Explore theater, science, literature, movies, yoga, and more at the library

The Hamline Midway Library will be featuring a wide array of activities in November and December, giving library patrons opportunities to explore theater, science, literature, movies, yoga, and more.

The library features Preschool Storytime on Fridays from 10:30-11am, with upcoming storytimes on Nov. 13, 20, 27, and Dec. 4 and 11. Storytimes feature stories, songs, puppets, and more. Preschool storytimes teach social skills, listening comprehension, letter and number recognition, and vocabulary. Enjoy time with your child while building a foundation for reading success. Children of all activity levels are welcome.

The Hamline Midway Elders hosts Seated Chair Yoga on Thur., Nov. 12 and 19, 10:30-11:30am. Chair yoga focuses on a range of movement, alignment, stretching, strengthening, awareness, breathing, and relaxation. All movement is done while seated or standing using the chair for balance. Taught by Nancy Giguere. This is a free event co-sponsored by Hamline Midway Library and Hamline Midway Elders. Contact Tom at tom@hmelders.org or 651-209-6542 for more information.

Second Saturday Science Club happens on Sat., Nov. 14 from 1:30-3pm, and this month the theme is BIG and tiny. Peter Hoh and Jackie Lannin guide children (ages 6 and up) and their families through hands-on science and art experiences.  This month the activities will include building a BIG tower and other creations that will show proportion and size differences. On Sat., Dec. 12, 1:30-3pm, the Second Saturday Science Club theme will be Crystals and Light. Walk-ins are always welcome!

Also on Sat., Nov. 14, 3-4pm, the Teens Reading Bravely group will meet in the library’s teen area. Teens in the group read and discuss books that fall under the “Read Brave” genre. Recommended for ages 14 and up, 9th grade and up. The group’s December meeting will be on Sat., Dec. 12, also 3-4pm in the teen area.

On Mon., Nov. 16, 7-8pm, join The Friends and Park Square Theatre for an evening with actors from the upcoming production “My Children! My Africa!” In 1984, in a segregated township in South Africa, an idealistic teacher believes education—and poetry—can create a better future for his students. Amid anti-apartheid rioting, Mr. M hopes to offer reconciliation by forming a debate club between his black school and the local white school. But as neighborhood tensions escalate, students and teacher find themselves along the blurry line between revolution and terrorism. The shocking conclusion is a timely reminder that one person’s tragedy and a community’s deep sense of loss are inextricably linked.

The library’s ongoing Wednesdays at 1 series continues Wed., Nov. 18, 1-2:30pm with “Be Wise, Be Informed, Be Empowered.” Gary Johnson from the Better Business Bureau will explain how individuals can protect themselves in today’s marketplace. The Wednesdays at 1 programs are a partnership between the Hamline Midway Elders and the Hamline Midway Library.

On Wed., Dec. 2, 1-2:30pm, the series will feature the program Wind Songs: Native American Style Flute. Cynthia Unowsky and Deborah Magnuson play traditional, contemporary, and original songs on numerous hand-crafted wooden flutes. On Wed., Dec. 9, 1-2:30pm, Eleanor Ostman, longtime food writer for the Pioneer Press, presents Confessions of a Professional Eater, sharing experiences from her life in food. She will also sign and sell copies of her new book, “Always on Sunday Revisited,” which will be available for purchase for $20. Wed., Dec. 16, 1-2:30pm, Jody Huber returns with another thought-provoking movie with Jody’s Matinee.  She’ll lead a group discussion after the showing.

The library will be closed on Thanksgiving, Thur., Nov. 26.

The Kids Book Clubs will meet Sat., Dec. 5 to learn more about nominees for the annual Maud Hart Lovelace Award through games and activities and to get ready to vote for their favorite books. Division I (grades 3-5) meets 1:30-2:15pm and Division II (grades 6-8) meets 2:30-3:15pm.

Fans of silent slapstick star Buster Keaton will have two great opportunities to see his films at the Hamline Midway Library in December. On Thur., Dec. 17, 7-8 pm, the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library present Keaton’s comedic masterpiece “The General” with live accompaniment from the accordion and saw duo Dreamland Faces.

The movie tells the story of a Confederate train engineer whose beloved locomotive is hijacked by Union soldiers with the woman he loves onboard. The library will feature more silent movie fun with a family-friendly matinee on Wed., Dec. 30, 2-3:30pm featuring two short Buster Keaton comedies, “The Scarecrow” and “The Goat.” Free popcorn and cider will be served. This event is presented by the Hamline Midway Library Association.