TCCL News & Events

Light bulbs, automobiles, sewing machines and zippers – these now commonplace items each were invented by someone who had an idea and the initiative to make life simpler. If you have an idea for a new invention, product or service, learn how to register and protect your idea at Tulsa City-County Library’s “Day of Innovation and Invention” workshop.

The library’s Research Center is offering the free two-part workshop on Thursday, Oct. 1 at Central Library, Fourth Street and Denver Avenue.

Part 1, “Preliminary Patent, Trademark and Copyright Research,” is from 10 a.m. to noon in the library’s Computer Training Room. The first step to developing your idea is to check existing intellectual property to see if what you have invented already exists. This workshop will show you how to start a preliminary patent search, locate U.S. classifications for your product area, search U.S. registered and pending trademarks, and understand U.S. copyright and how to register.

Part 2, “Protecting and Promoting Your Intellectual Property,” is from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the library’s Aaronson Auditorium. Join patent attorney Molly McKay, Tulsa City-County Library Research Wizard librarian Martha Gregory and SCORE volunteer Jim Killerlain as they share their experience and knowledge on how to best protect and promote your idea.

Preregistration is required for each session. Call 596-7977 or visit the library’s Web site at www.tulsalibrary.org to register or for more information about “Day of Innovation and Invention.”

“A drum. A drum. Macbeth doth come!” to present Tulsa City-County Library’s fifth annual Renaissance Faire.

Practice your English accent and wear your favorite flowing bodice to this free, family event Oct. 3, 1-4 p.m. at the Martin Regional Library, 2601 S. Garnett Road. Celebrate all things William Shakespeare with crafts, games, music, art, entertainment and excitement for the entire family. This program is funded and sponsored by Project Teen: The Peggy V. Helmerich Special Project Fund, with special assistance from the Tulsa Library Trust and Tulsa World.

Follow characters like Shakespeare, Puck and Queen Elizabeth in search of elusive clues. The quest involves helping “Will” find the things he needs to inspire his work – a sword, a harp, some books, and a quill and parchment. Members of the School of Stage Combat will portray Shakespeare’s characters as well as provide demonstrations of swordplay. Children and teens who complete the quest receive a “bag of precious jewels” as their reward.

Participating groups include Anderson Pipe Band; The Beadles; Boy Scouts of America; Byron T. Bear; C.J. Ceramics; Dolling Dames; Embroiderers’ Guild of Oklahoma; English Speaking Union; Garage Door Marionettes; Gypsy Fire Belly Dancing; Annette Hixenbaugh, genealogist; Andrew Horski Amber and Christmas Ornaments; Lilik and Co.; Meister’s Realm; Pete the Shriner; The School of Stage Combat; The Society for Creative Anachronism; Tulsa City-County Library Reading Roadshow; Tulsa Calligraphy Guild; Tulsa Handspinners; Tulsa Handweavers; Tulsa Recorder Consort and Tulsa Woodcarvers.

“The Renaissance Faire is a chance to do something different at the library, to see a glimpse of history up close. You literally can step into a time long past and have a conversation with literary characters,” said Karl Siewert, Renaissance Faire committee chair. “This year we have a Shakespeare theme, so we are excited about bringing in Shakespeare’s characters and having a good time with them.”

Tulsa City-County Library has an extensive Shakespeare collection. Titles range from “The Young Persons Guide to Shakespeare” to “Shakespeare After Shakespeare: An Encyclopedia of the Bard in Mass Media and Popular Culture.”

For more information on library programming, call the AskUs Hotline, 596-7977, or visit the library’s Web site, www.tuslalibrary.org.