2012 Summer Events for Adults Blind Date with a Book June 16 – August 4 All Tacoma Public Library locations Stop by library on Friday or Saturday (Date Night) between June 16th and August 4th to pick up your “Blind Date with a Book”! As your date will be dressed in a brown paper wrapper, you won’t know the type, author, title or anything about the selection until you unwrap it. Then, your blind date has a chance to impress you, and we want to hear all about it. How did the date go? Was there a “Love Connection”? LOL! We want all the details! Was the date exciting? Did anything unexpected happen? Would you two go out again? Tell us all about it on our Summer Reading Club website, or drop off a “Blind Date with a Book” postcard at your local library.
Sorted Book Spine Poetry Raffle June 16 – August 4 All Tacoma Public Library locations
Express yourself! Create a short poem using only the titles on the spines of books Create your poem, take a photo and send it to us via email (info@tacomapubliclibrary.org), bring it to your local library, or post your photograph on the library's Facebook page. The only rule is that no library book should be harmed in the pursuit of poetry! You can enter every week, but no duplicate poems. Entries will be displayed at all branches and will not be returned. Prizes will be drawn weekly
Check out these submissions by Mrs. Patricia Sweeney of Tacoma. Then get creative!

Altered Book Workshop with artist Ellen Miffit Saturdays @ 11am – 3pm Please note that each workshop explores a different theme/ Moore Library Saturday, June 30 @ 11 – 3pm [Register here] Create a memory book to celebrate your travel adventures (be they near or far). Wheelock Library Saturday, July 7 @ 11 – 3pm [Register here] Create a n artist's journal.. Swasey Library Saturday, July 21 @ 11-3pm [Register here] Create a memory book to honor family, friends, life and/or your personal journey. An altered book is any book, old or new that has been recycled by creative means into a work of art. They can be rebound, painted, cut, burned, folded, added to, collaged in, gold-leafed, rubber stamped, drilled or otherwise adorned. Altered books may be as simple as adding a drawing or text to a page, or as complex as creating an intricate book sculpture. If you've been itching to create something beautiful, or looking for the magic to achieve that, here's the perfect opportunity to explore your creative self! Using easy art techniques and a ton of fun art supplies, you will learn how to express your dreams & visions -- making an altered book that reflects you. Attendees should bring photos and other personal items to incorporate into the project, a sharp pair of scissors and a box lunch. Registration Required.
About the instructor Ellen Miffitt - Nine Lives Studio Ellen Miffitt brings over forty years of artistic experience in the arts to her personal expression and art instruction. Growing up in rural Connecticut kept her close to the earth and nature. When ten years old, "paint by number" kit for a Christmas present started her art career. By mixing the paint and straying outside of the lines, she made that numbered canvas her own. While in high school she was encouraged by an aunt who dabbled in the arts to pursue developing her talent. After moving to the Pacific Northwest, she started painting sumi-e in January of 2002 with Fumiko Kimura and registered "Nine Lives Studio" in Oct of 2002. "As an artist I am constantly involved with that process of transformation: spirit to image on paper, mixing papers to create new textures, combining a variety of papers to create collage. The idea of mixing and blending different materials is exciting and a natural extension of sumi for me. Embossing metal to create texture, modeling Precious Metal Clay to make jewelry and exploring other media are an outlet for my creativity." Ellen's art may be seen at The Gallery, Bainbridge Arts and Crafts on Bainbridge Island WA, The White Dove Gallery in Lakewood WA, and exhibits regionally and nationally.
Ellen received a BS (Art/Art Education) from Southern Connecticut State University and a MS (Art/Art Education) from Central Connecticut State University. Experienced in preparation and presentation of age appropriate activities, her lessons are designed to promote growth, develop new skills and build positive reinforcement in a safe and supportive environment.
Video Booktalks Friday, July 13, 10-12 pm and Saturday, July 14, 12-4pm Main Library, Story Lab
Bring your book to the movies and show off your acting chops. Create your own 30-second booktalk and tell everyone what's special and wonderful about your favorite summer read. Your finished booktalk can be posted to Facebook, emailed to friends or just saved for your personal enjoyment. Be sure to bring your book. |