Adult Services – Lower Providence Community Library

Welcome to the Adult Services page of the Lower Providence Community Library website. Find upcoming Programs & Events, check out our Resources for Readers, and send us your recommendations for books, DVDs, and other materials you would like to have in the library. Also, please let us know if you have any ideas for programming. We would love to hear from you!

To register for programs, email Barbara Loewengart or call the library at 610-666-6640 for the Circulation Desk.

Adult Yoga

Classes for April: Mondays: April 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 from 5:45- 6:45pm. Fridays: April 5, 12, 19 & 26 from 3:15 – 4:15pm.
Classes for May: Mondays: May 6, 13 & 20 from 5:45- 6:45pm. Fridays: May 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 from 3:15 – 4:15pm.

Taught by certified yoga instructor Kamini Patel. Bring a mat or a towel and a $5 donation. Funds provide books and supplies to children in India.

Chair Yoga for Adults

Classes in April: Wednesdays, April 3, 10, 17 & 24 from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm.
Classes in May: Wednesdays, May 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm.

Gentle yoga for people with less mobility, led by certified yoga instructor Kamini Patel. Cost is $5/session. Funds provide books and supplies to children in India.

Meditation Sessions

Classes for April: Mondays at 7:15pm., April 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29.
Classes for May: Mondays at 7:15pm., May 6, 13 & 20.

Please join us for FREE meditation sessions. Open to all levels. Bring your active mind and wear comfortable clothing. Taught by Roger Shaughnessy, YT-200.

Movie Matinee

Monday, April 29 at 1:30pm. Mary Poppins Returns. Starring Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Rated PG.
Monday, May 13 at 1:30pm. On the Basis of Sex. Starring Felicity Jones and Armie Hammer. Rated PG-13.
Monday, June 3 at 1:30pm. Vice. Starring Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Steve Carell. Rated R.

Come to the Movie Matinee and enjoy a free showing of a hit movie! This program is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Evening Book Discussion Group

On Wednesday, May 8 at 7:00pm the evening book group will be discussing Less by Andrew Sean Greer. Evening Book Discussion meets at 7:00pm the 2nd Wednesday of each month, September through June.

A struggling novelist travels the world to avoid an awkward wedding in this hilarious Pulitzer Prize-winning novel full of “arresting lyricism and beauty” (The New York Times Book Review).

Book Discussion Questions

Discussion questions:

1. Have you ever had days, weeks, years, like what Arthur Less is feeling — times when nothing, absolutely nothing, seems to be going your way? What’s your solution?

2. Everyone points to the books laugh-out-loud humor. What do you find particularly funny — dialogue, Arthur’s haplessness and pratfalls, random observations, the entire tone of the book?

3. How would you describe Arthur? Are you sympathetic to him, or is he primarily a self-pitying guy in midlife crisis? Does he exhibit any humanity or is he too self-indulgent to connect with others? Or do you find yourself falling and rooting for him? Does your attitude toward him change during the course of the novel?

4. Talk about the writing seminar Arthur gives in Berlin — his inventiveness in attempting to get students to fall in love with literature.

5. What do you think of the consolation his former lover/mentor offers him during the phone call from Japan? Is turning 50 all that bad (for those who’ve been there, done that)?

6. So at the end of his peregrinations, what has Arthur Less come to understand about his life and life in general?

7. Finally, were you surprised by the big reveal at the end?

(Questions by LitLovers.)

Evening Book Discussion List

Evening Book Discussion List 2018-2019

September – The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan
October – Never Let Me Go by Ishiguro Kazuo
November – The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyle
December – Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann
January – Exit West by Moshin Hamed
February – The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson
March – One Book, Once County selection
April – The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
May – Less by Andrew Sean Greer
June – The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

Adult Coloring Book Class

Monday, May 6 at 1:00pm

De-stress and get creative! Join in for a fun, relaxed afternoon with pencils and markers at our Adult Coloring Book Class. We have lots of beautiful coloring book pages to choose from. You’re never too old to color! All materials provided. For more information, contact Barbara Loewengart.

Afternoon Book Discussion Group

Monday, May 20 at 1:00pm, we will be discussing The Daring Ladies of Lowell by Kate Alcott.

Eager to escape life on her family’s farm, Alice Barrow moves to Lowell in 1832 and throws herself into the hard work demanded of “the mill girls.” The hours are long and the conditions are bad, but Alice soon finds a true friend in Lovey Cornell, a saucy, strong-willed girl who is outspoken about the dangers they face in the factories . . . and about Alice opening her heart to a blossoming relationship with Samuel Fiske, the handsome and sympathetic son of the mill’s owner.
But when Lovey is found dead under suspicious circumstances, a sensational trial brings the workers’ unrest to a boiling point, leaving Alice is torn between finding justice for her friend and her growing passion for the man with whom she had no business falling in love. (From the publisher.)

Book Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions:

1. How is the treatment of the “factory girls” different from the way women are treated in today’s work place? How is it similar?
2. Did the descriptions of how much work went into creating simple piece of cotton cloth surprise you?
3. When Alice first meets Lovey, she doesn’t quite know what to make of Lovey’s frankness and her high spirits. What was your initial reaction to Lovey? Do you think she is reckless or a woman ahead of her time?
4. The Daring Ladies of Lowell takes place in 1832, ten years before the landmark decision in Commonwealth v. Hunt held that workers have the right to organize and strike, and more than one hundred years until federal law was passed prohibiting child labor. Why do you think progress has been so slow in protecting working people?
5. Discuss Delia and Ellie’s difficult situation and the many parallels with the challenges working mothers still deal with today: a troubled marriage, battle for custody of a child, and the difficulty working women can have in securing adequate child care.
6. Alice and her co-workers have a grueling schedule: thirteen-hour days, ceaseless physical labor, and only one day a week off. Could you make it through a “factory girl” workweek?
7. Discuss the role respectability plays in the novel, and the consequences of the secrets that are kept to save reputations (as in the case of Jonathan Fiske) and to maintain the status quo (Dr. Stanhope’s knowledge of the poor conditions and health hazards at the mill).
8. Alice forms a bond with a Samuel’s grandmother, who stands apart from the rest of the Fiske family. What does she represent and how has her influence shaped Samuel?
9. What is Alice’s most admirable trait? What is her least admirable trait?
10. What do you think the future holds for Alice and Samuel?
(Questions from the publisher.)

A Different Kind of Book Club

Tuesday, May 21 at 6:30pm.

A Different Kind of Book Club will focus on reading books with happy endings (romance, light fantasy, cozy mysteries and the occasional nonfiction). The group will meet the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm. On May 21, the club will be discussing Capital Dames by Cokie Roberts.

Crochet Meet-Up

Wednesdays, May 1, 15 & 29 at 6:30 pm.
Wednesdays, June 12 & 26 at 6:30 pm.

Join Colleen Ochotny, certified crochet instructor, for a casual crochet meet-up. Bring your projects and/or ideas and talk with other crochet enthusiasts. All are welcome.
Colleen Ochotny is a certified crochet instructor through the Craft Yarn Council. She has been teaching crochet for more than 5 years has been crocheting for morethan 30 years.

The Sleeping Mat Project

Wednesday, May 8 & 22 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Wednesday, June 12 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Did you know those plastic bags taking up space in your closet can be woven into sleeping mats for people who are experiencing homelessness in our community?

Join Bev Weinberg for this innovative, hands-on project. People of all ages and abilities are welcome. You will learn how to make plarn (plastic yarn) and weave it into colorful mats to make a difference for homeless people in our area. This project is sponsored by Integrate for Good, a project designed to expand opportunities for individuals of all abilities to share their time and talent through volunteerism in Montgomery County.

Bev Weinberg received her Bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies from the University of Pittsburgh and her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Temple University. Bev returned to and received her clinical doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy in 2016, along with a Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the Fox School of Business.

Bev is the project director of Integrate for Good, an innovative initiative designed to expand opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to contribute their time and talent through civic engagement.

Mindful Yoga

Thursdays, April 25 12:00 pm—1:00 pm
Thursdays, May 2, 16 & 30 12:00 pm—1:00 pm

Mindful Yoga is a focus on Mind/ Body/ Spirit awareness. It is the practice of being in the present moment and is scientifically proven to reduce stress and improve well being. This class is for all levels including beginners. Please wear comfortable clothing. Please bring a mat or towel. Cost: $5 Donation. Taught by certified yoga teacher, Kamini Patel.

Memoir Writing Circle

Monday, May 6 from 6:30 – 8:00pm.

Join writers in finding their voice through memoir writing. The group will use writing prompts, poems, journal entries and images to discover the compelling themes and stories that comprise a memoir. The Circle will share their writing and read aloud to each other. Suitable for writers of all levels and experience.

New to Medicare

Wednesday, May 22 at 6:30 pm

Are you almost eligible for Medicare?
Not sure which Medicare plan is right for you? If you turn 65 this year, you are eligible for Medicare.If your 65th birthday is within the next 3-6 months, you should learn about this important benefit.

Medicare can be quite confusing. Donna Uhler, a state-trained volunteer APPRISE counselor, will be offering a FREE presentation describing Medicare and providing information on the health insurance options that are available to you. She is here to help you understand your health insurance choices. APPRISE counselors are sponsored and supervised by RSVP of Montgomery County. Registration required.

The Good Neighbors Time Bank

Thursday, April 25 at 6:30 pm

The Good Neighbors Time Bank is coming to your area! This local membership based non-profit is a community dedicated to celebrating our gifts and honoring how those gifts can benefit others. The Good Neighbors Time Bank is committed to serving all of the members of the community including those who experience disabilities, poverty, homelessness or illness.

How does a time bank work?
A time bank is a community of people who exchange volunteer hours instead of money for the things they need. If a member gives one hour of service to another member, they will receive one time credit. This non-monetary exchange helps everyone in the community have access to the things they may need without having to spend money. This concept builds a strong community of friends and people who are committed to helping one another. A time bank is a way to create community and support members while saving money and using time for important meaningful relationships.
Join us on April 25th at 6:30PM to learn more about time banking and how you can get involved. Light refreshments will be served.

Sleep Deprivation in Adolescents

Wednesday, May 1 at 6:30 pm

Learn about chronic adolescent sleep deprivation and school start times.
Evidence based studies highlight the need for later starting times for adolescents. There are strategies for any school to overcome chronic sleep loss and improve students physical and mental health. Join the discussion!
Open to adolescents and parents. Presented by Kate Doyle and Karen Weingarten. Please register. Refreshments will be served.

Mother’s Day Card Making

Thursday, May 2 at 7:00pm

Sheetal Wagh will show you how to create Mother’s Day Cards for you to take home. All materials provided. Registration required and limited to 15 participants.

Local Author Event

Saturday, May 4 from 2 – 4:00pm

Join us and discover seven local authors! Hear them read from their books and talk with them about their writing process. Books will be available for purchase.

TINA CAMBRIA loves to write about interesting people trying to find love in challenging situations and is the author of two books, A SON FOR CHRISTMAS and THE HUSBAND SHE CAN’T
REMEMBER. Visit her at: http://www.tinacambria.com/home.html

VERONICA FORAND was a top ten finalist in James Patterson’s Co-Author Competition and a triple finalist in the Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/ Suspense, Veronica Forand is an attorney and a novelist. Visit her at: http://veronicaforand.com/

JACQUELINE JAYNE is the author of The Hell Runners Series. Visit her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and at www.jacquelinejayneauthor.com

MIRANDA MONTROSE is an author of paranormal and contemporary romances. Find her at https://www.mirandamontrose.com/

RACHELL NICHOLE is a contemporary steamy romance author who has written more than a dozen romances. Don’t miss a thing, join Rachell Nichole’s Facebook group here: http://bit.ly/RavenousReaders

SUSAN SCOTT SHELLEY is a USA Today bestselling author and writes stories with heat and heart, where love always wins. teams. Get in touch with her at http://www.susanscottshelley.com.

SUZETTE RIDDICK is an Amazon Best-Selling Author of Multicultural Romance and was a featured author in USA Today ~ Happy Ever After. To learn more about Suzette visit her website at www.suzetteriddick.com.

Using Fabulous Foliage to Spice Up Your Containers

Tuesday, May 21 at 6:30pm

Presented by Karrie Hontz, this fun workshop will give you some new ideas on using plants that are known more for their lovely foliage than their flowers. Use them as a focal point in your container gardens to ensure a season-long colorful display, with low maintenance.
Karrie Hontz is a Master Gardener from the Penn State Cooperative Extension of Montgomery County. She has been a Master Gardener for more than 16 years, and lectures throughout the county on various horticultural topics.

Medicare One-on-One

Thursday, June 6: Schedule a 40 minute appointment at 10:00am, 10:40am, 11:20am or 12:00pm

Discuss your Medicare questions with Donna Uhler, an APPRISE counselor. APPRISE is a program funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and other agencies designed to help Medicare beneficiaries understand their Medicare and health choice options. APPRISE counselors are sponsored and supervised by RSVP of Montgomery County. Registration required.

Social Security

Tuesday, June 11 from 6:15pm to 8:15 pm.

This informative workshop covers the basics of social security and reveals strategies for maximizing your benefits. Learn the answers to your questions:
Will social security be there for me? How much can I expect to receive?
When should I apply for social security? How can I maximize my benefits?
Will social security be enough to live on in retirement? Other information offered includes how to minimize taxes on social security benefits, how to coordinate benefits with your spouse, why you should check your earnings record for accuracy, and how to decide whether or not to delay your benefits.
This program is most beneficial to those between the ages of 58 & 67.
Presented by John J. Crowley, MBA

Cercle Francais

Every Tuesday at 10:30am until 12 noon.

This is not a formal language instruction class, but is for individuals wishing to practice and improve their French language conversation skills. Native speakers are most welcome. We need you, too! Please register and we will notify you three days prior to each weekly meeting.

Canasta

Meets every Thursday at 11:45 until 2:00 in the Main Library.

Join us each Thursday to play and learn the social and exciting game of Canasta. Newcomers and experienced players welcomed! For more information, email Barbara Loewengart.

Mahjong Club

Meets every Tuesday at 12:30pm in the Community Room.

Are you interested in playing Mahjong? You are welcome to join our Mahjong club! You will need a playing card, available for purchase ($7.00) at http://www.nationalmahjonggleague.org For more information, email Barbara Loewengart.

Crafters Club

Meets every Wednesday at 10:00 am in the upstairs Board Room.

Do you have a craft you enjoy, or are you trying to finish a project? Meet with other knitting, crochet, jewelry making and cross stitching enthusiasts. All crafts welcome. Bring your own supplies. Learn and share ideas. All are welcome! For more information, email Barbara Loewengart.