Laura Moriarty talks with Mary O'Connell about The Sharp Time

February 4, 2 pm, Lawrence Public Library Auditorium

Laura Moriarty will talk with debut novelist Mary O'Connell about her critically acclaimed teen novel, The Sharp Time. Sandinista Jones is a high school senior with a punk rock name and a broken heart. When the school system lets her down, her grief and instability intensify, and she ponders a violent act of revenge. Come hear O'Connell speak about the process of becoming a debut novelist and her experience in the Iowa Writer's Workshop, and get a signed copy for sale by the Raven Book Store.

MARY O'CONNELL is a graduate of the Iowa Writer's Workshop. Her short fiction and essays have appeared in several literary magazines, and she is the recipient of a James Michener Fellowship. LAURA MORIARTY received her master's degree from the University of Kansas. She is the author of The Center of Everything, The Rest of Her Life, and While I'm Falling.

Our Boys Book Talk and Signing with Joe Drape

February 8, 7 pm, Lawrence Public Library Auditorium

Award-winning New York Times sportswriter Joe Drape moved his family to Smith Center in 2008 as the football team embarked on a quest for its fifth state championship and a new state record for consecutive victories. But to do so, the team faced a potentially destabilizing transition: the greatest senior class in school history had graduated, and their longtime coach, Roger Barta, was contemplating retirement.

Our Boys: A Perfect Season on the Plains with the Smith Center Redmen is the 2012 Kansas Reads selection; signed copies will be available for sale by The Raven Book Store.

"What We Talk About When We Talk About Art in Cities" with Max Grinnell

February 20, 7 pm, Lawrence Public Library Auditorium

The question "what is art" can be quite simple or complex. When we think about art in cities, things get even murkier. Who is art for? How does it enhance the public realm? Author and urbanologist Max Grinnell will talk about how public art shapes our understanding of urban spaces and how different public art projects can truly be exercises in community building.

This special lecture is in conjunction with "Urban Palimpsest" at The Commons at KU, a year-long exploration of the destruction and renewal of cities.

Financial Wellness Clinics

Lawrence Public Library is excited to offer a free series of eight Financial Wellness Clinics, made possible by a grant from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) and the American Library Association. This special grant program funds public library efforts to provide access to effective and unbiased financial education resources. Participants will gain the knowledge and the tools to make smart financial decisions, both for long-term investing and day-to-day money matters. Click here for more info.

Regularly Scheduled Events

In addition to special events like book signings, lectures, art workshops, film screenings, and tastings, Lawrence Public Library offers several free ongoing groups just for adults! For the latest on what's happening at the library, sign up for our weekly e-newsletter, pick up our monthly print calendar, or view the online calendar. Questions? Contact the library reference desk at 843-1178 or eref@lawrencepubliclibrary.org.

Great Books Discussion Group

First Saturdays, 2 pm, Gallery

Please join us as we embark on a series of lively conversations based on the world's greatest literature - Plato, Chekhov, Kant, Marx, Shakespeare, Rousseau, and many more. Great Books is a national foundation with a mission to empower readers of all ages to become more reflective and responsible thinkers.

February's selection is On the Nature of Things by Lucretius, Books 1 and 3, recommended translation by Ronald E. Latham.

March's selection is The Social Contract by Rousseau, Books 1 and 2.

Last Wednesday Book Club

The Last Wednesday Book Club is a core group of 12 community members who have been meeting at the Library for six years to select books and lead discussions. Selections range from beloved classics to modern book club favorites. Anyone who's read the book for the current month is invited to participate!

February's selection is Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

March's selection is Little Bee by Chris Cleave.

Poetry Social

Third Wednesdays, 7 pm, Gallery

This laid back affair provokes the wordsmyth in each of us to read, slam, or improvise a poem on a particular theme. Interpreted loosely, these themes aim to challenge the daredevils and inspire the demure. Arrive at 7 pm to sign-up; reading starts at 7:15. Snacks and a convivial spirit provided!

February's theme is "Passions"

March's theme is "Heritage"

Final Fridays

Last Fridays, 5 pm, Gallery

Meet local exhibiting artists while enjoying light refreshments in the gallery. For more information about Lawrence Final Fridays, visit the Final Fridays Facebook page or read an introduction on the Final Fridays events here: www.lawrence.com/news/finalfridays.

February's featured artists are Roger Spohn and Madilily Photography

March's featured artists are Kansascapes Photo Alliance and Constance Whiston

Computer Classes

Weekly

Have you checked out one of our free computer classes in the Knology Community Computer Lab? Library staff teach a variety of classes aimed at all different skill levels, from Basic Internet Searching to Intermediate Microsoft Word to Getting Started on Facebook. These classes are popular, so we require advance registration at (785)843-1178 or eref@lawrencepubliclibrary.org. For more information about current course offerings, click here.

Foundation Center Grantseeking Classes

Varies

These regular classes for grantseekers are sponsored by the Foundation Center. Established in 1956 and today supported by close to 550 foundations, the Foundation Center is the leading source of information about philanthropy worldwide. For more information about current course offerings or to register, contact the library reference desk at 785-843-1178 or eref@lawrencepubliclibrary.org.

Women's Entrepreneur Group

Second Mondays, 9 am, Gallery

Come network with local self-starting women who own and run their own small businesses. This group of leaders and entrepreneurs meets the second Monday of each month in the Lawrence Public Library gallery; newcomers welcome.

February's featured speaker is Liza MacKinnon, owner of MacKomics Studio.

Blood Drives

Bimonthly, Auditorium

In partnership with the Community Blood Center, Lawrence Public Library hosts regular blood drives in our auditorium. Over 99% of the blood collected by the Center stays in our community. To make an appointment in advance, go online to www.savealifenow.org. Walk-ins are also welcome. For more information about the next scheduled drive, contact Angela Longhurst at (785)843-3833 x100 or alonghurst@lawrencepubliclibrary.org.

Read Across Lawrence

Auditorium Annual

Together with a host of community partners, Lawrence Public Library encourages everyone to get on the same page by reading, watching and discussing beloved classic and modern works. Local venues host book discussion groups, lectures, panels and screenings throughout the month to encourage our community to connect, reflect and grow through meaningful activities and discussions about a book we all love. Past selections have included To Kill a Mockingbird, In Cold Blood, The Center of Everything, and The Wizard of Oz. More details about Read Across Lawrence will be posted on our website as available.

Summer in the City

Summer in the City is our annual summer library program, and each summer we offer special events and prizes specifically for adults! We host summer parties and receptions, invite nationally acclaimed authors, connect you with personalized summer reading lists, and giveaway luxe prizes like downtown gift certificates and the latest reading accessories and gadgets. More details about Summer in the City will be posted on our website as available.