A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K Le Guin

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Calendar of Events September & October 2016

Help us launch this year’s Big Read with a Fantastic Kickoff! NEA Big Read Kickoff with Big Brothers & Big Sisters Thursday, September 1 from 5:30-7:30 PM Lobby and Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch Join the Library and Big Brothers Big Sisters in launching NEA Big Read this year! With a light dinner, make-a-map, and games we’ll celebrate the theme of awesome mentors both in A Wizard of Earthsea and in real life. Donations of board games are encouraged.

All of September and October: Big Read Bingo with great prizes, make n’ take crafts, make BIG READ posters, bookmark making & exhibit PLUS:

Helena Knitting Group Wednesdays from 1-3 PM September 7-October 26 Small Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch Join in for conversation and weave your own fiber arts spells! Patterns for crochet and knit fantasy-based ideas will be available. Bring your own supplies and experience is needed.

Bonus Round at Tuesday Trivia at Miller’s Crossing Every Tuesday in October from 7:30-9:30 PM Miller’s Crossing Bar & Grill Test your knowledge about "A Wizard of Earthsea" at Trivia at Miller's. Books provided in September, the rounds start in October at Miller’s.

Game Night Tuesdays (except September 13) from 6-8 PM Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch Play fantasy card games, learn about Dungeons & Dragons, enjoy classic board and card games with friends and family. Co-sponsored by White Knight Toys & Hobbies.

NEA Big Read Activities for All Ages

Magical Movies @ the Library: Prestige (2006) Rated PG 13 Friday, September 9 at 6:30 PM Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch Enjoy snacks and a free PG 13 movie! Call 447-1690 for more information.

Geocache Quest Saturday, September 10 starting at 11 AM Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch Enjoy a journey guided by coordinates and clues from A Wizard of Earthsea. The event will start with a tutorial in the Large Meeting Room at 11 AM. When you’ve completed your quest, return to the Small Meeting Room at the Library.

Art + Space + Time Sunday, September 11 from 1-4 PM Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch Here’s your chance to show the world how A Wizard of Earthsea affected you. Work on your masterpiece in an open space with big tables waiting for you to use! Collage and scrapbook supplies will be available. BYO other materials. Fabric art, paintings, drawings, 3D art...we welcome whatever best expresses your vision of this fantasy classic.

ComiCon @ the Holter Museum of Art Saturday, September 24 from 10 AM-2 PM Holter Museum of Art (downtown Helena and the Lewis & Clark Library for the scavenger hunt) Find your way through Helena’s downtown with a scavenger hunt between the Library and the Holter! For more information on the ComiCon, visit www.holtermuseum.org or call 442-6400.

Meeting of the Minds Society: Ursula K Le Guin on YouTube & NEABigRead.org Friday, September 30 at 10:30 AM Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch Watch & listen to audio & video about Ursula K Le Guin and discuss our NEA Big Read author. Coffee and refreshments provided.

Make Your Own Magical Book Saturday, October 1 from 1-3 PM Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch Spells & true names figure prominently in A Wizard of Earthsea. Make your own book and fill it with your own magical ideas!

Art + Space + Time Sundays, October 2, 9 & 16 from 11 AM-2 PM Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch Here’s your chance to show the world how A Wizard of Earthsea affected you. Work on your masterpiece in an open space with big tables waiting for you to use! Collage and scrapbook supplies will be available. BYO other materials. The Library will exhibit submitted artwork during the month of October. Fabric art, paintings, drawings, 3D art...we welcome whatever best expresses your vision of this fantasy classic.

Magical Movies @ the Library: Now You See Me (2013) Rated PG 13 Friday, October 14 at 6:30 PM Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch Enjoy snacks and a free PG 13 movie! Call 447-1690 for more information.

Helena Teens World Premiere Screening Sunday, October 23 at 1 PM Myrna Loy Center Watch a great short film made by Helena teens! The Roxy Film Academy from Missoula will teach teens how to make a movie. The World Premiere will be followed by a reception in the lobby.

Morning Minds Society: Book to Book Trailers to Movies Friday, October 28 at 10:30 AM Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch Watch a couple book trailers and then storyboard your own! If your life was a movie who would play you?

NEA Big Read Activities for Kids

Lego® Club Monday, September 12 from 3-4 PM Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch Build and celebrate the NEA Big Read with creative creature making fun! For grades 3-5.

Use-eum at the Holter Museum of Art Saturday, September 17 from 10:30-11:45 AM Holter Museum of Art For kids age 3-7 with an accompanying adult. Call 442-6400 to register. Get a copy of our “Little Read” book Catwings by Ursula K Le Guin. Make art relating to the book. About Catwings: Mrs. Jane Tabby can't explain why her four precious kittens were born with wings, but she's grateful that they are able to use their flying skills to soar away from the dangerous city slums where they were born. However, once the kittens escape the big city, they learn that country life can be just as difficult! Co-sponsored by the Lewis & Clark Library.

Saturday Storytime & Craft Saturday, September 24 from 10:30-11:30 AM Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch Enjoy a Saturday morning Storytime, dragon craft and coloring pages!

Fantasy Reads Book Jam Monday, September 26 from 3-4 PM Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch Like a fantasy book? Read it and come talk about it! For kids in grades 3-5.

Sunday Matinee! Pete’s Dragon (1977) Rated G Sunday, October 2 starting at 2:30 PM Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch

Canvas & Cocoa at the Holter Museum of Art Saturday, October 8 from 10 AM-12 PM At the Holter Museum of Art For ages 8 and up. Paint a picture inspired by our “Little Read” Catwings by Ursula K Le Guin. Get a free copy of the book for inspiration! Call 442-6400 to register.

Sunday Matinee! Aladdin (1992) Rated G Sunday, October 9 starting at 2:30 PM Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch

NEA Big Read Activities for Kids

Kids Fall Fest Saturday, October 15 from 10 AM-2 PM Pioneer Park behind the Library & Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch Celebrate autumn in Downtown Helena with the Kids Fall Fest, a free family-friendly event. Join Downtown Helena, Inc., the Helena Business Improvement District and many local groups and businesses as they bring you fun activities. Check out our fantasy games and crafts in the Large Meeting Room too!

Sunday Matinee! The Sword in the Stone (1963) Rated G Sunday, October 16 starting at 2:30 PM Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch

Lego® Club Monday, October 17 from 3-4 PM Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch Build a dragon and celebrate the NEA Big Read with creative creature making fun!

Saturday Storytime & Craft Saturday, October 29 from 10:30-11:30 AM Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch Library staff invite you to enjoy a Saturday morning Storytime and fun dragon craft and coloring pages!

Sunday Matinee! Hercules (1997) Rated G Sunday, October 30 at 2:30 PM Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch

Little Tykes Trick or Treat Monday, October 31 from 11 AM-4 PM Dress up in your favorite costumes and join Downtown Helena, Inc. and the Helena Business Improvement District for the Little Tykes Trick or Treat on Halloween throughout Downtown Helena. Local daycare centers, pre-schools, kindergartens, families and friends are invited to bring their kids, 5th grade and younger, downtown for an exciting afternoon of trick or treating along the most historic mile in Montana.

NEA Big Read Activities for Teens in Helena

Fantastic Book Tasting Wednesday, September 28, 7-8 PM Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch Does the sheer variety of bookish fantasy overwhelm you? Are you a die-hard fantasy reader looking to branch out? Find something for everyone at our Book Tasting. You'll sample some delicious reads from across the fantasy genre while nibbling tasty snacks from some of the most popular fantastic worlds.

First Saturday Movie Night (for teens only) Saturday, October 1 from 7-9:30 PM Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch Games, Tales from Earthsea and snacks. For teens in grades 6-12. Call 447-1690 for more information.

Teen Book Group discusses A Wizard of Earthsea Tuesday, October 4 at 6:30 PM Mezzanine Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch Teens in grades 6-12. Read and talk about Ged and his quest in Earthsea.

Teen Book Discussion & Climb Wednesday, October 5 at 6:30 PM At Stonetree Climbing Center Check out Stonetree and talk about A Wizard of Earthsea. Free climbing afterwards. Call 447-1690 ext 132 to sign up and for more information.

2nd Annual Fandom Tea Party October 28 from 7-8:30 PM Geek out and get your Ged on! Come dressed as your favorite character from your favorite fandom. food, games, and prizes. We'll also create fantastic works. For teens in grades 6-12.

NEA Big Read Lectures

Young Adult Literature Panel Discussion Tuesday, September 13 at 7 PM Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch Teen services Librarian Heather Dickerson will lead a panel discussion highlighting the role stories play in the lives of teen readers. We will hear from teen readers, teachers, and librarians with opportunities for audience questions.

Lewis & Clark Library Foundation After-Hours Reception Friday, October 7 from 6:15-7:30 PM Mezzanine, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch The Lewis & Clark Library Foundation invites the public to a reception with a no-host bar and light refreshments celebrating the NEA Big Read. Then stimulate your mind with a fascinating talk with Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Michael Dirda as he discusses one of the most beloved works of modern American literature, A Wizard of Earthsea.

Keynote Speaker Michael Dirda Friday, October 7 at 7:30 PM Mezzanine, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch In this Big Read presentation, “Embracing The Dark Side: An Introduction to Ursula K. Le Guin's Classic Fantasy, A Wizard of Earthsea”, Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Michael Dirda will discuss one of the most beloved works of modern American literature, situating Ursula K. Le Guin's A Wizard of Earthsea in the history of 20th-century fantasy, laying out its major themes, and touching on the book's sequels and influence. A discussion period will follow the talk, and Mr. Dirda encourages questions and comments from the audience.

NEA Big Read Lectures

Naturopathy with Dr Liz Cavin Wednesday, October 19 at 6:30 PM Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch In A Wizard of Earthsea, Ged learns about herbal magic. Now it’s your turn to learn about the power of herbs and naturopathic medicine with Dr Liz Cavin with a lecture and hands on activity. Dr Cavin obtained her doctorate medical degree from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) in 2006. She studied botanical medicine with Dr. Tiearona LowDog, MD and Paul Bergner master herbalist.

Taoist philosophy with Dr Eric Hall Thursday, October 20 at 7 PM Large Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch "A Wizard of Earthsea is full of Taoist imagery. The whole idea of a vital balance which is never still, which is not at rest. The wise wizards are working for a kind of balance. Young Ged gets out of balance. He's got to fix it or else it'll kill him." -Ursula K Le Guin. Carroll College's Dr Eric Hall will introduce Taoist philosophy as it relates to other ancient Chinese philosophies and its relevance to our lives.

“Montana Place Names from Alzada to Zortman” with Brian Shovers Thursday, October 27 at 6:30 PM At Montana Historical Society Experience the power of naming something as well as discovering the names of already-named-before-you-got-there places just like Ged in "The Wizard of Earthsea." Brian Shovers, co-author of "Montana Place Names from Alzada to Zortman" will talk about the book and the fascinating process of naming everything from streets to buttes to towns.

NEA Big Read Writers Workshop

World Building Writing Workshop Saturday, October 8 from 10 AM-3 PM Helena College Taught by Brian Buckbee, co-founder of the 406 Writers’ Workshop and English Instructor at University of Montana. This workshop will explore how fiction writers of any genre--from literary to science fiction--can use fantastical elements to get readers to escape our world, question our world and see our world. Registration required. Call 447-1690 to sign up. Co- Sponsored by the Lewis & Clark Library.

NEA Big Read Book Discussions

Book Discussion about Education in A Wizard of Earthsea Tuesday, September 20 at 10 AM Small Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch “Education is a central issue…Ged gets one type of education from the wizard Ogion and another from the wizard school (Roke), and then Ged gets another sort of education from hunting down his shadow. We might say that one of the most important elements of Ged's education is that it teaches him his place in the universe, and the consequences of his choices.” (from www.schmoop.com) Let’s talk about it!

Book Discussion about the Misuse of Power in A Wizard of Earthsea Wednesday, September 28 at 12 PM At Helena College Explore this hot topic (it’s an election year!) as it relates to the fantastic realm of this story.

Book Discussion on Favorite Coming-of-Age Stories, including A Wizard of Earthsea September 29 at 12 PM At the Capitol, room 137 Bring a lunch and share your favorite coming-of-age novel or movie and why you remember it so vividly.

NEA Big Read Book Discussions

Book Discussion about the characters in A Wizard of Earthsea Saturday, October 1 at 11 AM Small Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch Who are your favorite characters? Who could have been better? Who was the worst? Why? Come share your opinions and ideas!

Book Discussion on the Theme of Pride & Hubris in A Wizard of Earthsea Wednesday, October 5 at 12 PM At First Interstate Bank at the end of Broadway by the Hospital Why does “pride go before a fall”? Explore the landscape between pride and humility. Bring your own lunch. Co-sponsored by the Lewis & Clark Library and First Interstate Bank.

Conquering Our Dragons Book Discussion of A Wizard of Earthsea Thursday, October 13 at 3 PM HUB Coffee Consider the feats of courage you’ve survived and thrived with and share them with others! Let’s talk about how the fantasy genre offers ways to mentally and emotionally explore fears and uncomfortable topics which then may give us bravery to challenge them in real life.

Architecture in A Wizard of Earthsea Monday, October 17 at 12 PM Original Governor’s Mansion Building is a huge theme in fantasy. Worlds, species, characters, houses and castles…it’s all up for grabs! Come talk about the architecture of a good story. Bring your own lunch and come around to the back door that leads to the basement.

Book Discussion on the Supernatural in A Wizard of Earthsea Monday, October 17 at 6 PM Small Meeting Room, Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch Wizards and spells and shadows oh my! Talk about your take on the supernatural in A Wizard of Earthsea.

Book Discussion at Triple Divide Spirits Monday, October 24 at 6:30 PM Triple Divide Spirits Discuss your favorite mixes of adult beverages and the wizarding medicinals of Earthsea. Must be 21. Free and open to the public.

“Finding Your Power” Book Discussion at the Holter Museum of Art Tuesday, October 25 at 7 PM Explore ways to find your own power in real life and compare it to Ged’s experiences in A Wizard of Earthsea.

Book Discussion on the Power of Names & Naming People, Places and Things Thursday, October 27 at 5 PM At Montana Historical Society One of the most powerful experiences in A Wizard of Earthsea is the power of learning the true names of things. Once you learn a thing’s true name, you have power over it. Explore this theme as it plays out in the fantasy genre and then stay for the lecture “Montana Place Names from Alzada to Zortman” with Brian Shovers at 6:30 PM.

NEA Big Read Events at the Lewis & Clark Library Branches

Lincoln: Call 406-362-4300 for more information.

Lincoln Branch discusses A Wizard of Earthsea Tuesday, October 11 at 7 PM Lewis & Clark Library Lincoln Branch Call 406-362-4300 for more information.

Augusta: Call 406-562-3348 for more information.

Make Dragon Eyes and Write in Runes Wednesday, October 5 at 4 PM Lewis & Clark Library Augusta Branch For the after-school kids program. Call 406-562-3348 for more information.

Book Discussion at the Augusta Branch Library Tuesday, October 25 at 5 PM Lewis & Clark Library Augusta Branch

Make Dragon Eyes & Write in Runes in Augusta Wednesday, October 12 at 6 PM Lewis & Clark Library Augusta Branch Craft a dragon's eye and learn your true name in runes at the Augusta Branch of the Lewis & Clark Library. Call 406-562-3348 for more information. October 12 event for teens.

East Helena: Call 227-5750 for more information.

East Helena Branch Reading Circle discusses A Wizard of Earthsea Friday, October 21 at 2 PM Lewis & Clark Library East Helena Branch Call 227-5750 for more information.

East Helena Events for Teens: NEA Big Read Kickoff Movie in East Helena Thursday, September 1 from 3:45 PM-5 PM Lewis & Clark Library East Helena Branch Launch this year’s Big Read with a free movie for teens! Call 227- 5750 for details.

Make Edible Wands Thursday, September 8 from 3:45-5 PM Lewis & Clark Library East Helena Branch For teens only. Call 227-5750 for more information.

Teens Make Parchment Paper Thursday, September 15 from 3:45-5 PM Lewis & Clark Library East Helena Branch Create your own parchment paper to be used later this month! The paper stays at the library to dry. Call 227-5750 for details.

Write with Runes on Parchment Paper Thursday, September 22 from 3:45-5 PM Lewis & Clark Library East Helena Branch For teens only! Call 227-5750 for more information.

East Helena Branch Teen Book Group discusses A Wizard of Earthsea Thursday, September 29 at 3:45 PM Lewis & Clark Library East Helena Branch Teens in grades 6-12. Read and talk about Ged and his quest in Earthsea. Call 227-5750 for more information.

Wizard Gaming Day Thursday, October 6 from 3:45-5 PM Lewis & Clark Library East Helena Branch For teens only. Call 227-575 for details.

Make Dragon Eyes Thursday, October 13 from 3:45-5 PM Lewis & Clark Library East Helena Branch For teens only! Call 227-5750 for more information.

Make Ming China Plates Thursday, October 20 from 3:45-5 PM Lewis & Clark Library East Helena Branch For teens only. Call 227-5750 for more information.

Make a Dragon Paper Mask Thursday, October 27 from 3:45-5 PM Lewis & Clark Library East Helena Branch For teens only. Call 227-5750 for more information.

NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.