Computer classes: Free at the Derby Library

DERBY — The Derby Public Library continues to offer free monthly walk-in basic computer classes.  They are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. and the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.  This introductory class, taught by library staff, covers computer hardware, Windows, basic word processing and Internet searching. 
The class is 90 minutes long.  No reservations are accepted and there is a seven-seat limit per class.  October class dates are at 10 a.m. Oct. 16  and  6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17 a.m. For more information, stop by the library at 313 Elizabeth St. or call 736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org. 

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.

Talking books in New Haven

NEW HAVEN - The Elm Street Book Group's selection for its March 17 session is "The Art of Racing in the Rain," by Garth Stein.
The group meets at 6 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St.
Stein's award-winning book is "a moving story told by a dog with great human potential," organizers said in a statement. It is a bestseller. Millie Grenough, author of "Oasis in the Overwhelm," will facilitate the discussion.
The public is always welcome and copies of the book are available at the library. Those who register for the discussion will receive a complimentary coffee or tea from Blue State Coffee, Wall St., New Haven.
There is no charge to participate, and free parking is available. Register at www.artofracing.eventbrite.com or call 203-946-8835.

Stretch out at the New Haven Public Library

Let your inner animal out

NEW HAVEN - Just in time for tax day (that's April 15, in case you forgot)a therapeutic session of Tai Chi will be held at the the New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St.
Instructor Kathleen Brenner, shown, returns with her "popular series of six classes designed to provide beginners with the skills to practice on their own," the library said in a statement.
The class will meet 5:30-6:30 p.m., Thursdays, from April 15 through May 20.
Brenner will lead the class through a 10form set of Yang style tai chi, derived from the form practiced in parks and sidewalks worldwide, the statement said.
No previous experience is required, just wear comfortable clothing, it said.
A $10 series contribution will be collected at the first class. Registration is required at www.taichispring10.eventbrite.com.
Free parking is available, and the class will meet on the library terrace overlooking the New Haven Green. Indoor space is available in case of incelement weather, the statement said.

Look what the Mayo Clinic has to say about Tai Chi. It says "there are more than 100 possible movements and positions with Tai Chi, many of which are named for animals or nature."

P.S. Debbie Kahan offers Library Yoga 1 to 2 p.m., Wednesdays, Feb. 10-Mar. 24, library. Classes are suitable for all levels and include basic poses and meditation, organizers said. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat. No previous yoga experience is required. A $5 donation will be collected for each class. Information at www.libraryyoga2.eventbrite.com or 203-946-8835.

You still can't sivilize him: Huck Finn at the library

"What's the use you learning to do right, when it's troublesome to do right and ain't no trouble to do wrong, and the wages is just the same?"

NEW HAVEN - Craig Hotchkiss, education program manager for the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, will present Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: An American Story, from 6 to 7 p.m. April 14 at New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St.
Hotchkiss will examine the history of race relations in America and the role that Mark Twain's book has played over the years, library officials said in release.
Although race is only one of the themes explored in this classic American novel, Huck Finn was controversial almost immediately upon publication in 1884, for its earthy (sometimes offensive) language and depiction of racial stereotypes, the release said.
Slavery had been abolished, but there was a great deal of discussion about the "staus" of freedmen, especially during the Jim Crow era when the book first came out, the release said.
Huck Finn is still one of the most challenged books in the United States, including in New Haven, where it was removed from the 8th grade curriculum in 1995, the release said.
The library presents this discussion to mark National Library Week (April 11-17). There is no charge and free parking is available. For more information, visit www.huckfinn.eventbrite.com or call 203-946-8835.

Editor's note: this information and photo was wholly provided by the New Haven Free Public Library.