Painting, Maasai and more coming to Library

A variety of family programs is scheduled at the Racine Public Library this month.

Events include:

-- Families creating decorated windows based on entertaining stories.
-- A presentation on Africa's semi-nomadic Maasai by a cultural ambassador from Kenya.
--Creation of a "teens-only space" with free internet, video games, music and food.
--A create-a-card stamping workshop.

The Adventures in Stories program for kids and their families is Tues., Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. in the Children's Dept. Families will share stories told by storytellers and will form teams and adopt a library window to decorate for the holidays, or dabble in finger paint. Space is limited so families are urged to form their teams as soon as possible and call 636.9245 to reserve a spot. Window decorating supplies will be provided, and families are invited to bring anything they would like to add to make their window unique. This program is free and open to all ages.

"Meet the Maasai," in cooperation with the Agape Performing Arts Center, will be at the library on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Presented by Joseph Ole Koyei, Cultural Ambassador to the Maasai, the program will offer a look at the culture, lifestyle and rituals of these people based in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania in East Africa. Mr. Koyei is founder of a school for indigenous children in Kenya and speaks extensively about the issues facing his people and ways people can help with education and relief programs. He hopes to preserve the Maasai's traditional ways while restoring self-sufficiency. This program is free and open to the public; no registration is necessary.

The "teens only" space will be created on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 16 and 17, from 3 - 5 p.m. Youth ages 13-17 will have access in the community meeting room to free internet service, video games, music, popular teen reads, food and more at this free event. Interested teens will be offered the opportunity to have a say in future teen programming and in the library's future renovation of its youth area.

And finally, the library will host a series of stamping workshops on Sun., Nov. 18 from 2:30-4 p.m. and on Sat., Dec. 8 from 1:30-3 p.m. for beginners 12 and older. Kelly Graham, an independent consultant for Stampin' Up! will demonstrate a variety of greeting card creations and participants will take home a project created in class. Supplies will be provided. Space is limited for this free workshop and registration is required. Contact the library to reserve a spot.