Posts by Heather Caines

In February of each year, we all wait with bated breath to discover the winners of the Academy Awards. But February isn’t the only time to turn our thoughts to all things movies.

Calypso, the traditional carnival music of Trinidad, is so infectious with its driving beat, upbeat rhythms and colorful lyrics, that it defies you not to get up and dance or sing or both.

What’s all the BUZZ about? Come and see for yourself.

George Bruce Library is buzzing with activities for adults, children, and teens this Spring. Come join the activities — learn, have fun, interact with other members of the community, get in shape, show off your gaming skills, sharpen your computer knowledge, and much more. Here is our roster of events:

Get Your Financial House in Order

The economic crisis of 2008 sent all of us reeling. The financial security that we thought we had became a thing of the past — and those of us not financially savvy to begin with — were now out in the cold, naked, alone and confused.

What does it take to recover from this stunning blow? Well, knowledge is power! So the more we know about financial matters, the better able we are to navigate the waters be they rough or smooth.

The George Bruce Library will be offering a Financial Literacy Series of programs (entitled Money Matters) this Fall.  Topics covered will include

The freedoms that we take for granted today across the spectrum of American society were not easily achieved. They were hard won—through struggle, self-sacrifice and even death.

Have you found your calling? The May film screening from The National Black Programming Consortium, The Calling, explores this topic as it follows seven people who feel that they have found theirs.

Spring is here! (Finally.) All around us nature is awakening from winter's slumber and pushing forth new life and new growth. Why not reawaken yor mind and spirit each month with the stimulating, thought provoking and engaging films from the National Black Programming Consortium. Join us for our Spring season of films. As usual the screenings will take place on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 5:30 pm.

The New York Public Library, George Bruce Library and the National Black Programming Consortium are proud to bring you these free film screenings.

Join us! The screenings will take place on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 5:30 PM.

The third screening of the Fall (scheduled for December 8th) is entitled Uprooted. Here is a brief description from the NBPC site:

“A picture is worth a thousand words."  This expression captures the essence of why visual media is so enduring. While the aforementioned expression was aimed at still pictures—the meaning nevertheless translates to film as well.

“A picture is worth a thousand words."  This expression captures the essence of why visual media is so enduring. While the aforementioned expression was aimed at still pictures—the meaning nevertheless translates to film as well.

Reading is very often a solitary pursuit and pleasure, but you can expand your literary horizons by joining a library book discussion group.

Harlem is an iconic place, a fabled community, a vibrant hub of African-American culture and pride known the world over. Its essence has been captured in music—"Take the A Train" by Duke Ellington, in literature—The Street by Ann Petry and photography—Art Kane's 1958—"Great Day in Harlem" and in many photos by famed photographer James Van Der Zee.

Inspire, Discover, Connect. These three words—writ large across the library's homepage—encapsulate NYPL's mission statement and embody the synergistic relationship that NYPL has with its communities and the patrons who reside there.

Self taught artist Harriet Bailer, is one such patron who exemplifies this relationship. An exhibit of her artwork entitled Fiber & Photographs will be on display at the George Bruce Branch through August 21, 2010.

"The arts must be considered an essential element of education... They are tools for living life reflectively, joyfully and with the ability to shape the future."

—Shirley Trusty Corey (President/CEO of the Arts Council of New Orleans)