From cows to Tai-Chi to Buster Keaton

A month of activities at the Hamline Midway Library will help open your eyes to the world around us

The librarians at the Hamline Midway Library are working hard in October and early November to bring library patrons an amazing array of activities and cultural experiences, including a front-lawn petting zoo, improv after hours, a theater performance, and a silent movie matinee with live musical accompaniment.

The Wednesdays @ 1:00 series continues throughout the fall. Wed., Oct. 15, 1-3pm, Harriet Mednick presents “Herbs and Spices: Aromatic Stories and Secrets.” Mednick continues the food theme with “Take Your Dose of Chocolate” on Oct. 22, 1-3pm, sharing how chocolate has been used medicinally throughout history.

On Wed., Oct. 29, 1-3pm, Tom Fitzpatrick presents “Effectively Reading Aloud with Children.” Each participant will receive a free picture book to share with the children in their lives.

Hamline Midway Library fans should mark their calendars for Wed., Nov. 5, 1-3pm, when Steve Bailey of the Hamline History Corps will present “The Evolution of the Hamline Midway Library,” unearthing fascinating bits of history from the library.

Wed., Nov. 12, 1-3pm, the focus is on mind-body well-being as Bruce Tyler presents “Tai-Chi: A Healthful Regimen of Gentle Movement.” Participants will have an opportunity to try out a few warm-up movements, simple breathing exercises, and Tai-Chi postures.

Toddler and Preschool Storytime happens Fridays from 10:30-11am and is offered Oct. 10, 17, 24, and 31 and Nov. 7 and 14.

Fri., Oct. 10, 17, and 24, the library stays open for special evening hours from 7-9pm for an improv performance by the Playground Players and special guests.

Fri., Oct. 17, 2-3:30pm, the library will feature a silent movie matinee of two Buster Keaton comedies, “Neighbors” and “One Week.” These short, hilarious films will be accompanied by local band Dreamland Faces. Hot popcorn and cider will be served.

On Sat., Oct. 18, from 2:30-4:30pm, don’t be surprised to see cows and sheep grazing on the library front lawn. It’s all part of the MOO!velous Celebration, an outrageous trunk show with local author David La Rochelle and local illustrator Mike Wohnoutka, featuring their book “MOO!,” winner of a 2013 Minnesota Book Award. The show will feature live music with Tom Lieberman, snacks, crafts, and a petting zoo with farm animals. It’s all made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Wed., Oct. 22, 7-8pm, actors from the Park Square Theatre’s production of “33 Variations take the stage to perform scenes from the production and discuss their work in the program Behind the Curtain with Park Square Theatre. 33 “Variations” explores themes of memory, music, and life-changing moments. Contact the Friends, who are presenting this event, for a 1/2 price ticket offer in conjunction with this program (must attend library program to get special offer).

On Sat., Nov. 1, 1-3pm join the monthly Saints and Sinners Mystery Book Club for discussions of good mysteries. The title for Nov. is “A Time to Kill” by John Grisham. Contact Geraldine Balter for the latest titles under discussion at gerrib13@q.com or 651-224-5570.

Book club fun continues on Sat., Nov. 1, with the Kids Book Club for book lovers ages 8-12 meeting 1:30-2:30pm, and the Teen Book Club meeting 2:30-3:30pm (for readers ages 12-18). The teens will be discussing “Navigating Early” by Clare Vanderpool, and both groups will enjoy snacks together.

Saturday Club offers monthly drop-in activities for school-age kids in art, crafts, technology, and FUN. It will meet in the library auditorium on Sat., Nov. 8, 1:30-4:30pm. This month’s activity is to be determined, but it’s guaranteed to be something new and interesting.

All St. Paul Library locations will be closed Mon., Oct. 13 for a staff training day and Tuesday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day.