Montclair Public Library’s adult programming series, featuring critically acclaimed authors in new fiction and non-fiction, continues on July 10.

The library invites the public to attend its With the Authors series, as the creators themselves bring their books to life with readings, discussions, and book signings.

Brad Parks, The Good Cop
Wednesday, July 10 at 7 pm
Fourth in a stellar mystery series, The Good Cop has been called “a tautly written page-turner with charm and humor, a terrific combination that is sure to appeal to David Rosenfelt and Janet Evanovich fans” (Booklist). Discover the inspiration behind Brad Parks’ Newark-based series when the author, winner of the Nero, Lefty, and Shamus Awards for his series, joins us to talk about his latest book and his transition from Star-Ledger journalist to award-winning fiction author.

Caroline Leavitt, Is This Tomorrow
Wednesday, August 7 at 7 pm
New York Times-bestselling author Leavitt (Pictures of You) visits the library to discuss her newest novel. Exploring small-town prejudice in 1950s suburbia with Leavitt’s signature grace and nuance, Is This Tomorrow examines the lasting effect of suburban American values against the backdrop of a shocking childhood tragedy.

All programs are free and open to the public. Author visits are held in the library auditorium. The library is handicapped accessible. Books by the authors will be available for purchase and signing courtesy of Watchung Booksellers.

Registration is recommended. Please contact the MPL at  973.744.0500 , ext. 2235, to register.

Adult Summer Reading
at the Montclair Public Library

Summertime, and the living is easy:
it’s the time to reward yourself by relaxing with a good book…
and now the MPL wants to reward you, too!
Our summer reading program is always one of our favorite events, and this year, we want adults to get inspired, and get involved, all summer long!

Here’s how it works: starting June 28, program participants must visit the Reference Desk on the second floor of the Main Library to create their virtual logs, and they’ll receive their first prize – a coupon for five free books from the MPL book sale.
After participants reach the five-book mark, they receive a raffle entry for our grand prize: a $50 Amazon gift card! When they reach ten books, they receive another prize – a reusable “Read” tote bag, plus another coupon for five free books and another raffle entry. Participants who read past ten books earn another raffle entry for every additional five books they log in.
Members of the adult summer reading program who are also fans of the Montclair Public Library on Facebook will have even more chances to win: starting in July, we’ll be posting exclusive content to our Facebook followers that will earn them additional raffle entries!
The summer reading program ends on September 9, when we announce our raffle winners: our top winner receives the $50 Amazon gift card, donated by the Montclair Public Library Foundation, and our second and third place readers will each receive a $25 gift certificate to Watchung Booksellers, who have donated the certificates to the reading program!
So read big, win big, and dig in!
Thank you to our sponsors, the Montclair Public Library Foundation and Watchung Booksellers, whose support makes summer reading possible!
For more information on signing up for Groundbreaking Reads, please contact the Reference Department at  973-744-0500 , ext. 2235, visit our website at www.montclairlibrary.org, and be sure to follow us on Facebook. Click here for Summer Reading Club Homepage.

Friends of the Bellevue Avenue Library Present:
Music Monday

6 to 8 pm
On the plaza in front of the Bellevue Avenue Branch Library.
Free and open to the public.

July 15 Dr. Julian Keenan

July 22 William Mallory

July 28 The Michael Reitman Band

Not inpsired by the usual "beach reads"?
Check out these new works of non-fiction.

A Million Years with You: A Memoir of Life Observed By Thomas, Elizabeth Marshall
One of the nation's greatest literary naturalists, now in her eighth decade, turns her famed observational eye on herself and explores why and how an untrained, self-taught observer and writer could see things that anthropologists and zoologists often missed.

Bootstrapper: From Broke to Badass on a Northern Michigan Farm By Link, Mardi Jo
Poignant, irreverent, and hilarious: the memoir of a mother who, after ending her 19-year marriage, staves off a perpetually empty bank account and, with the help of her three young sons, saves her century-old farmhouse from foreclosure and reclaims her life.

Run, Brother, Run: A Memoir of a Murder in My Family By Berg, David
From a renowned trial lawyer comes a searing family memoir of a wild boyhood in Texas that led to the vicious murder of the author's brother by actor Woody Harrelson's father, Charles. Alan was only 31 when he disappeared and for more than six months his family did not know what had happened to him until his remains were found in a ditch in Texas.

July Programs for Families, Kids and Youth

Summer Storytimes
Babies in the Library
Babies meet babies! Parents and caregivers sing nursery rhymes and share board books with their babies. Songs and board books will be introduced during each session. Make baby’s first library experience a special one! Children of all abilities welcome.
Registration required.
Babies Newborn – 23 Mos.
Monday, July 29 at 11:00 a.m.

Toddler Time
Two-year-olds and the adults in their lives explore language and numbers through stories. Picture books, flannel board stories, nursery rhymes and finger plays are used to introduce the pleasures of books. Children of all abilities welcome.
Registration required. 2 year-olds.
Monday, July 15 at 11:00 a.m.

Mother Goose
Mother Goose promotes literacy among our preschool-aged patrons. Picture books, flannel board stories, songs and puppets are used to build upon children’s natural enthusiasm for books and reading. Children of all abilities welcome.
Registration required. Ages 3 to 6.
Monday, July 22 at 11:00 a.m.

Story & Craft Tuesdays

Dig into Dinosaurs
RAWR!!! Have dinosaurs invaded the Montclair Public Library!? Stop by and make your very own dinosaur egg! While you wait for your dinosaur to hatch you can make a pair of dinosaur foam feet to stomp around as we listen to our favorite dinosaur books. Get ready for dino-mite fun!
Registration required. Ages 6 to 11.
Tuesday, July 16 at 3:00 p.m.

Dump Truck Lullaby
Enjoy "Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site" and other fun truck stories. Afterwards we'll make an adorable take-home dump truck craft.
Registration required. Ages 2 to 5.
Tuesday, July 23 at 3:00 p.m.

Wiggly Worms
You are cordially invited to enjoy crafts, stories, and games about ooey-gooey worms. Spoil your dinner by making worms-in-the-dirt snacks too!
Registration required; please advise us of any food allergies when registering. Ages 6 to 11.
Tuesday, July 30 at 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday Workshops
North Star Songs: Symbols of the Underground Railroad
Listen to Jeanette Winter's Follow the Drinking Gourd, Doreen Rappaport's Freedom River, and other stories. Learn the symbols and meanings hidden in music and folk art used by the secret heroes of the Underground Railroad. Afterwards enjoy acoustic blues and traditional songs which helped so many escape to freedom.
Registration required. Ages 6 and up.
Wednesday, July 10 at 3:00 p.m.

Exploring Earth Colors: Montclair Art Museum Workshop
A staff member from the Montclair Art Museum teaches how to use sandpaper and pastels to create art that explores the distinctive colors beneath the soil.
Registration required. Ages 2 to 5.
Wednesday, July 17 at 3:00 p.m.

Digging Deep Puzzle: Montclair Art Museum Workshop
Using a blank puzzle and your imagination, create a piece of art that digs deep into the natural world around us. You’ll go home with your unique puzzle and a pouch for safe keeping.
Registration required. Ages 6 to 8.
Wednesday, July 24 at 3:00 p.m.

Creatable Edible Art
Are you always being told to not play with your food? This time it’s okay as we make colorful dreamy art out of tasty snacks!
Registration required. Ages 4 and up.
Wednesday, July 31 at 3:00 p.m.

Thursday Events
Domino the Great: Dig into Reading Magic Show
Domino the Great delivers an action packed show of eye-popping magic tricks for kids and their families. This magic show includes much audience participation and laughter for all. After the show perform magic of your own by making books fly off the shelves! Domino the Great is a professional kids’ magician who has performed throughout the Tri-State area and even the White House!
Registration required. Ages 4 and up.
Auditorium
Thursday, July 11 at 12:00 p.m.

Montclair Film Festival presents: The Goonies
The Montclair Film Festival brings The Goonies to their outdoor screen! Enjoy this classic adventure as the Goonies explore a secret subterranean lair, outwit kidnappers, find a long-lost treasure aboard a ghostly pirate vessel, and save their town from destruction. Goonies never say die! Rated PG. Directed by Richard Donner. Starring Sean Astin and Josh Brolin.
Outdoor patio in front of Montclair Public Library; Terra Tea Salon will be open for refreshments.
*Thursday, July 18 at 8:00 p.m.
Live music at 8pm, movie begins at 9pm; rain date Friday, July 19.

Finding King Tut: A Family Stages Show
British archaeologist Howard Carter has been sifting through Egypt’s Valley of the Kings for years in search of Tutankhamen’s tomb. His partner urges him to quit but, after making one more effort, Carter discovers a mysterious stairway. Digging through 3000 years of sand and rock, he reaches a door marked with the sign of King Tut! Celebrate imagination with this unique Family Stages production. Kids will love this dynamic play's fast-paced action and lightning-quick costume changes.
Registration required. Ages 4 and up.
Auditorium
Thursday, July 25 at 12:00 p.m.

D.I.G. It: Drop-In Game Fridays
Drop by and play Connect 4, Clue, Jenga, Chutes & Ladders, Life, checkers, chess and other fun board games with our teen volunteers.
No registration required. All ages welcome.
Fridays, July 5, 12, 19 & 26 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Bonjour Madeline: A ‘Oui, Oui, Je Speak Franglais’ Story & Craft
Emefa Duho reads Ludwig Bemelmans’ classic picture book Madeline in French and in English followed by an arts & crafts session. Families are welcome to dress à la française in honor of Bastille Day! Emefa Duho is the founder of Oui, Oui, Je Speak Franglais, a bicultural awareness campaign which promotes French-American initiatives.
No registration required. Ages 3 to 9.
Friday, July 12 at 3:00 p.m.

Dig into History: An Israel Crane House Archeological Dig
As part of Montclair Public Library’s summer reading events, the Montclair Historical Society invites you to dig into history by visiting the Israel Crane House. Learn how people lived over two hundred years ago by uncovering the history of Montclair beneath our feet. Kids will take part in an outdoor dig, find remnants of artifacts in the ground, and go to the historic home to discover what these pieces of artifacts may have come from. Afterwards it’s a visit to the farm site with the chickens!
Registration required. Ages 3 to 5.
Israel Crane House, 108 Orange Road, Montclair; parking available on site.

Friday, July 19 at 11:00 a.m.

Teen Program
Phenomenon: The Magic of Amore
Do you believe in ESP and power of the mind? Is it possible to foretell the future, move objects with your will or read someone's mind? The answers to these questions can be found in Amore's magic workshop for teens. Magician Amore presents profound and unbelievable events in a fast-paced format. This unique performance makes teens the stars of the show. Amore uses volunteers throughout the performance for astounding demonstrations of the mind and body while incorporating psychology and parapsychology. Envision breaking a light bulb simply by thinking about it, predict lottery numbers, float a table in mid-air, foresee the future, see a demonstration of the human lie detector and more! Phenomenon will make you believe in the uncharted power of your own mind!
Registration required. Teens Grades 6-12.
Auditorium
Thursday, July 18 at 3:00 p.m.

Bellevue Avenue Branch Programs
Dig It: A Mini Storytime with a Gigantic Digger

Join us for a reading of Virginia Lee Burton's 1939 classic, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel. Immediately afterwards, we will go to the library's parking lot to meet one of Montclair's very own diggers. Rain or shine so please dress appropriately. The digger will remain at the Branch until 3:30pm.

No registration required. Digger provided courtesy of Montclair's Department of Community Services.
All ages welcome
Tuesday, July 16 at 2:15 p.m.

Dig Into Classical Music

City Winds Duo musicians will play a variety of pieces including some from famous operas in this fun interactive program. Participants will play movement games, identify and build melodies, and try their hand at different percussion instruments as they learn about rhythm and other musical forms.

Registration required. Recommended ages 4 to 10.
Wednesday July 17 at 6:00 p.m.

The Habits and Habitats of NJ Bats: A Family Nature Program
Bats are one of the most beneficial animals to humans but are also one of the most misunderstood and feared. Learn about the habits and habitats of these incredible flying mammals and their importance in the environment. Children will make and take home their very own ‘pet bat.’
Registration required. Recommended ages 5 to 10.
Wednesday, July 31 at 6:00 p.m.

Register in person at Youth Services Department, 3rd floor; or by phone:  973-744-0500  ext. 2236.

Wednesday Film Festivals
Every Wednesday at 1 pm in the Auditorium

Thriller Film Festival
July 10 13 Rue Madeleine starring James Cagney and Richard Conte
July 17 Call Northside 777 starring James Stewart and Richard Conte
July 24 The House of 92nd Street starring William Eythe and Signe Hasso
July 31 Trapped starring Lloyd Bridges and Barbara Payton

Save the Date!

The Montclair Public Library Foundation Presents:

"This constant succession of glasses, produced considerable effect upon Mr. Pickwick; his countenance beamed with the most sunny smiles, laughter played around his lips, and good-humoured merriment twinkled in his eye."-Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers

"Grape Expectations"

Saturday, September 28, 2013

A Unique Food and Wine Event With A Literary Twist!

With Special Guest Eric Asimov,
Chief Wine Critic for The New York Times

The Montclair Public Library Foundation's fun and fabulous "Grapes" Fundraiser dates back to 2006. At this semi-annual event, 350 citizens of Montclair gather over great wine to support their local library. With your support, the proceeds will go to fund the library's materials and programming. MPL is the town's only public community center, making books and computers accessible to all.

Eric Asimov, author and chief wine critic at The New York Times, will speak during the evening and help curate the wines, with local wine-seller Amanti Vino. This year's event, "Grape Expectations," will pay homage to Charles Dickens, with delicious culinary creations inspired by his novels. Montclair's top chefs will create modern interpretations of everything from a taste of the Christmas Carol feast to Oliver Twist's "gruel"--an amazing selection of Food, Glorious Food!

The Write Group

Write Group Showcase
Auditorium
Tuesday, July 16 at 7- 8:30 pm
Showcasing WG readers in various genres. WGies wishing to be considered to read in the Showcase contact Carl Selinger at selinger99@aol.com by 7/9. Open Mic is after the Showcase; sign-up starts at 6:45 pm to read a piece up to 8 minutes long. Info from emcee Jeannee Margolskee at jpmar@usa.net.

Writers Support Group
Conference Room
every Tuesday, 10:15 am - 11:30 am
Our core meeting shares progress in writing and discusses writing topics.

Memoir Group
Conference Room
Two groups meet alternating Wednesdays, 10 am - 12 pm
No drop-ins. New members must be actively writing memoir and make a 3-month commitment. Contact Carl Selinger at selinger99@aol.com to observe.

Free-For-All (FFA) for Writers
Conference Room
every Thursday night, 7 - 8:45 pm
7/11 Poetry Study Group led by Tara Moyle We've elected to discuss "10 Poems to Shout from the Streets," based on Sam White's readings in Times Square. So the big news is that there is homework for this next meeting!
Find ten (10) published poems that you love - maybe you've studied them before, maybe you heard them and became intrigued, or maybe you found them browsing an anthology of poems in the library or online. Then, just bring a copy of those poems. They can be poems from any country, time period, or style (poems by someone other than yourself). We will read as many as possible - out loud of course! There should be time for us to each read two of our selections, depending on the number of participants. I will make a compilation list for the group of everyone's poems so that we all have some good summer reading. Here's one site to peruse if you're not sure where to start: http://www.poets.org/. Montclair Library also has some great anthologies. This group is for people who love words, not just poetry!
7/18 Laura Freedgood Insider’s Look at 1973 best-selling thriller The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3. Laura, Write Group member, Montclair poet, daughter of the author John Godey, who wrote the book, a major motion picture in the 1970’s, presents an “insider’s” look into the creation of the book. Discussion will include Godey’s growth as a writer, and examination of the book’s structure (advancing the plot, character development, creating tension in a thriller). Time permitting, there will be a brief talk about the differences between the 1970’s film and its remake in 2009.
7/25 Writing humor and satire: Author Hank Quense It isn’t easy, and Hank has been doing it for a dozen years in his short stories and novels. During the time, he’s figured out what works and what doesn't work, and will share and discuss. More info from Hank at hankquense@icloud.com.

Novelists Group
Conference Room
every Thursday morning, 10 am - 1 pm
Critiques for novelists & would-be novelists. No drop-ins, but add your name to the waiting list as vacancies are expected soon, contact Eveline Speedie at espeedie@msn.com.

Last Draft or Die
Conference Room
Last Friday of the month, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm, next on 7/26
We meet in the Conference Room (where we can still bring in Terra Café food & drinks), to first share our writing goals & then write independently. Contact Katinka Neuhof at katinkaneuhof@gmail.com.

For more information on The Write Group, contact Carl Selinger at selinger99@aol.com.