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Programs of Interest to Adults
- Writing Workshops
- Book Clubs
- Small Communities-Big Ideas
- Computer Classes
- Games Night at the Library
- Movie and Discussion
Writing Workshops
The year will start off on a positive note with a three-part writing workshop. "The Writer's Toolkit" by author Nina Munteanu is a series of workshops based on her acclaimed writing guide, The Fiction Writer: Get Published, Write Now!
All workshop sessions are held at the Bridgewater Library. Registration is required; you do not need to attend all three sessions, but do need to register for each one that you will attend. There is a limit of 20 people per workshop. Call the Bridgewater Library at 543-9222 to register. The workshops are presented free of charge.
Nina Munteanu is an internationally published Canadian author of award-nominated novels, novellas, short stories, articles and essays. Her latest novel, Darwin's Paradox, was nominated for the Aurora Prix, Canada's top prize for science fiction, and its prequel, Angel of Chaos, is scheduled for release in early 2010. Nina regularly teaches writing at schools, colleges, writers' conferences and book clubs throughout North America and Europe. She writes for Suite 101, an international news magazine, and served as assistant editor-in-chief of Imagikon, Romania's avant-garde speculative ezine. Nina also regularly publishes critical essays and reviews in magazines. Her award-winning blog, The Alien Next Door, hosts lively discussion on science, pop culture, writing and philosophy.
Workshop 1: Getting Started ... and Finishing
Are you thinking of writing that memoir or science fiction novel but don't know how to start? Nina shares the strategies and techniques she used to write, finish and successfully publish while serving as a full-time scientist, teacher and mother. The workshop will review common misconceptions in the writing/publishing industry and provide practical strategies to help you
succeed. It is scheduled for Saturday, January 23 from 2 - 4 p.m.
Registration for this workshop is now FULL.
Workshop 2: The Art and Science of Craft
The workshop will cover several models of storytelling, and examine the
inter-relationship of plot and theme, setting and character in a book's overall story arc. Nina will explore the language of page-turning writing with examples on the use of the five senses, power verbs, use of dialogue, and other writing techniques that will transform your page into a compelling read. The workshop includes practical exercises and discussions. The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, February 6 from 2 - 4 p.m.
Registration for this workshop is now FULL.
Workshop 3: The Science and Magic of Marketing
This workshop focuses on a different but critically necessary creative process in an author's writing-publishing career: revision, marketing and promotion. Every finished work must first pass through the scrutiny of revision and editing before it is ready to market. Nina provides you with the basic essentials of revision and editing, addressing the question of how much is enough and when to stop. She provides essential instruction on how to write successful cover letters, queries and synopses (all necessary for novelists wishing to publish), how to interpret and handle rejection letters and more.
Nina also shares current markets for writing of all kinds from memoirs and non-fiction to short stories and novels (genre to literary fiction) and poetry. Scheduled date is February 13, 2010 from 2 - 4 p.m.
Registration for this workshop is now FULL.
Rural Writes
Rural Writes was designed by the Fed to offer equal opportunity
for creative growth for our members and other writers living outside the metro
Halifax area. Fiction writing with Pamela
Ditchoff
Location: Thomas H. Raddall Public Library (145 Old Bridge Street Liverpool)
Cost: $125 members/ $150 non-members (easy payment terms available)
During this eight-week class, participants will hone and polish existing work
or new work inspired by the workshop. In addition to sharing work with the class
and discussion, handouts will be given on the dynamic sources of fiction,
structure, characterization, and viewpoint. Each week, members will be given an
exercise to complete at home and bring to next class. These exercises will be
related to subjects such as theme, tone, symbol and style. Pamela Ditchoff is the author of three novels: The Mirror of
Monsters and Prodigies, Seven Days & Seven Sins, and Mrs.
Beast. Her poetry and short fiction have been published in numerous
literary magazines and anthologies. She resides in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. Registration: Register by contacting the WFNS
office at talk@writers.ns.ca or by
calling us at (902) 423-8116. Register early as space is limited and all
classes/workshops are subject to availability. Payment: All fees are due upon registration. Mail
your payment (cash, cheque or money order payable to WFNS) to WFNS, 1113
Marginal Road, Halifax, NS B3H 4P7. Do not mail cash. There are no
refunds after the first class. A non-refundable $35 administration fee
is applied to all classes. Easy Payment Terms: WFNS offers payment
installments to individuals who wish to participate in a specific class but
cannot meet the full payment prior to the first session. We are happy to offer
an arrangement of post-dated cheques, but these must be discussed and received
by the date of the first class. Insufficient Enrollment: Students will be
notified should a course be cancelled as a result of insufficient enrollment.
Registration fees will be reimbursed in full within two weeks. Class Postponement: Participants will be notified
if a class is postponed due to weather. The missed session
will be rescheduled for the first available date.Registration, Payment and Cancellation
Policy
Lunenburg Book Club
The Book Club meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm at the Lunenburg Library. All are welcome. Each month features a new selection.
- February 9 -- Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- March 9 -- The Good Soldier by Ford Madox Ford
Raddall Reading Club
The
Raddall Reading Club meets at the
Thomas H. Raddall Library in Liverpool. New members are welcome!
All meetings take place at 7pm.
- February 16 -- Galore by Michael Crummey
- March 16 -- Translations: Aistreann by Tammy Armstrong
Small Communities - Big Ideas
South Shore Public Libraries resumes its Small Communities - Big Ideas series for 2010 with "Violence against Women – An Issue in Small Communities".
Second Story Women’s Centre, along with Harbour House, the RCMP and many other organizations in the community, are beginning a campaign to create awareness about this topic. Presenters will examine the issues associated with gender-based violence and its acute impacts especially on small communities, and explore the big idea of ending violence against girls and women in Lunenburg County.
Isolation, shame and fear may impact on a woman’s self-esteem and her contributions to the community. Family life and the wellbeing of the community are affected. Lost time and productivity for victims of violence result in economic impacts for employers. As well, the increased demand placed on the services the community provides (e.g. Health Care, Emergency Services, Police Services, Mental Health Services, the Court System) is significant.
Violence against girls and women is a very real, pervasive issue in all Nova Scotian communities. In Lunenburg County, informal statistics gathered from January 2007 to June 2009 indicate almost 300 reported incidents of violence against women, and tragically, two homicides. Another, more recent report (May 2009), indicates that Nova Scotia has the highest sexual assault rate in the country.
Lunenburg Library, 19 Pelham Street
Tuesday, February 23, 7:30 pm
All welcome; call 634-8008 or email info@southshorepubliclibraries to reserve a seat.
Small Communities-Big Books
The summer book club wrapped up last fall -- watch for details of upcoming titles.
Basic Computer Skills for Seniors
This course will give participants a basic understanding of how computers work. Lesson 1 focuses on how to turn the computer on and off properly, the difference between hardware and software and some relevant computer jargon. Lesson 2 is about word processing; Lesson 3 explores the internet; and Lesson 4 offers email basics.
| Thomas H. Raddall Library |
Lunenburg Library |
Bridgewater Library |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesdays - 10am |
Mondays - 10am |
Tuesdays - 10am |
| Session #1 April 7, 14, 21 & 28 |
Session #1 February 1, 8, 15 & 22 THIS SESSION IS NOW FULL |
Session #1 February 2, 9, 16 & 23 THIS SESSION IS NOW FULL |
| Session #2 March 23 & 30, April 6 & 13 THIS SESSION IS NOW FULL |
The Computer Tutor
Call
your local branch to make an appointment. File management,
email, web cams, and software dilemmas are just a few of the topics the
Tutor can address. The Computer Tutor will try and answer your
questions and provide basic computer instruction to solve your computer
woes.
Bridgewater (call 543-9222):
The
Library is looking for a computer tutor to volunteer one or two
Thursday evenings per month at the Bridgewater Library from 5:30-8:00pm. If
you have computer skills you are interested in sharing, please contact Christina, Volunteer Coordinator, at 543-2548.
Lunenburg (call 634-8008):
Thursday evenings, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. (1/2-hour appointments).
Digital Camera Basics
This two-session course is for the true beginner. Lesson 1 will help participants become familiar with the camera and the jargon that goes along with digital cameras. Lesson 2 is designed to teach participants how to share their digital images. South Shore Public Libraries will supply the cameras, please bring your library card to the Lesson 1 so you can sign the camera out for the week.
| Thomas H. Raddall Library |
Bridgewater Library |
Lunenburg Library |
|---|---|---|
| Session #1 - Wednesdays January 20 & 27 1pm THIS SESSION IS NOW FULL |
Session #1 - Tuesdays January 19 & 26 1pm THIS SESSION IS NOW FULL |
Session #1 - Mondays February 1 & 8 1pm THIS SESSION IS NOW FULL |
| Session #2 - Wednesdays April 7 & 14 1pm |
Session #2 - Tuesdays March 2 & 9 1pm |
Session #2 - Mondays March 1 & 8 1pm |
| Limit of 6 participants, call 354-5270 to register |
Limit of 6 participants, call 543-9222 to register |
Limit of 4 participants, call 634-8008 to register |
Games Night at the Library
Drop in to the library on Thursday nights this winter for board games. Scrabble, Pictureka, Backgammon, Chess and Cranium will be available - or bring your own. Registration not required. Families, kids and adults are welcome.
- When: Thursday nights
- Time: 6:30-8pm
- Where: Bridgewater Library
- Ages: Everyone welcome!
- Register: No registration required.
Movie and Discussion
In Adopted: The Movie, Producer/Director Barb Lee and Co-Producer Nancy Kim Parsons tell the story of international adoption in America, an issue they know particularly well as Korean adoptees. The documentary reveals the complexities of transracial adoption without making judgments or telling the viewer what to think. It follows John and Jacqui, a couple from New Hampshire waiting to adopt a little girl from China and a young Korean adoptee named Jen Fero who wants to talk with her family for the first time about some of her more intimate feelings about her adoption. More information is available at www.adoptedthemovie.com.
A discussion will follow the movie.
- When: Saturday, March 27
- Time: 2pm
- Where: Bridgewater Library
- Register: No registration is required -- drop-ins welcome.