TCCL News & Events

A cozy book review is just what you need to ease into a leisurely fall afternoon. Enjoy enlightening reviews each Monday, 12:10-12:50 p.m. in Central Library’s Aaronson Auditorium, Fourth Street and Denver Avenue, during the review series, “Books Sandwiched In.”

The series begins with “The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court” by Jeffrey Toobin. Dr. Robert Spoo, professor of constitutional law at the University of Tulsa, weighs in with a look at the politics and personalities behind the men and women who adjudicate our most-compelling issues.

All Tulsa City-County Libraries are closed for Columbus Day, Oct. 12.

Oct. 19 features “Roman Jasinski: A Gypsy Prince From the Ballet Russe” by Cheryl Forrest and Georgia Snoke. Cheryl Forrest, author, and former dancer and past president of Tulsa Ballet, shares the Horatio Alger-like triumph of Roman Jasinski, founder of Tulsa Ballet. The book holds many stories and intimate glimpses into the flawed-but-fabulous people behind ballet’s glamorous façade.

James L. Swanson’s “Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer” is the feature Oct. 26. Reviewer Marilyn Newkirk, Friends of the Tulsa City-County Libraries board member, shares the wild ride assassin John Wilkes Booth led authorities on as he fled through the streets of Washington, D.C., across the swamps of Maryland and into the forests of Virginia.

Local author Connie Cronley reviews Jim Fergus’ “One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd” Nov. 2. In this fictional tale, May Dodd and a colorful assembly of pioneer women who, under the auspices of the U.S. government, travel to the western prairies in 1875 to intermarry among the Cheyenne Indians.

Nov. 9 features “Freedom for the Thought That We Hate: A Biography of the First Amendment” by Anthony Lewis. William C. Kellough, district judge, 14th Judicial District, State of Oklahoma, reviews the story of how free expression has evolved along with our nation.

“The Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell is reviewed by George Odell, professor of anthropology at the University of Tulsa, Nov. 16. This story digs deep to uncover the secrets of software billionaires, great soccer players, why Asians are good at math and what made the Beatles the greatest rock band.

Nov. 23 features Ted Vestal, professor of political science emeritus of Oklahoma State University, reviewing Jon Meacham’s “American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House.” An orphan who fought his way to the pinnacle of power, Jackson’s election in 1828 ushered in a new era in which people, not distant elites, were the guiding force in American politics.

The series concludes Nov. 30 with “A Geraldine Brooks Sampler.” Donna Farrior, Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award Selection Committee member, will introduce the works of Geraldine Brooks, winner of the Tulsa Library Trust’s 2009 Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award. Brooks will receive the award on Dec. 4 at Central Library.

The series is sponsored by the Friends of the Tulsa City-County Libraries. Coffee and sandwiched are available for purchase at the event.

For more information on Books Sandwiched In or other library programming, call the AskUs Hotline, 596-7977, or visit the library’s Web site, www.tulsalibrary.org.

The Tulsa Library Trust recently received a $3,000 grant from Target continuing its support of the family literacy project “Read to Me and I’ll Read to You,” offered by Tulsa City-County Library’s Ruth G. Hardman Adult Literacy Service.

“We are thrilled to have Target’s continued support of this project,” said Kathy Horne, family literacy specialist. “Starting at birth, children need caring adults reading aloud to them as frequently as possible so that they will be ready to read when they start school.”

Through the project, Horne conducts workshops for parents of infants through early primary years. Parents who attend a workshop receive printed information on the importance of reading to children, tips and techniques to help make reading aloud fun and educational, and new age-appropriate paperback books to take home and read aloud with their children. She offers the workshops at preschools, day cares and other organized parent groups.

This grant is part of Target’s ongoing efforts to strengthen families and communities throughout the country. Whether helping kids with reading, making art available to all or offering emergency aid during times of crisis, Target demonstrates its commitment to serving the community by giving more than $3 million a week. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs that support education, the arts, social services and volunteerism nationally and in local communities.

“At Target, our local grants are making a difference in the communities we serve,” said Laysha Ward, president, community relations, Target. “We’re proud to partner with the Tulsa City-County Library as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities where our guests and team members live and work.”

Organizations that are interested in a “Read to Me and I’ll Read to You” workshop can call Horne at 596-9124 to schedule a workshop at their location.