Beyond the Books - Mid-Continent Public Library

Let’s taLk about It :
of the
Making Sense
American
Civil War
A reading and discussion series in America’s libraries
March by Geraldine Brooks | Crossroads of Freedom: Antietam by James McPherson
America’s War: Talking About the Civil War and Emancipation on their 150th Anniversaries edited by Edward L. Ayers
Designed as a series of five conversations exploring different facets of the Civil War experience, this five-session program is informed by
reading the words written or uttered by powerful voices from the past and present. The readings are found throughout three books and
a scholarly essay. The essay, written by national project scholar Edward L. Ayers, president of the University of Richmond, will introduce the
theme and illuminate discussion. Each session, held at the Midwest Genealogy Center, will be introduced by a local project scholar and followed
by a discussion of the assigned readings. Dr. Fuller, our project scholar, is Associate Professor of English at Drury University in Springfield,
Missouri and author of From Battlefields Rising: How the Civil War Transformed American Literature. The series is funded by the National
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Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association. Please pick up a copy of each title at the Midwest Genealogy Center
so you will be prepared to discuss the readings. You will also be given a copy of the scholarly essay.
All sessions are at the Midwest Genealogy Center:
Imagining War on Sunday, March 4th, at 2 pm
Choosing Sides on Sunday, March 18th at 2 pm
Shiloh on Sunday, March 25th at 2 pm
The Shape Presented of War by on the Sunday, NAtioNAL April ENdowMENt 15th at 2 pm for thE huMANitiEs and the AMEricAN LiBrAry AssociAtioN
War and Freedom on Sunday, April 29th at 2pm
Spontaneous. Never Ordinary.
jazz Completely Genuine.
Born in America. enjoyed worldwide.
Jazz Appreciation Month
april 20
TENTH Annual Celebration
Presented by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History
and a distinguished roster of partners.
Smithsonian
National Museum of American History
Kenneth E. Behring Center
www.smithsonianjazz.org
This portrait of Mary Lou Williams was created by artist Keith Henry Brown
for Jazz Appreciation Month 10th Anniversary.
Poster ©2011 by the Smithsonian Institution. All rights reserved.
Black History
Month
African American Inventors
From Elijah McCoy to Madam CJ Walker to George Washington
Carver, the inventions of African Americans have played a large role
in American history. These fun and informative stories tell about
the obstacles the inventors faced and their determination to never
give up on their dreams. Today we benefit from their perseverance,
enjoying the inventions of the eggbeater, the automatic traffic signal,
eye surgery, a hair growing lotion, the carbon filament, peanut butter,
and many more! Come find out why these tales are called the “real
McCoy’s!” Ages 5 and up
Celebrating Black History
Black History Month is a time to celebrate the contributions
African Americans have made to our country’s culture. We will take
this opportunity to recognize the importance of Black History and
the difference black American heroes have made. Let’s make our own
craft to learn that although we may be different shapes and colors, we
are all important. Ages 7 and up
Songs of the Black Pioneers
Through this interactive and musical event, motivational storyteller
and cultural historian, Brother John, explores individuals and significant
contributions from the likes of the first African American female
to fly in space, the first explorer to the top of the world, the 44th
President of the United States, and many more. Ages 7 and up
Triumph of the Spirit: A Story
About Harriet Tubman
This performance is an authentic, heartbreakingly sincere, and
witty two-act play based on the life of Harriet Tubman. Shirley
Johnson’s portrayal of Tubman enlightens, inspires, and empowers all
at once. The audience shares in the trials and tribulations that made
Tubman a great historical figure. Ages 6 and up
Underground Railroad: The Who, What,
and Where Did It Go
Secret codes, secret symbols, secret agents, and songs! Cultural historian
Brother John shares more insight on what was going on during
this time in America’s history. Ages 8 and up
See the Family Program History Section
for Locations and Dates
KC’s Best Kept Jazz Secret: Millie Edwards
Join Mid-Continent Public Library’s Jazz Appreciation Month as
we share with you Millie Edwards, one of Kansas City’s best kept jazz
secrets! As a musician, Millie Edwards performs solo, as well as part of
The Wild Women of Kansas City. Millie Edwards will transport your
soul from its very depths to heights from which it will soar. Come and
celebrate with song! All ages
Raytown Wednesday, February 29 7:00 PM
Excelsior Springs Saturday, April 7 2:30 PM