Mt. Pleasant
Neighborhood Library

Book Club in May

'How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character'

Paul Tough’s interesting investigation into why some children succeed in life while others struggle goes beyond high marks and academics. Exploring other factors in children’s lives, such as childhood stresses and adversities, and character, Paul Tough discusses innovative studies that link the relationship between these factors and the development of children’s brains.

Photo of All Traditional Ju-Jitsu Society, including instructor Guy Haymon

Self Defense for Women

Simple and effective techniques to defend yourself

Ju-Jitsu is a method of defense without weapons where the strength and weight of the adversary is used to disable them. Originally invented in Japan in the 1500s, this martial art has become popular worldwide. Certified Renshi (Instructor) Guy Haymon will walk you through simple, effective techniques to defend yourself against any unwanted attacks or approaches. Please wear comfortable clothing for some light exercises.

Adults

May Movies at Mt. Pleasant

Why rent when you can support your local library?

Come check out some really great movies about time travel in May. May 2 at 2 p.m. is Predestination: The Life of a Time-Traveling Temporal Agent. On his final assignment, he must pursue the one criminal that has eluded him throughout time. This was also based on All You Zombies by Robert Heinlein.

Books for Young Yogis

Introduce children to yoga with these great books

As an adult, I love practicing yoga. There are so many benefits to gain from yoga practice - flexibility, strength, peace of mind, patience, stress management, confidence, and so much more! Children can also benefit from this healthy exercise. Coupling a yoga practice with these great books can help kids to understand the basic principles of yoga, learn new poses, and create a fun, literacy-based family activity.

Poem in Your Pocket Day

Find your poem at the library, or bring one in to share

On Thursday, April 30, pick a poem that moves you. Pick a poem that amuses you. Pick a poem that confuses you. Put it in your pocket and see how it changes your day. From the Academy of American Poets:

I don't know what any of this stuff does

One-on-One Technical Assistance

Get the one-on-one computer help you need!

Do you need basic computer assistance (setting up email accounts, downloading electronic books) on your tablet, smartphone or laptop? Drop in for one-on-one assistance on May 6 and May 22 2-4 p.m.!

Book Title for April

'The Children Act' by Ian McEwan

A High Court judge who specializes in family cases, Fiona Maye hears each case with professionalism and sensitivity, her excellent reputation intact. Then a case comes up involving Adam, a young man who refuses treatment for religious reasons, and is supported by his family. With difficulties in her marriage and unaddressed feelings regarding her own childlessness, Fiona’s decision will ultimately have consequences for all.

Matemática para Trabajadores

Math for Spanish-speaking workers

Trabajadores Unidos de Washington D.C. y la Biblioteca Pública de Mt. Pleasant estarán ofreciendo una serie de clases diseñadas para asistir los trabajadores de construcción y otros obreros que hablan español mejorar su matemática, especialmente el tipo de matemática que necesitarán en sus empleos, como por ejemplo calcular y medir. Las clases serán del día 2 al 24 de mayo todos los jueves de las 6:30-9 p.m., y todos los sábados y domingos de las 2-5 p.m. Todas las clases serán en el salón de conferencias 1 en la planta baja de la biblioteca.

'The Campaigns of Molly Hundley'

Documentary screening followed by a Q&A with Director Marvin Jones

The Chowan Discovery Group presents a new film about an extraordinary personality in education. Mrs. Molly Gibson Hundley was a teacher at the famous Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C. The film reflects Mrs. Hundley’s educational advancement against racism at her college; her drive to encourage students to excel in all ways, her legal battle against a racially-restricted covenant that evicted her from her home, her campaign to save the historic Dunbar High School building, and the students who were inspired by her.

Reader's Theatre

Featuring ‘My Uncle Emily

Calling all readers! Please join us in the children's room on Monday, April 27 at 4 p.m. for Reader's Theatre. My Uncle Emily by Jane Yolen is the featured piece.

Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library