Adult Programs

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Central Library 434.979.7151 ext 4 | central@jmrl.org

Brown Baggers Book Group

On the third Thursday of the month bring your lunch and discuss fiction and non-fiction books. Library staff will provide value-added content and lead the discussion. Drinks and desserts will be provided. Sign up to be added to the email list. (RSS for Events)

Want to see what we've already read? Try Searching the calendar. Wiki discussion

Brown Baggers Book Group

PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN by Simon Winchester

September 16, 2010
12:00 pm

Describes how more than ten thousand definitions were submitted for the first Oxford English Dictionary from Dr. W. C. Minor, an American Civil War criminal whose life of genius and insanity make this true story both fascinating and unique. Check the Catalogbullet

Brown Baggers Book Group

FRANKENSTEIN by Mary Shelley

October 14, 2010
12:00 pm

A monster assembled by a scientist from parts of dead bodies develops a mind of his own as he learns to loathe himself and hate his creator.
Check the Catalogbullet

Future Readings:

Documentary Film Series

The fourth Thursday of the month, (except Dec) come view and discuss documentary films on current issues. Light refreshments will be provided. Sign up to be added to the film email list. (RSS for Events)

Documentary Film Series

MovieAMERICAN GYPSY directed by Jasmine Dellal (1999)

September 23, 2010
7:00 pm

America is home to one million Gypsies, or Rom, whose rich culture has long been mysterious to outsiders. A flamboyant Romani leader invites us into this world when it comes under threat. In a quest to defend his honor, he leads us through the history of his people to Civil Rights courts, Vegas casinos and beyond. The Olivarez Trio will be performing 5:30-7pm before the film.

Documentary Film Series

MovieTHE CHILDREN OF CHABANNES directed by Lisa Gossels & Dean Wetherell (1999)

October 28, 2010
7:00 pm

A magical World War II tale of resilience and love, this film reveals the previously untold story of how the people in a tiny village in unoccupied France chose action over indifference to save the lives of 400 Jewish refugee children. Returning to the forgotten corner of France with her father and uncle (two of the saved children), filmmaker Lisa Gossels and co-director Dean Wetherell movingly recreated the joys and fears of daily life in Chabannes during the war.

Documentary Film Series

MovieRIDING THE RAILS directed by Lexie Lovell and Michael Uys

November 18, 2010
7:00 pm

During the Great Depression, 4 million Americans took to the road, searching for food and shelter - 250,000 were children, many of them teenagers whose families could no longer provide for them. Included areinterviews with former teenage transients 60 years later. A PBS film.

JMRL Board Meeting

September 27, 2010
1:00 pm

The Board of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library meets the 4th Monday of every month. The location is usually at the Central Library--but the agenda will show if the meeting is at a different location.

Crozet Library 434.823.4050 | crozet@jmrl.org

Crozet Soiree

Friendly evenings of informal conversations with guest speakers representing the arts, culture, businesses and interests of our community.

Crozet Soiree

MARTHA BOGLE: Superintendent, Shenandoah National Park

September 23, 2010
7:00 pm

soireeShenandoah National Park is celebrating its 75th Anniversary. Ms. Bogle will share stories of, and plans for, this historic and natural treasure. Ms. Bogle’s government work experience spans 30 years at twelve National Park Service sites and one National Wildlife Refuge. She has been superintendent of the Shenandoah National Park since 2008.

Crozet Soiree

soireeJODY KIELBASA: Director, Virginia Film Festival

October 21, 2010
7:00 pm

Get ready for the Virginia Film Festival with stories of the stars, films and activities that make up this educational and cultural event. Mr. Kielbasa will give us a "behind-the-scenes" advance preview of this year's fun and tell us tales of festivals past.

Crozet Soiree

SAM ABELL: My Life in Books

November 10, 2010
7:00 pm

soiree"For 40 yrs. I have been a professional photographer, primarily for National Geographic. But my real passion for photography and for books began in high school, when I was named editor & photographer for the school yearbook. Since then, there has never been a time when there hasn't been a book in my life. In words and photographs I will tell about working with writers, designers and publishers on the path to making more than a dozen books. I'll also give a first-time preview of the books I'm working on now."

Monday Evening Book Club

Meets monthly (Sept - July) on the 1st Monday of each month 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Please drop in and join us!

Want to see what we've already read? Try Searching the calendar.

Monday Evening Book Club

MIDDLEMARCHMIDDLEMARCH by George Eliot

September 13, 2010
7:00 pm

In nineteenth-century England, Dorthea Brooke's wishes to defy social conventions are inhibited by the strict nature of her surroundings.
Check the Catalogbullet

Monday Evening Book Club

LET THE GREAT WORLD SPINLET THE GREAT WORLD SPIN by Colum McCann

October 04, 2010
7:00 pm

In 1974 Manhattan, a radical young Irish monk struggles with personal demons while making his home among Bronx prostitutes, a group of mothers shares grief over their lost Vietnam soldier sons, and a young grandmother attempts to prove her worth. Check the Catalogbullet

Monday Evening Book Club

marchMARCH by Geraldine Brooks

November 01, 2010
7:00 pm

In a story inspired by the father character in "Little Women" and drawn from the journals and letters of Louisa May Alcott's father, a man leaves behind his family to serve in the Civil War and finds his beliefs challenged by his experiences. Check the catalog bullet

Future Readings:

Gordon Avenue Library 434.296.5544 | gordon@jmrl.org

Caffeinated Book Swap

September 20, 2010
7:00 pm

Declutter your shelves, find great new reads. Bring in gently used books you'd like to trade for books that are new to you. You'll also have the opportunity to meet new faces and get great reading recommendations. Coffee and snacks will be provided to keep up your energy as you swap till you drop. All un-traded books will be donated to the Friends of the Library for their fall book sale.
Registration is requested and begins September 1st.

Grown-up Game Night

October 25, 2010
7:00 pm

Come unplug and meet your neighbors. The library will have great board and card
games on hand for casual play, classic ones and new finds. Bring a game to share or come find a new favorite. Refreshments will be served.
Registration is requested; drop-ins welcome.

Job Seeker Services

VECSPONSORED BY THE VIRGINIA EMPLOYMENT COMMISSION

September 07, 2010
1:00 pm

First Tuesday of each month: no appointments necessary.
Walk-ins welcome: 1pm - 3pm
SERVICES PROVIDED:

  • Career Exploration
  • Job Search Assistance
  • Resume Writing Assistance
  • Interviewing Skills
  • Job Skills Development
  • Other Work/Career Related Services

Literary Masterpiece Book Group

Meets at 10am on the first and third Fridays of each month to discuss literary classics. The group meets from September to May. For further information, call Tod Oliver (434) 296-4041.

Want to see what we've already read? Try Searching the calendar.

Literary Masterpiece Book Group

MIDDLEMARCHMIDDLEMARCH by George Eliot

September 03, 2010
10:00 am

In nineteenth-century England, Dorthea Brooke's wishes to defy social conventions are inhibited by the strict nature of her surroundings.
Check the Catalogbullet

Literary Masterpiece Book Group

For Esme - with Love and Squalor (in NINE STORIES) by J.D. Salinger

September 17, 2010
10:00 am

An Army sergeant's (referred to only as Sergeant X) recollection of a meeting he had with a young girl, Esmé, before he was sent into combat. His strange but loving relationship with Esmé helps him to endure the squalor of war. Check the Catalogbullet

Literary Masterpiece Book Group

TESS OF DURBERVILLESTESS OF THE D'URBERVILLES by Thomas Hardy

October 01, 2010
10:00 am

Story of the rape, excruciating suffering, and execution of a beautiful village maid--as passionate in condemnation of the forces that persecute her as in depiction of the strange beauty that accompanies her agonies.
Check the Catalogbullet

Literary Masterpiece Book Group

CANDIDA by George Bernard Shaw

October 15, 2010
10:00 am

A woman is caught between her comfortable marriage and her young poet lover. As her 'own woman,' she needs to choose who she will be with. In a collection of plays by the author. Check the Catalogbullet

Literary Masterpiece Book Group

PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAYTHE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY by Oscar Wilde

November 05, 2010
10:00 am

After having his portrait painted, Dorian Gray is captivated by his own beauty. Wishing to stay young forever, he pledges his very soul to keep his good looks. As Dorian's slide into crime and cruelty progresses, he stays magically youthful, while his beautiful portrait changes, revealing the hideous corruption of moral decay. Check the Catalogbullet

Future Readings:

Live Poets Society

The Live Poets Society meets the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. Come and share original poetry, or just listen.

Notions: a handcraft group

Sept 16, Oct 7 & 21, Nov 4, Dec 2 & 16
4-5:30pm
If you're crafty, this is the group for you. Share your passion and learn new techniques. Chat, snack, and meet your neighbors as we knit, stitch, bead, and sew. Bring any project you're working on, or come just to be inspired.
Registration requested and is ongoing. Drop-ins are also welcome.

Wednesday Night Book Group

This group meets at 7:30 pm, the second Wednesday of each month to share insights on a variety of classic and contemporary fiction.

Want to see what we've already read? Try Searching the calendar.

Wednesday Night Book Group

FAIR AND TENDER LADIESFAIR AND TENDER LADIES by Lee Smith

September 08, 2010
7:30 pm

A series of letters, written to family and friends, reveals the life and times of Ivy Rowe, as she grows from girlhood to old age, finds love, dreams great visions, and raises a family. A remarkable portrait of a time, a place, and a person. Check the Catalogbullet

Wednesday Night Book Group

HEART IS A LONELY HUNTERTHE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER by Carson McCullers

October 13, 2010
7:30 pm

With the publication of this first novel, Carson McCullers became a literary sensation. A quiet, sensitive girl searches for beauty in a small, but damned Southern town. With its profound sense of moral isolation and its compassionate glimpses into its characters' inner lives, the novel is considered McCullers' finest work. Check the Catalogbullet

Greene County Library 434.985.5227 | greene@jmrl.org

Friday Film Series

This series, which is on the 2nd Friday of the month, is a mix of independent, documentary, and major studio films. Some films have a discussion and speaker afterwards, but all films nights include free coffee and dessert! Come on out - join your friends and neighbors for great thought provoking films on the BIG SCREEN. This FREE series is funded by the Friends of the Greene County Library and the Friends of Jefferson-Madison Regional Library.

Friday Film Series

Free film about Nelson Mandela and the South African Rugby team.

September 10, 2010
7:00 pm

These films are shown through a movie license that does not allow the titles to be publicized. Call the library for specific title information. 985-5227

Friday Film Series

Free film about the Geisha culture in Japan before and after WWII.

October 08, 2010
7:00 pm

These films are shown through a movie license that does not allow the titles to be publicized. Call the library for specific title information. 985-5227

Job Seeker Services

VEC SPONSORED BY THE VIRGINIA EMPLOYMENT COMMISSION

September 02, 2010
12:30 pm

Thursdays: no appointments necessary. Walk-ins welcome. (12:30pm - 4:30pm)
SERVICES PROVIDED:

  • Career Exploration
  • Job Search Assistance
  • Resume Writing Assistance
  • Interviewing Skills
  • Job Skills Development
  • Other Work/Career Related Services

Thursday Night Book Discussion Group

Meets at 7pm on the first Thursday of each month to discuss interesting books chosen by members.

Want to see what we've already read? Try Searching the calendar.

Thursday Night Book Discussion Group

A GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF EAST AFRICA by Nicholas Drayson

September 02, 2010
7:00 pm

Working up the nerve to invite Rose Mbikwa to the Nairobi Hunt Club Ball, Mr. Malik, a reserved, honorable widower, is suddenly confronted by the return of his school nemesis, the flashy Harry Kahn, who also sets his sights on Rose. Check the catalog bullet

Thursday Night Book Discussion Group

THE SOUND AND THE FURY by William Faulkner

October 07, 2010
7:00 pm

First published in 1929, Faulkner created his "heart's darling," the beautiful and tragic Caddy Compson, whose story Faulkner told through separate monologues by her three brothers--the idiot Benjy, the neurotic suicidal Quentin and the monstrous Jason. Check the catalog bullet

Future Readings:

Nelson Memorial Library 434.263.5904 | nelson@jmrl.org

Brown Bag Book Club

Fourth Monday of each month (with some exceptions) from 12:00 to 2 pm. Like to Read? Like to Talk? Join us at our Book Club Group! Call the library at 263-5904 for more information.

Want to see what we've already read? Try Searching the calendar.

Brown Bag Book Club

WHEN MADELINE WAS YOUNGWHEN MADELINE WAS YOUNG by Jane Hamilton

September 27, 2010
12:00 pm

After being left brain damaged, with the mind of a seven year old, following a bicycle accident, Madeline, Aaron Maciver's beautiful young wife, is cared for by Aaron and his second wife along with two children of their own, in an insightful novel, narrated by Aaron's son Mac, that follows the Maciver family through four decades. Check the Catalog arrow

Brown Bag Book Club

LARK AND TERMITELARK AND TERMITE by Jayne Anne Phillips

October 25, 2010
12:00 pm

Set against the backdrop of the Korean War in the 1950s, a multi-layered novel about family, the power of loss and love, the repercussions of war, old secrets, and the bonds that unite and sustain personal relationships focuses on a single family. Check the Catalog arrow

Northside Library 434.973.7893 | northside@jmrl.org

@ Your Library: Basic Bookmaking

December 01, 2010
6:30 pm

Registration begins Nov 10. Class size is limited.
Gordon Avenue Branch Manager Meredith Dickens will introduce you to techniques to start making your own books and pamphlets. You will make several book structures that you can use for gifts, journals, or art projects. No experience necessary.

@ Your Library: Inedible Jewelry

November 29, 2010
6:00 pm

Registration begins on Nov 15. Class size is limited.
Jessica Partain returns to show us how to make tiny pie charms during this multi-generational workshop. To see Jessica's work visit www.inediblejewelry.com

@ Your Library: Look What I Did With A Leaf

November 03, 2010
6:30 pm

Registration begins Oct 13. Class size is limited.
Using dried leaves, crafter Nancy Campbell will teach you how to combine them to make pictures of creatures, large and small, or whatever your imagination can dream up.

Books Made into Movies

Movies are based on the following books:

  • Invictus - Sept 25
  • Julie and Julia - Oct 16
  • The Other Boleyn Girl - Nov 6

Books Sandwiched In

Third Fridays (lunchtime 12-1 pm) Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, this is a series of presentations of books reviewed by noted local people. Why not bring a sandwich and join us? All programs are free and open to the public. For more information about the books and their reviewers, call 973-7893.

Meets January-May and September-November.

Want to see what we've already read? Try Searching the calendar.

Books Sandwiched In

TOO BIG TO FAILTOO BIG TO FAIL: the inside story of how Wall Street and Washington fought to save the financial system from crisis--and themselves by Andrew Ross Sorkin

September 17, 2010
12:00 pm

An award-winning New York Times reporter presents a moment-by-moment account of the recent financial collapse that documents state efforts to prevent an economic disaster, offering insight into the pivotal consequences of decisions made throughout the past decade. Reviewed by Laurence G. Taff, systems technologist in the finance industry for 12 years. Check the Catalog arrow

Books Sandwiched In

LAST FOUNDING FATHERTHE LAST FOUNDING FATHER: James Monroe and a nation's call to greatness by Harlow Giles Unger.

October 15, 2010
12:00 pm

Recounts the life of the fifth president from his fierce participation in critical Revolutionary War battles through his political contributions, documenting his efforts toward securing the nation's durability and his mentorship under the first four presidents. Reviewed by Daniel Preston, Editor of The Papers of James Monroe, Univ of Mary Washington. Check the Catalog arrow

Books Sandwiched In

THE MONUMENTS MENTHE MONUMENTS MEN: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History by Robert M. Edsel

November 19, 2010
12:00 pm

The previously untold story of a little-known WWII Allied division whose mission was to track down European art and treasures that had been looted by the Nazis at Hitler's command. Reviewed by Lawrence O. Goedde, Professor of Art History, McIntire Department of Art, UVA. Check the Catalog arrow

Books Sandwiched In

WOMAN BEHIND THE NEW DEALTHE WOMAN BEHIND THE NEW DEAL: The Life of Frances Perkins, FDR's Secretary of Labor and His Moral Conscience by Kirstin Downey

January 21, 2011
12:00 pm

Presents a portrait of the first female cabinet member and one of the most influential women of the twentieth century, whose efforts to improve the lives of America's working people resulted in such initiatives as unemployment insurance and Social Security. Reviewed by Laura Kolar, PhD Candidate, UVA Dept of History. Check the Catalog arrow

Family Night at the Movies

Bring a blanket and pillows and join us for family friendly movies based on books. Popcorn and drinks provided. For all ages. 6:30pm

  • Disney movie based on the French folktale "Beauty and the Beast": Sept 1
  • Disney movie based on Margery Sharp's novel "The Rescuers": Oct 6
  • Movie based on Chris Van Allsburg's story about a train ride to the North Pole: Dec 29

Wednesday Night Book Group

This group meets the third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Please stop in and join us.

Want to see what we've already read? Try Searching the calendar.

Wednesday Night Book Group

FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLSFOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS by Ernest Hemingway

September 15, 2010
7:00 pm

Drawing on his involvement in the Spanish Civil War, the Nobel prize-winning author's masterpiece of time and place tells the story of Robert Jordan, an American fighting in Spain, and his suicidal stand for his beliefs. Check the Catalogbullet

Wednesday Night Book Group

INFIDELINFIDEL by Ayaan Hirsi Ali

October 20, 2010
7:00 pm

The author recounts the story of her life, from her traditional Muslim childhood in Somalia and escape from a forced marriage to her efforts to promote women's rights while surviving numerous threats to her safety. Check the Catalogbullet

Future Readings: