Now @ MPL...

"Hula hoop, hula hoop, everyone is playin with the hula hoop
Look at them spin, trying to win
Anyone can play from three to a hundred and ten
Hoop-hoop hoop-hoop"

- Georgia Gibbs, The Hula Hoop Song

On March 5, 1963 Arthur "Spud" Melin, co-founder of the novelty toy company Wham-O, received a patent for a plastic hip swiveling toy named after the Hawaiian "hula" dance. The Hula-Hoop fad swept the nation and made an impact on the international scene. Over twenty-five million hoops sold in the first four months of production. Hula-Hoops may not be as popular as they once were but they still have their fans; just last year the record for mass hula hooping was set in Taiwan with 2,496 people twisting and twirling in Taipei City!

If you're over the age of 18 and enjoy reading comic books and graphic novels from publishers like Vertigo and Fantagraphics, come to a meeting of Not Just for Kids Anymore, The Washington Park Comic Book & Graphic Novel Book Club.

This month's selection is Smile by Raina Telgemeier.
Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth. What follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there's still more to deal with: a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not-so-friendly.

If this sounds appealing, come try out MPL's adult book club dedicated to graphic novels.

Location: Washington Park Library
Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Time: 6:45 PM to 7:45 PM

Have fun, make a new friend, and improve your reading! Students in grades 1-5 can read to a registered therapy dog for 25 minutes each week for four weeks. Children may bring in their own reading materials or select materials at the library. Readers who attend at least four sessions receive a certificate of accomplishment and a small gift upon completion. Sign up online or call 414-286-3011 for more details.

Library: East Library
Dates: March 8, March 15, March 22, and March 29
Time: 3:30 -5:30 p.m.

Join Professor Jim Slauson of the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design for a look at Central Library's Rarities Collection reflecting the British Arts and Crafts movement. This is a wonderful opportunity to view the Richard E and Lucile Krug Rare Books Room, which is only open for special occasions. Seating is limited; Pleae call 286-3071 to register or ask any questions about the program.

Location: Central Library's Rare Books Room
Date: Saturday, March 17, 2012
Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Description de l'Egypte

Napoleon's army occupied Egypt from 1798 to 1801. During that time the information for a comprehensive scientific description of Egypt and its history was gathered by over 160 civilian scholars and scientists who accompanied the expedition. The resulting series of publications first appeared in 1809 and grew to 23 volumes by the time the last one was published in 1829. It took the work of about 2000 artists and technicians to compile the entire work.

A set of Description de l'Egypte includes 3 volumes of elephant size plates that measure over a yard in length. The whole set is beautifully bound and impeccably illustrated with engravings and it forms an invaluable record of Egypt.

Viewing Description de l'Egypte may be arranged by calling the Art, Music & Recreation Department at 286-3071 and making an appointment with a member of the Rare Books team.

To search holdings in the Rare Books Room please click here.

Submitted by Patricia DeFrain

Join other fans of The Hunger Games trilogy in celebrating the release of The Hunger Games movie by taking part in a trivia challenge based on the books. Correct answers will bring you rewards, but incorrect ones may bring an uncertain future. There can be only one winner!

Hunger Games Trivia Challenge
Bay View Library, For Ages: 13-18,
2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave
Thursday, March 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Registration Required
Call: (414) 286-3011

Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!

Developed by teens, for teens through TAB - MPL's Teen Advisory Board. Sponsored by Best Buy.

A Mystery Solved

Last year I evaluated a gift book for addition to the Rare Books Room collection. It was written in a language that seemed Slavic but was not easily understandable. It seemed to be a religious book of some type since a few Latin words like Dei and Credo were decipherable.

To solve the mystery I scanned some pages from the book in color and sent them out to Slavic language scholars at several universities by e-mail attachment. Three of them got back to me and it was determined that the language was Old Czech and the book title could be translated Rozkossen duchowjn modlitby = Pleasant spiritual prayers. Mystery solved! The book is now part of the rare books collection and may be viewed by calling the Art, Music & Recreation Department at 286-3071 and making an appointment.

To search holdings in the Rare Books Room please click here.

Submitted by Patricia DeFrain - Rare Books Librarian

Use the power of Ayurveda to transcend ordinary limitations of disease and aging. This workshop will enable you to begin learning about your own constitution through lecture, Ayurvedi self-assessment, and informational handouts.

Join retired librarian and Ayurveda practitioner Susan Pack to learn about this 5,000-year-old system of natural healing which is enjoying a major resurgence throughout the world.

Registration is preferred. To register, please call 286-3011 or register online.

If you enjoy Shakespeare's plays, consider a visit to the library, where the words of William Shakespeare will be brought to life by an actor from the Optimist Theatre in Milwaukee. There will be three one-hour, interactive programs in March at different MPL locations. Audience participation is encouraged. Don't worry if you don't have money to spend on theater tickets. Each event is free and no registration is required. Please contact Ready Reference at (414) 286-3011 with any questions.

Date: Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Library: Bay View

Date: Saturday, March 31, 2012
Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Library: Central

Do you have a way with words? Milwaukee youth ages 10-18 are encouraged to submit a poem with an entry form to compete in this year's Poetry Contest! Submit up to two poems between March 26 and April 26. Poems must be submitted online.

Prizes will be awarded to top poems in three age categories: 10-12, 13-15, and 16-18. Winners will be announced at the Teen Performance Poetry and Spoken Word Showcase at Villard Square Branch on Tuesday, May 15, 6-7:30 p.m. and may be published on the MPL webpage and Facebook pages!

For prizes and contest rules visit the Teen Poetry Contest page on our website.

All programs hosted by the Teen Advisory Board and sponsored by Best Buy.

Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the most well known composers in history.Today marks the 217th anniversary of Beethoven's first concert in Vienna. The talented young composer, thought to be around 25, premiered his 1st or 2nd Piano Concerto at this concert. Shortly afterword, he published his piano trios, Opus 1, and gained financial success. He is still regarded as one of the giants of classical music. Read more about Beethoven or listen to his music at your Milwaukee Public Library!