

YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Drop in for a fun-filled open house at Camp Half-Blood (a.k.a. the Children's Room) celebrating this popular series.