Youngstown & Mahoning County events for the week of February 24, 2008

YOUNGSTOWN & MAHONING COUNTY

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the MRDD (Mahoning County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities) will provide a guest storyteller and refreshments on dates marked with an *.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

“Celebrity Pajama Jam: Sleepy-Time Fun for the Family.” Put on your PJs, and listen to bedtime stories read by Mrs. Smallhoover, principal of Poland Union Elementary. Poland, 7-7:30 p.m. March 31

“Celebrity Story Time With SteelHounds Players.” Meet players as they read stories and sign autographs. Austintown, 4 p.m. March 4; Boardman, 5 p.m. March 5; Canfield, 4 p.m. March 11; Poland, 4 p.m. March 12

“Come and Join the Fun.” Stories for ages 4-5. Austintown, 10 a.m. March 4, 11, 18, 25; Boardman, 1 p.m. March 5*, 12, 19; Canfield, 1:30 p.m. March 4, 11, 18, 25; Main, 10 a.m. March 6 (Program: Going “Seuss-ian”) & 20 (Program: Lions and Lambs); Poland, 1 p.m. March 4, 11, 18*, 25.

“Crafts to Go!” Make-and-take craft for all ages. East, library hours March 10-13.

“Draw Your Own Leprechaun.” What do you think a leprechaun looks like? Drop by and fill in the details for a chance to win a prize! For all ages. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Canfield, Library hours March 10-15.

“Easter Eggs-travaganza.” Try out our eggs-periment in egg-dyeing for Easter. Wear your old clothes. Grades 1-6, sign up. East, 4 p.m. March 17; South, 4:30 p.m. March 18; West, 4 p.m. March 19

“Egg Mystery.” How many chocolate eggs are in the jar? Guess correctly and win the candy! Grades K-6. Austintown, library hours March.

“Family Story Time: Seuss Spectacular.” Stories, games and a craft for all ages. Main, 7 p.m. March 11.

“Guess ’N’ Go — Do You Know?!” Guess the number of items in the jar. Closest guess wins. Poland, Library hours March 1-15; Springfield, Library hours March 1-15.

“Imagine With Us: Stories and Art at The Butler Institute of American Art.” A children’s librarian and a museum art educator will help children become master readers and create masterpieces through a story time and art activity. The program will focus on one of the museum’s major exhibits or works. Open to families of children ages 12 and younger.

The Butler, Youngstown, 1:30 p.m. March 16.

“It Came From the Nursery…” So, you think you know your nursery rhymes? Highest score on this quiz wins a prize! For all ages. East, library hours March 3-13; South, library hours March 4-14; West, library hours March 3-13.

“It’s a Royal Affair!” Be a knight in shining armor or a pretty princess at our dress-up tea party. Enjoy stories, games, a craft and snack for ages 2-11. School’s out … so come and join the merriment! Preschoolers must be accompanied by an adult. Sign up. Boardman, 10 a.m. March 26.

“Kids’ Club: Seuss on the Loose!” Stories and a craft for grades K-3. Main, 4 p.m. March 26.

“March in Like a Lion!” Stories and a craft for ages 2-5. Must be accompanied by an adult. West, 4:30 p.m. March 5.

“Pajamarama!” Stories and more for all ages. Wear your pajamas and fuzzy slippers! Must be accompanied by an adult. Austintown, 6:30 p.m. March 20.

“A Royal Tournament!” Find a princess, knight or dragon in our word-search contest for all ages. Winning entries are eligible for a prize drawing. Boardman, library hours March 1-25.

“Something Special” Stories and fun for ages 4-5. Sign up. Sebring, 10 a.m. March 13.

“St. Patrick’s Day Make-and-Take Craft Program” Make a leprechaun card. All ages. Brownlee Woods, 4-6 p.m. March 12; Campbell, 4-6 p.m. March 11; Struthers, 4-6 p.m. March 10.

“Tales to Tails” Sign up to read to a registered therapy dog, which helps develop reading skills and encourages a love of reading. Readers of all levels in grades K-6 are welcome. Each session is 20 minutes. Bring a book of your choice. Sign up is required by calling (330) 757-1852, ext. 105. Poland, 6-7:30 p.m. March 19.

“Tiger Tales: Favorite Stories and Fun!” Stories and more for all ages. Springfield, 11 a.m. March 29.

“Trim a Tree for March” Decorate an ornament for our all-seasons tree. All ages. Poland, library hours, March; Springfield, library hours, March.

“Tweens: Kids’ Choice Awards 2008” Who are your choices for the best performers of 2007? Complete our contest for a chance to win a prize. Grades 4-6. Sponsored by Friends of the Library. Main, library hours, March.

BABY BRILLIANT PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN

“Tales for Toddlers” Stories and fun for early talkers, ages 2-3. Must be accompanied by an adult. Austintown, 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. March 5, 12*, 19, 26; Boardman, 10 a.m. March 5*, 12, 19; Canfield, 10 a.m. March 4, 11, 18, 25; Poland, 10 a.m. March 4, 11, 18*, 25.

“Time for Babies and Books” Books, songs, rhymes and more. Must be accompanied by an adult. Austintown, 10 a.m. (6-23 months) March 13 & 27; Boardman, 9:30 a.m. (6-12 months) & 10:30 a.m. (13-23 months) March 6; Canfield, 10 a.m. (6-23 months) March 17; Poland, 10 a.m. (6-23 months) March 5, 12, 15, 19, 26

BABY BRILLIANT PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

“Sharing Books With Pre-Readers” Learn and practice developmentally appropriate activities to help children as they develop and expand their prereading skills. For parents, teachers and caregivers of ages 4-5. Sign up. Main, 7-9 p.m. March 12.

TEENXTREME PROGRAMS

“Teen Tech Week After-Hours Gaming Party” Like MMOGs? How about PS2 or Wii? Join us for a multiplayer gaming frenzy! Join other gamers and go head-to-head or combine forces in online or console-based games while you have the library all to yourselves! You can even bring your own Wii or multiplayer PS2 games! Snacks will be provided. Grades 7-12. Space is limited, so tell your friends and sign up today. Austintown, 6 p.m. March 7.

“Celebrity Mix ’N’ Match” What would celebrities look like when morphed together? Find out by matching the celebrities to their morphed images. You could win a prize! Grades 7-12. Sponsored by Friends of the Library. Canfield, library hours, March; Sebring, library hours, March.

“City Lights Search.” Match the cities to photos of their nighttime skylines and you could win a prize. Grades 7-12. Sponsored by Friends of Boardman Library. Boardman, library hours, March.

“Game Day” Play board games with your friends. We’ll have refreshments and prizes. Grades 7-12. Sponsored by Friends of Austintown Library. Austintown, 3 p.m. March 10.

“Guitar Hero” Don’t be a couch potato over spring break — play Guitar Hero. We’ll have snacks, too. Grades 7-12. Sign-up required. Sponsored by Friends of the Library. Main, 4 p.m. March 25.

“Guitar Lessons” At your own speed, learn the basics of playing guitar. Bring your own guitar or we’ll provide an extra. Grades 7-12. Space is limited, so sign up today. All classes at 4:30 p.m. Brownlee Woods, March 12 & 14; Campbell, March 4 & 11; Struthers, March 3 & 17.

“TAB: Teen Advisory Board” Want to meet new people? Have ideas for future teen events and programs? Need service credits? Like free snacks? Then check us out at the monthly TAB (Teen Advisory Board). We meet the first Wednesday of the month. Newcomers are always welcome. Grades 7-12. This month, come early at 5 p.m. for the SteelHounds’ visit.

Boardman, 6:30 p.m. March 5.

ADULT PROGRAMS

“Community Diversity Program Series: ‘Kabul Beauty School’ Book Discussion With Co-Author Kristin Ohlson.” Clevelander Kristin Ohlson, co-author of New York Times best-seller “Kabul Beauty School: An American Woman Goes Behind the Veil,” will discuss the book as part of the Community Diversity Program Series by the YSU Community Diversity Council. The Library is a partner in this program. To register, call (330) 744-8636, ext. 118. Boardman, 6:30 p.m. March 13.

“Friends of the Library Meetings” Friends of the Library are volunteers who give of their time and services to support the library. To join or find out more, call (330) 744-8636, ext. 118. Austintown, 10 a.m. March 17 (Program: Tea-for-Two Dolls Presentation); Boardman, 10 a.m. March 10 (Program: “Dressed Up: Medieval” by Dr. Eleanor Congdon of the Youngstown State University history department); Poland, 9:30 a.m. March 4.

“Friends of PLYMC Bookstore Author Visit” Louis N. DeToro will discuss and sign his book, “How Not to Play Golf: A Short Primer.” An avid golfer, DeToro has won a golf tournament or two, but he maintains that the sport’s most important rule is to have fun and advises readers to go out and play the game. Friends of PLYMC Bookstore, Poland, 1 p.m. March 15. The bookstore is in the lower level of the Poland Library.

“Friends of PLYMC Bookstore Book Sale” Don’t miss Friends of the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County Bookstore book sale, where everything except gifts and new books will be 50% off. Proceeds benefit all public libraries in the county. The bookstore is in the lower level of the Poland Library. Friends of PLYMC Bookstore, Poland, store hours March 14-21.

“Friends of PLYMC General Membership Meeting: Chris Barzak Discusses His Award-Winning Book” During business, officers will be elected. For the program, Youngstown State University writing instructor Chris Barzak will read excerpts from his international award-winning novel, “One for Sorrow,” and will answer questions about the book and his experiences as a writer and teacher. Poland, 7 p.m. March 26.

“Genealogy: Selected Topics” An introduction to searching military records, Ellis Island information and starting European research. It includes a presentation of new electronic genealogy resources. Registration is required; call (330) 744-8636 and press “2” at the prompt. Main, 2-4 p.m. March 1.

“Grant Center: Finding Foundation Support for Your Education.” This hourlong program covers sources of funding and what students need to know before approaching foundations for financial support. Learn how to create a personal profile to attract funders and get a review of the application process, complete with tips for successful applications. There will also be a demonstration of Foundation Grants to Individuals Online, a source that provides detailed descriptions of more than 6,000 foundation programs that support scholarships, fellowships, loans and internships. Registration is required; call (330) 744-8636 and press “2” at the prompt. Main, 6:30 p.m. March 13.

“Lunch & Learn: ‘Lincoln’s Presidency’ with Gerald A. Payn.” Noted Abraham Lincoln dramatist Gerald A. Payn of Wooster will portray America’s 16th president, highlighting the turmoil of his 1860 election, his decision to go to war the following year, and his troubles with Union generals early in the Civil War. Co-sponsored by the YSU English department and Friends of the Library. Main, noon-1 p.m. March 11.

BLOOD-PRESSURE SCREENINGS

“Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross.” Austintown, 1-3 p.m. March 19; Boardman, 12:30-3 p.m. March 3; Poland, 1-4 p.m. March 25; Struthers, 1-4 p.m. March 18.

“‘Original’ Visiting Nurse Association of Mahoning Co.” East, 2-3 p.m. March 4; Main, 10 a.m.-noon March 27; South, 2-3 p.m. March 11; West, 1-3 p.m. March 18.

FREE TAX HELP

“Tax Counseling for the Elderly.” The TCE program offers tax advice and preparation from AARP volunteers who are trained and certified by the IRS. Help is available for low-to moderate-income (not to exceed $100,000) individuals — with emphasis on those 60 and older. Call 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays to schedule appointments. Austintown, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 5, 12, 19, 26; for appointments, call (330) 799-1775. Boardman, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. March 4, 11, 18, 25; for appointments, call (330) 726-2492. Canfield, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. March 5, 12, 19, 26; for appointments, call (330) 533-8420. Struthers, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. March 4, 11, 18, 25; for appointments, call (330) 726-2492. Columbiana County Office on Aging, Salem, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27; for appointments, call (330) 332-1163. Youngstown Senior Citizen Center, Youngstown, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28; for appointments, call (330) 744-5071.

“Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.” The VITA program offers free tax advice and preparation from volunteers trained and certified by the IRS. Help is available for low-to moderate-income (generally $40,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Call to schedule appointments at the following sites: MYCAP (Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership), Youngstown, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. March 8; 5-6:30 p.m. March 4, 6, 11; call (330) 747-7921, ext. 1183. YSU Williamson College of Business Administration, Youngstown, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. March 1, 22, 29; 3-7 p.m. March 7 & 12; call (330) 941-3084.

SPECIAL EVENT

“SteelHounds Hockey Library Night.” March 14 is Library Night for Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County patrons who watch the SteelHounds hockey game against the Laredo Bucks. Show your PLYMC library card at the Chevrolet Centre’s box office and get $2 off admission (excluding Club Level and Family Section seating). Chevrolet Centre, Youngstown, 7:05 p.m. March 14.

LIBRARY CLOSINGS

All libraries will be closed March 22 & 23 for Easter.

THE MCKINLEY MEMORIAL LIBRARY

For more information or to register, call (330) 652-1704 and the extension provided.

100TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EVENT

“100 Years of Fashion.” Presentation by Noël Palomo-Lovinski, KSU assistant professor and former New York City fashion designer. Clayman Community Room in the McKinley Birthplace Home, 2 p.m. March 1. Registration is recommended but not required; ext. 212.

BOOK CLUBS

“Book Chat Book Club.” Discussion group for those 18 and older. Community room, 6:30 p.m. March 5; ext. 210.

“Romance Readers’ Book Club.” Discussion group for those 18 and older. Community room, 6:30 p.m. March 27; ext. 207.

COMPUTER CLASSES

“Beginning Word.” Free class on the basic use of Microsoft Word. Computer lab, 1-3 p.m. March 3. Sign up; ext. 212.

“Beginning Excel.” Free class on Microsoft Excel. Computer lab; 1-3 p.m. March 8. Sign up; ext. 212.

“Introduction to E-mail.” Free class on how to set up and use your personal e-mail account. Computer lab; 1-2:30 p.m. March 12. Sign up; ext. 212.

“Beginning Internet.” Free class on using the Internet. Computer lab; 6-7:30 p.m. March 17. Sign up; ext. 212.

“Basic Computers.” Free class on how to use a computer. Computer lab; 1-3 p.m. March 26. Sign up; ext. 212.

STORYTIMES

“BabyTime.” Program for children 6-24 months old and their caregivers featuring stories, fingerplays and other activities. Auditorium; 10 a.m. March 8 and 22. Sign up; ext. 214.

“ToddlerTime.” Program for children 2-3 years old and their caregivers featuring stories, fingerplays and other activities. Auditorium,10:30 a.m. March 8 and 22. Sign up; ext. 214.

“StoryTime.” Program for all ages and their caregivers featuring stories and other activities. Auditorium, 10:30 a.m. March 4, 11, 18 and 6:30 p.m. March 6, 13, 20. No sign-up required; ext. 214.

WARREN-TRUMBULL COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

“Alice in Wonderland.” The Magic Carpet Theatre, the touring division of the Oakland Center for the Arts, presents another classic. Howland, 11 a.m., March 1; Main, 2 p.m., March 1.

“Preschool Story Time.” “Back in time” themed stories and craft for ages 3-5. Lordstown, 6:15 p.m., March 3; Brookfield, 1 p.m., March 4; Cortland, 1 p.m., March 5; Liberty, 6 p.m., March 5; Howland, 10:30 a.m., March 6.

“Toddler Tales.” For ages 24-35 months. (330) 856-2011; sign up. Howland, 9:45 a.m. and 11 a.m., March 4, March 11, March 18, and March 25.

“Preschool Story Time.” “Bears Everywhere” themed story time for ages 3-5. Main Library, 1 p.m., March 4.

“Evening Story Time.” “Bears Everywhere” themed story time for ages 2-5. Main, 7 p.m., March 6.

“Baby Time.” Rhymes and songs for babies ages 6-18 months. (330) 399-8807 ext. 401; sign up. Main, 11 a.m., March 8.

“Lunch Bunch Book Discussion Group.” For ages 8-12. (330) 399-8807 ext. 401; sign up. Participants should read “Because of Winn-Dixie” by Kate DiCamillo before the program, and may bring a sack lunch. Main, 11:30 a.m., March 8.

“Books and Beyond.” For grades K-3. (330) 856-2011; sign up. Lordstown, 4:45 p.m., March 10 and March 24.

“Preschool Story Time.” “Zoo Animals” themed story time for ages 3-5. Main, 1 p.m., March 11.

“Preschool Story Time.” “Cat Capers” themed stories and craft for ages 3-5. Brookfield, 1 p.m., March 11; Cortland, 1 p.m., March 12; Liberty, 6 p.m., March 12; Howland, 10:30 a.m., March 13.

“Drop-in Craft.” Craft for grades 1-4. Howland, 5-6:30 p.m., March 13.

“Evening Story Time.” “Zoo Animals” themed story time for ages 2-5. Main, 7 p.m., March 13.

“Reading & Other Forms of Art.” For ages 5-12. Interactive family program combining reading and art in a museum setting. Trumbull Branch of the Butler Institute of American Art, 9350 East Market St., Howland, 2 p.m., March 15.

“Horton Hears a Who.” Program for ages 5-9. (330) 399-8807 ext. 401; sign up. Games and activities celebrating the Dr. Seuss classic. Main, 2 p.m., March 15.

“Preschool Story Time.” “Go Green!” themed stories and craft for ages 3-5. Lordstown, 6:15 p.m., March 17; Brookfield, 1 p.m., March 18; Howland, 10:30 a.m., March 20.

“Preschool Story Time.” “Easter Bunny Fun!” themed story time for ages 3-5. Main, 1 p.m., March 18.

“Evening Story Time.” “Easter Bunny Fun!” themed story time for ages 2-5. Main, 7 p.m., March 20.

“Preschool Story Time.” “Quackers for Books!” themed stories and craft for ages 3-5. Brookfield, 1 p.m., March 25; Cortland, 1 p.m., March 26; Liberty, 6 p.m., March 26; Howland, 10:30 a.m., March 27.

“Preschool Story Time.” “We’re Stuck!” themed story time for ages 3-5. Main, 1 p.m., March 25.

“Evening Story Time.” “We’re Stuck!” themed story time for ages 2-5. Main, 7 p.m., March 27.

“Library League.” Adventures in reading for children in grades K-4. Howland, 3:15 p.m., March 28.

“Preschool Story Time.” “Spring Frolic” themed stories and craft for ages 3-5. Lordstown, 6:15 p.m., March 31.

TEEN PROGRAMS

“Teen HTML Workshop.” For teens in grades 7-12. (330) 399-8807 ext. 400; sign up. This Teen Tech Week program will teach teens the very basics of HTML. Main, 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., March 5.

“Teen Advisory Board.” For Trumbull County Teens in grades 7-12 who have an interest in helping the library develop and promote programming and resources for teens. Main, 3 p.m., March 8.

“Spring Break Anime Club Marathon.” Opportunity for teens to view and discuss this increasingly popular format. Main, 1:30-4:30 p.m., March 25.

ADULT PROGRAMS

“Canal Boat and Tow Path Days in Trumbull County.” Program with Trumbull County historian Wendell Lauth on the nearly forgotten chapter in the transportation history of the Western Reserve — the local history of the Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal. Main, 2 p.m., March 9.

“Book Discussion.” Discussion of the book “The Lost Boy,” by David Pelzer. Main, 2 p.m., March 13.

“Finding Your Family History.” Genealogy program with speaker Vicki Blum Vigil, author of “Finding Your Family History in Northeast Ohio.” Main, 10 a.m., March 13.

“Book and Movie Discussion Series.” View the film based on Frank McCourt’s book “Angela’s Ashes,” then join in the discussion of the movie and the book that inspired it. Liberty, 1 p.m., March 22.

LIBRARY CLOSINGS

“March 23 Closing.” The Warren-Trumbull County Public Library will be closed Sunday, March 23. This includes branches in Brookfield, Cortland, Howland, Liberty, and Lordstown; Bookmobile; and Homebound services.