January Library Events

From John “Salty” Soltis, Bridgeport Public Library:

Here are some upcoming January events at the Black Rock Branch Library.

Mondays 10:30 – 11:30 AM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Free Computer Classes for Beginners. The Black Rock Branch Library announces a series of free computer classes designed for beginners. All classes begin at 10:30 AM or and will last approximately 1 hour. Space is limited so register for one or more classes now. Call: 203 337-9676

Mondays & Wednesdays – 12:00 PM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Get Fit Bridgeport. The Black Rock Branch announces a physical fitness series using exercise DVDs, that are available at the library. They are simple to use and appropriate for those who have not exercised regularly, or who need a gentler way of exercising, yet want results. The format will be 15 minute welcome and education, 30 minute walking with the video, 15 minute handout/repeat education and close. This program is free but registration required. Please call 203 337-9676 to reserve your spot. As with any exercise program, check with your doctor if you have any known health issues.

Wednesdays – 10:45- 11:45 AM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Little Rocks. Join us for our popular Little Rocks program for children up through age 3 with a caregiver. Stories, rhymes, music, movement, short films, and time for play are all part of the mix! Contact: Miss Bina: 203-337-9676.

Tuesday, January 10th at 6:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT – UP. When senior citizen Carl (and his house) lifts off for a trip to South America, little does he realize that he has a stowaway–eight year old Russell, a persistent yet endearing Wilderness Explorer scout trying to earn his Assisting The Elderly badge. Their adventures on the way to Paradise Falls are many–they meet the exotic bird Kevin and Dug, a dog with a collar that vocalizes his thoughts. SQUIRREL! We’ll have popcorn!

Thursday, January 12th at 6:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Great Movies You Might Have Missed – No Country for Old Men. In this month’s Oscar winner, Texan cowboy Llewellyn Moss finds himself a hunted man when he stumbles upon some dead bodies and makes off with $2 million. On his trail are a weary sheriff and a psychopathic killer who likes to use a cattle gun on his victims in this contemporary western. Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin Miramax Films; Directed by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen Rated R; 122 minutes; 2007

Thursday, January 17th at 7:00 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Israel and the West Bank A First Hand Look. Bridgeport residents Maxine and Donald Greenberg have recently returned from a trip to Israel with a group from Rabbis for Human Rights. The ten day trip explored conditions for Palestinians on the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The trip included a two-night stay with a family on the West bank. The group helped plant olive trees on the West bank and saw firsthand the conditions under which the population lives on the west Bank. Their talk will be a report on what is happening on the West bank and the erosion of civil liberties in Israel itself.

Wednesday, January 18th at 1:00 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Food for Thought – Book Discussion. The Black Rock Branch Library’s lunchtime book club meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1:00 PM – bring your brown-bag lunch, we will provide coffee, tea and dessert. Our next book up for discussion is: The Hypnotist by Lars Kepler. Swedish Detective Inspector Joona Linna investigating the murders of three family members, whose killing was witnessed by a fourth intended victim, a traumatized child whose shock Linna hopes to penetrate through a controversial hypnotism session. Call the library today and reserve your copy: 203 337-9676

Thursday, January 19th at 6:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Home of the Happy Dancers – The story of Black Rock’s own Ritz Ballroom. Join Author Jeffrey C. Williams for a discussion and signing of his new book – Home of the Happy Dancers -The story of Bridgeport, Connecticut’s Ritz Ballroom – a new book written by Jeff commemorating this year’s 50th anniversary of the Ritz closing. This large, museum-quality, hard-cover pictorial scrapbook uses both black & white and color illustrations, newspaper articles, and the remembrances of both celebrities and former Ritz patrons to present a nostalgic and memory-filled history of Bridgeport’s most famous dance palace.

Thursday, January 26th at 6:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Bridgeport Homeowners Assistance Program. Are you having trouble paying your mortgage? The FSW’s, Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP), in partnership with the City of Bridgeport, provides a grant of up to $4,000 to Bridgeport homeowners who are at least 60 days behind in their mortgage payments and are temporarily in a demonstrable financial crisis situation.

Thursday, January 31st at 6:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Block Mentality – Presented by Francis Pressley. Writer, Director and Artist Francis Pressley will be performing an interpretation of his inspirational play Block Mentality in a celebration and tribute to all the African American heroes throughout our history. The story is told through a host of colorful characters (all played by Mr. Pressley) interacting in one of the African American community’s traditional institutions of learning – The Barber Shop. There, Barbers & Patrons give their account of what’s going on in their community and lives. Hopefully, this story will help promote Black Awareness and Pride, through the look at Black History it provides.