Library hosts author Whitaker

Burton Barr Central Library will host a free reading and discussion with author Matthew C. Whittaker from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 1221 N. Central Ave.

Whittaker will discuss his new book, “African American Icons of Sport: Triumph, Courage and Excellence,” offering an examination of African Americans in sports from a variety of perspectives and through a lively range of rhetoric styles. It also explores the extent to which modern mass media and popular culture have contributed to the rise, and sometimes fall, of these powerful symbols of athletic, individual and group excellence.

Whitaker is associate professor of U.S. History, African and American Studies, and Justice and Social Inquiry at Arizona State University. He also is the author of “Race Work: The Rise of Civil Rights in the Urban West.”

For more information, call 602-262-4636 or visit phoenixpubliclibrary.org.

Free programs for all at Yucca

Kids from 5 to 12 years old and their families are invited to a new season of Super Saturday! events, beginning at 2 p.m. every Saturday. Mad Science of Scottsdale presents optical illusions on Sept. 20; storyteller Sandy Oglesby tells tales from the Hispanic culture on Sept. 27; and storyteller Sean Buvala will spin some exiting yarns on Oct. 4.

Teenapalooza continues 6-7 p.m. Thursdays, for teens 12 to 18 years old. The Teen Book Club discusses Dashiell Hammett’s “The Maltese Falcon” on Sept. 11; an astrology workshop will take place Sept. 18, and monster make-up will be demonstrated on Oct. 2.

Classical Music Appreciation returns 1:30 to 3 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month. Come hear the music of great composers and learn about their often operatic lives and personalities; the next meeting is Sept. 23.

The Yucca Book Discussion Group meets 1-2 p.m. Sept. 9. This month’s discussion will be Dashiell Hammett’s “The Maltese Falcon,” and the selection for October is “Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer. Light refreshments will be provided.

The Yucca Library is located at 5648 N. 15 Ave. For more information, call 602-262-4636.

Movies, more at Acacia branch

Stories, rhymes, songs and playtime are just some of the fun things found during the weekly Toddler Time program, held 10:45-11 a.m. every Tuesday. The program is for ages 2-3; children must be accompanied by a caregiver.

Tuesdays Tales, held 7-7:30 p.m. every Tuesday, features songs, puppet shows and more, for all ages.

Share books, songs, finger play and more during Baby Time, held 10:15-11:15 a.m. Thursdays. For ages birth to 23 months; caregiver must accompany baby.

All programs above are free.

Movie Saturdays continue at the library, from 1 to 3 p.m. The movies are family-friendly and for all ages.

Teens programs include Game Night, which takes place 6-8 p.m. Sept. 8, Sept. 22 and Oct. 6. Listen to music, play Nintendo Wii and Guitar Hero, or enjoy a board game. Snacks provided. The Teen Council also hosts a Movie Night 6-8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29, with popcorn and soda provided.

Not to be left out, the ’tweens can get together once a month during ’Tween Time, held 3-5 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month. Games, movies, crafts and snacks are provided.

The Acacia Bookworms Book Club meets 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, to discuss Thomas Hoving’s “Making the Mummies Dance.” Call 602-319-4647 for information.

Friends of the Library-Acacia Chapter meets 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, for a short review of library business, followed by a book discussion (“The Pillars of Earth” by Ken Follett). Open to all.

The Acacia Library is located at 750 E. Townley Ave.

Getting ready for digital TV

Phoenix Public Library will help residents prepare for the transition to digital television by offering a free information session this month. Experts from KAET and KTAR/KHRR will present information and respond to questions.  

The free program will take place 7-8 p.m. Sept. 24 at Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave. For more information, visit phoenixpubliclibrary.org or call 602-262-4636.