Friends of the Library: Information Session and Launch Party!

The Friends of the Bristol Public Library are hosting an information session on FOL membership and launch party on November 13 at 6:30 p.m. They will meet in the J. Henry Kegley Meeting Room of the Bristol Public Library. Members of the Friends committee will be present to answer questions, speak about community membership and projects, as well as help interested participants sign up for their very own membership.

Event participants will have the opportunity to sign up early for the Friends of the Library, before the beginning of the new calendar year, and receive a special commemorative pin for their attendance. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information about the Friends of the Bristol Public Library, please contact the library at 276-821-6147 or by email at FriendsoftheBristolLibrary@gmail.com.

Happy Halloween

"Radio Frankenstein: 20th Century Madmen and Their Monsters" with Christopher Slaughter

Visit the Bristol Public Library tonight at 7:00 p.m. for a special presentation by AAME on “Radio Frankenstein:  20^th Century Madmen and Their Monsters.”  Presented by Christopher R. Slaughter, “Radio Frankenstein” is an in-depth look at the history of Frankenstein on the stage.  In honor of the 200^th anniversary of the publication of Mary Shelley’s classic horror novel, Chris will discuss the ways in which the book has been adapted for radio, with a live performance of selections from selected productions.

Chris Slaughter is an associate professor of theatrical design and theater history at King University, and he is also the artistic director of the King University’s Twin City Radio Theatre.  Celebrating its 10^th year, the Twin City Radio Theatre’s mission is to produce classic old-time radio plays and provide a unique theatrical experience for contemporary audiences.

For more information, please visit Arts Alliance Mountain Empire online at www.aame.info.

King University: Will the Real Monsters Please Stand Up?

Join the Bristol Public Library tonight at 7:00 p.m. for a special presentation by Christina Beiber Lake on “Will the Real Monsters Please Stand Up?  Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein at 200.”  Lake’s presentation, which is offered thanks to the King Institute for Faith and Culture, will delve into her book Prophets of the Post Human and dissect Mary Shelley’s classic horror novel, Frankenstein, including its impact on fiction and its potential implications.

Christina Beiber Lake is the Clyde S. Kilby professor of English at Wheaton College, where she teaches classes in contemporary American literature and literary theory.  In addition to several articles on Flannery O’Connor, she is the author of The Incarnation Art of Flannery O’Connor and the forthcoming Beyond the Story:  American Fiction and the Limits of Materialism.  Her second book, Prophets of the Posthuman:  American Fiction, Biotechnology, and the Ethics of Personhood, was awarded Indiana Wesleyan University’s 2014 Aldersgate Prize for integrative scholarship.

For more information, please visit the official website of the King Institute for Faith and Culture at faithandculture.king.edu or contact the institute directly by email at faithandculture@king.edu or by phone at 423-652-4157.

Refrigerator Makeover with Ballad Health

During November, the Bristol Public Library will be working in partnership with Ballad Health to offer a free healthy eating habits workshop, titled “Refrigerator Makeover.”  Starting at 5:30 p.m. on November 6, an instructor will be present to show attendees all the ways to makeover their refrigerator, including healthy replacements for common snacks and suggestions for making meals both delicious, healthy, and family-friendly.

To participate, simply drop into the library on November 6 to enjoy our free workshop; however, we do ask that interested participants contact Ambrea to let her know you're attending.  Light refreshments and supplies will be provided, so we want to make sure we have an accurate headcount!

For more information, please contact the Bristol Public Library at 276-821-6147 or ajohnson@bristol-library.org.

Bingo at the BPL!

Bingo today from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Don't miss it!

BPL Anime Theater: Mushi-Shi

The Bristol Public Library is playing Mushi-Shi for our BPL Anime Theater on Saturday, November 3.  Join us in the large meeting room to catch the first five episodes of the series, munch on Japanese snacks and popcorn, and discuss related manga.

Mushi are creatures, but not like normal living things:  they hold supernatural like powers that can cause disturbances in the living world.  Few people can see them, even fewer can interact with them; however, Ginko has a special ability to both perceive and attract Mushi.  He travels Japan as a Mushi Master (otherwise known as a mushi-shi), seeking and researching strange mushi and helping people who suffer from problems caused by the ethereal mushi.

Rated TV-14; approximately 120 minutes.

Great American Novel Book Club: The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

Tonight, the Great American Novel Book Club will be meeting to read The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan.  We’ll meet at Blackbird Bakery in Bristol, Virginia, at 6:30 p.m.

The Great American Novel Book Club meets on the final Friday of each month, and readers decide our new location after each meeting. Readers will be responsible for acquiring their own copy of the book each month; however, they are more than welcome to request a copy from the library. We’re happy to help you find what you need!

No registration is required, simply drop in and enjoy an evening of good company and good books. If you have any questions about our upcoming book club meeting, please contact Ambrea at the Bristol Public Library at 276-821-6147 or ajohnson@bristol-library.org.

Classic Movie Corner: Dracula (1931)

Classic Movie Corner featuring Dracula is tonight at 5:30 p.m.  Popcorn and water will be available for all movie attendees!

Library Closing: Staff Training Day

The Bristol Public Library will be closed on November 2 for our annual Staff Training Day.  For questions about our upcoming schedule changes, please contact the Bristol Public Library at 276-645-8780.

"Radio Frankenstein: 20th Century Madmen and Their Monsters" with Christopher R. Slaughter

Visit the Bristol Public Library on Tuesday, October 30, at 7:00 p.m. for a special presentation by AAME on “Radio Frankenstein:  20th Century Madmen and Their Monsters.”  Presented by Christopher R. Slaughter, “Radio Frankenstein” is an in-depth look at the history of Frankenstein on the stage.  In honor of the 200th anniversary of the publication of Mary Shelley’s classic horror novel, Chris will discuss the ways in which the book has been adapted for radio, with a live performance of selections from selected productions.

Chris Slaughter is an associate professor of theatrical design and theater history at King University, and he is also the artistic director of the King University’s Twin City Radio Theatre.  Celebrating its 10th year, the Twin City Radio Theatre’s mission is to produce classic old-time radio plays and provide a unique theatrical experience for contemporary audiences.

For more information, please visit Arts Alliance Mountain Empire online at www.aame.info.

King University: Will the Real Monsters Please Stand Up?

Join the Bristol Public Library on October 29 at 7:00 p.m. for a special presentation by Christina Beiber Lake on “Will the Real Monsters Please Stand Up?  Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein at 200.”  Lake’s presentation, which is offered thanks to the King Institute for Faith and Culture, will delve into her book Prophets of the Post Human and dissect Mary Shelley’s classic horror novel, Frankenstein, including its impact on fiction and its potential implications.

Christina Beiber Lake is the Clyde S. Kilby professor of English at Wheaton College, where she teaches classes in contemporary American literature and literary theory.  In addition to several articles on Flannery O’Connor, she is the author of The Incarnation Art of Flannery O’Connor and the forthcoming Beyond the Story:  American Fiction and the Limits of Materialism.  Her second book, Prophets of the Posthuman:  American Fiction, Biotechnology, and the Ethics of Personhood, was awarded Indiana Wesleyan University’s 2014 Aldersgate Prize for integrative scholarship.

For more information, please visit the official website of the King Institute for Faith and Culture at faithandculture.king.edu or contact the institute directly by email at faithandculture@king.edu or by phone at 423-652-4157.

Creative & Crafty: Fall and Halloween Rocks

We're rock painting today in the J. Henry Kegley Meeting Room!  Join us anytime between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to create your very own Halloween or fall-themed kindness rocks.

Bingo at the BPL!

You're invited to Bingo at the BPL on Saturday, October 27!  We'll have free games, snacks, and prizes from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Friends of the Library: Information Session and Launch Party

The Friends of the Bristol Public Library are hosting an information session on FOL membership and launch party on November 13 at 6:30 p.m. They will meet in the J. Henry Kegley Meeting Room of the Bristol Public Library. Members of the Friends committee will be present to answer questions, speak about community membership and projects, as well as help interested participants sign up for their very own membership.

Event participants will have the opportunity to sign up early for the Friends of the Library, before the beginning of the new calendar year, and receive a special commemorative pin for their attendance. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information about the Friends of the Bristol Public Library, please contact the library at 276-821-6147 or by email at FriendsoftheBristolLibrary@gmail.com.

Notable Quotables: Stephen King

BPL Book Club: We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

Join us this evening at 6:00 p.m. for BPL Book Club!  We're reading We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson.  It's a must-read, so don't miss out!

Get Your Business Online with Google: Drive a Holiday Shopping Rush for Your Business

Join us this afternoon for our free livestreaming event, Get Your Business Online with Google, starting at 12:00 p.m.  Interested participants are welcome to bring their lunch or a snack and learn more about using Google to increase their small business's online presence.

Classic Movie Corner: Dracula (1931)

During October, the Bristol Public Library is offering a free showing of Dracula (1931) for our ongoing Classic Movie Corner!  The movie starts at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 25, so make sure to snag a seat.  Popcorn and water will be served, but movie attendees are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks.

Starring Bela Lugosi and Helen Chandler, Dracula is a chilling retelling of Bram Stoker’s classic novel.  This classic film follows the trail of destruction left by the deadly and dreadful Count Dracula (Lugosi) as he makes his way from the rugged Carpathian Mountains to the streets of London—where he meets the lovely Mina (Helen Chandler).

Not rated; 75 minutes.

Protect Yourself from Identity Theft with Regions Bank

Join the Bristol Public Library today at 5:00 p.m. for a special workshop on identity theft and how to protect yourself from it. A representative from Regions Bank will be available at the library to answer questions, offer tips on protecting yourself from identity theft, and explaining what you can do if you suspect you're the victim of identity theft.

For more information on our upcoming workshop with Regions Bank, please contact the Bristol Public Library at 276-821-6147 or ajohnson@bristol-library.org. We'll be happy to answer any questions you might have!

Great American Novel Book Club: The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

On Friday, October 26, the Great American Novel Book Club will be meeting to read The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan.  We’ll meet at Blackbird Bakery in Bristol, Virginia, at 6:30 p.m.

The Great American Novel Book Club meets on the final Friday of each month, and readers decide our new location after each meeting. Readers will be responsible for acquiring their own copy of the book each month; however, they are more than welcome to request a copy from the library. We’re happy to help you find what you need!

No registration is required, simply drop in and enjoy an evening of good company and good books. If you have any questions about our upcoming book club meeting, please contact Ambrea at the Bristol Public Library at 276-821-6147 or ajohnson@bristol-library.org.

Spooky Storytelling

Join us for Spooky Storytelling in the J. Henry Kegley Meeting Room upstairs.  Since this is a special, after-hours event, we ask that interested participants please use the meeting room entrance on the upper floor as all other doors will be locked.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the library at 276-645-8780.

We look forward to seeing you tonight!

PC Class: 3D Modeling (Avoca Edition)

Thanks to the Training Opportunities for the Public (TOP) Grant, which is provided through the Tennessee State Library and Archives, the Jones Creativity Center at the Bristol Public Library will be offering free monthly computer training labs and classes to the public. These classes will assist participants in learning everything from basic computer skills to working with advanced settings and programs to creating a website from scratch with Wordpress.

During October, the JCC will be offering a special class on “3D Modeling.” Interested students can learn more about creating 3D models using Tinkercad and understanding 3D printer operation.  Participants will have the opportunity to create their own Halloween-themed decoration for free, which includes ghosts made with glow-in-the-dark filament!

To learn more, join us on October 1 at 5:30 p.m. in the JCC at the Bristol Public Library or visit the Avoca Branch Library on October 11 at 5:30 p.m.

As an added bonus, the 3D printed ghost ornament is also available as part of our free 3D Print of the Month.  To participate, simply drop in anytime during the Jones Creativity Center's hours of operation to create and print a glow-in-the-dark ghost decoration for free!

Advanced Genealogy: Death Records, Gravestones, and Wills

During October, we’re offering a special Advanced Genealogy class on death records, gravestones, and wills.  Starting at 5:30 p.m. tonight in the Jones Creativity Center, Kristin will delve into family history and show researchers how to start digging up missing records, locating lost gravestones, and unearthing wills.  Our instructor will also explore library resources and online research to provide a comprehensive look at digging up the details on ancestors.

This course is completely free to attend, but space is limited and pre-registration is required.  Library computers will be available for use in the JCC; however, participants are welcome to bring their own laptops or electronic devices.  For more information about Advanced Genealogy and our upcoming class, please contact the library at 276-821-6147 or ajohnson@bristol-library.org.

BPL Book Club: We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

The BPL Book Club will meet on October 18 at 6:00 p.m. at the Bristol Public Library.  This month, we’ll finish reading and discuss We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson, and then we’ll pick up our next reading adventure:  The Art of Misdiagnosis by Gayle Brandeis.

Anyone is welcome to join BPL Book Club at any time.  We meet on the third Thursday of each month, unless noted on our calendar, to read and discuss a wide variety of books.  Make sure to join us for good company, good books, and sweet treats from Blackbird Bakery!

Protect Yourself from Identity Theft with Regions Bank

Join the Bristol Public Library on Monday, October 15, at 5:00 p.m. for a special workshop on identity theft and how to protect yourself from it. A representative from Regions Bank will be available at the library to answer questions, offer tips on protecting yourself from identity theft, and explaining what you can do if you suspect you're the victim of identity theft.

For more information on our upcoming workshop with Regions Bank, please contact the Bristol Public Library at 276-821-6147 or ajohnson@bristol-library.org. We'll be happy to answer any questions you might have!

MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival: Winners announced!

Winners were announced yesterday morning for the MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival!  Felix Grenier won best actor for his role in Fauve, a short film directed b Jeremy Conte from Canada, and Two Strangers Who Meet Five Times, directed by Marcus Markou, won best short film.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the BPL edition of the MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival, and thank you for your votes!

Creative & Crafty: Frightfully Fun Halloween Wreaths

We're making Halloween wreaths this evening!  Although our class filled up within only a couple of days, we are hoping to offer another fall or winter-themed class later in the year, so be on the lookout for our Facebook events HERE.

Get Your Business Online with Google: Drive a Holiday Shopping Rush for Your Business

Bristol Public Library is helping small businesses grow their presence online with a Get Your Business Online workshop, which will feature a livestream titled “Drive a Holiday Shopping Rush for Your Business”. The workshop will be hosted on October 17 in the J. Henry Kegley meeting room of the Bristol Public library at 12:00.

Get Your Business Online with Google brings community members, business owners, and civic leaders together to help small businesses succeed on the web. 

“Drive a Holiday Shopping Rush for Your Business” is a free livestream right from the Google HQ.  Kick start your customers’ holiday shopping season by marketing your business.  Google HQ will discuss how to get in front of your customers and showcase what you offer using Google My Business, Google Ads, and more.

Attendees can bring a sack lunch and network with other local businesses.

“4 out of 5 consumers use search engines to find local information nearby, yet only 37% of businesses have claimed their listing on a search engine,” says Soo Young, Manager of Google's Get Your Business Online program.  “Small businesses are the engine of local economies and when they flourish, their communities do as well.”

Get Your Business Online is a program that empowers communities to support their local businesses and encourage them to get on the map.  Local businesses keep our communities strong; when we help them succeed on the web, they make our communities even stronger.  The “Drive a Holiday Shopping Rush for Your Business” workshop is a Google presentation hosted by Bristol Public Library.  Visit www.gybo.com to learn more about the program and get involved.

Please RSVP here: https://goo.gl/forms/vdElkJsUnOmexpft1 or email tjdewitt@bristol-library.org

Library Closing: Columbus Day

The Bristol Public Library will be closed today in observance of Columbus Day.  We will resume our regular hours of operation on Tuesday, October 9.

Creative & Crafty: Fall and Halloween Rocks

The Bristol Public Library will host rock painting on Saturday, October 20, at 2:00 p.m. to celebrate the fall season and, of course, Halloween.  To participate, simply drop into the library anytime between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to help paint Halloween and fall-themed kindness rocks to distribute around the BPL—including our community rock garden—and beyond!

The library will supply paint, brushes, rocks, and more, just bring yourself and a friend to get started!  If you would like to learn more about our upcoming event, keep an eye on our Facebook group, “BPL Rocks,” or contact the Bristol Public Library at 276-645-8780 or ajohnson@bristol-library.org.  We look forward to seeing you there!

BPL Anime Theater: Cowboy Bebop the Movie

The Bristol Public Library will be showing an encore BPL Anime Theater presentation of Cowboy Bebop:  The Movie on October 6, 2018, at 2:30 p.m.  No registration is necessary, simply drop in and enjoy our free movie!  Popcorn, Japanese snacks, and water will be provided, but interested attendees are welcome to bring their own drinks or snacks with them.

Directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, Cowboy Bebop:  The Movie recounts the adventures of the bounty hunting crew aboard the Cowboy Bebop—Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Faye Valentine, Edward Wong, and, of course, Ein—as they trawl across the solar system in search of intergalactic criminals.  But when a terrorist unleashes a deadly virus on Mars, Spike and the rest of the crew are suddenly caught up in apprehending the culprit before he attacks another city—or someone else decides to claim the bounty.

Rated R; 116 minutes.

Advanced Genealogy: Death Records, Gravestones, and Wills

We’ll be digging through the past on Thursday, October 11 at 5:30 p.m. in the Jones Creativity Center as we search for genealogical clues found in death records, obituaries, cemeteries, funeral homes, and wills.  Kristin will delve into the fascinating facts which can be found in these records by and about the dearly departed.  Our instructor will explore library resources and online databases to help you dig up the facts on your ancestors.

 This course is free to attend, but space is limited and pre-registration is required.  Library computers will be available for use in the JCC; however, participants are welcome to bring their own laptops or electronic devices.  For more information about our upcoming Advanced Genealogy class, please contact the library at 276-821-6147 or ajohnson@bristol-library.org.

MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival

It's your last change to catch the MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival at the Bristol Public Library!  We'll be screening short films twice today:  first at 2:00 p.m. and then again at 5:30 p.m.

All movie attendees will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite movie and actor/actress, which will be submitted and tallied with other voters from across the world.  Winners will be announced on Monday, October 8!

No registration or ticket purchase is required. To participate, visit the library during the posted event times and catch a free showing of the MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival. For more information, please contact the Bristol Public Library at 276-821-6147 or ajohnson@bristol-library.org.

Friends of the Avoca Branch Library Fall Book Sale

It’s time for the Avoca Branch Library bi-annual book sale!

Sponsored by the Friends of the Avoca Branch Library, Avoca’s fall book sale kicks off on Thursday, October 4 at 10:00 a.m. and continues through the rest of the weekend, during our regular hours of operation. Make sure to stop by and pick up a new book or any number of nifty little gifts and goodies, before they’re all gone!

Book sale hours include:

Thursday, October 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday, October 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

For more information, please visit the Avoca Branch Library at 1550 Volunteer Parkway in Bristol, Tennessee, or give us a call at 423-968-9663.

Spooky Storytelling

Ready to get spooky?

Visit the Bristol Public Library on Friday, October 12, at 6:30 p.m. for “Spooky Storytelling.”  This year, the TaleTellers of East Tennessee State University will be joining us for an evening of creepy, graveyard stories and spine-chilling Halloween tales.

No registration or ticket purchase is required.  Recommended for ages 6 and up.  To participate, simply drop into the library at 6:30 p.m. for this special after-hours presentation of “Spooky Storytelling.”

For more information, please contact the Bristol Public Library at 276-645-8780 or ajohnson@bristol-library.org.

MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival

We're showing more films tonight from the MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival!  We'll begin at 5:30 p.m. in the J. Henry Kegley Meeting Room, but, if you can't make it tonight, we will have two more opportunities for you to join us:  Friday, October 5 at 2:00 p.m. and again at 5:30 p.m.

All movie attendees will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite movie and actor/actress, which will be submitted and tallied with other voters from across the world.

No registration or ticket purchase is required. To participate, visit the library during the posted event times and catch a free showing of the MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival. For more information, please contact the Bristol Public Library at 276-821-6147 or ajohnson@bristol-library.org.

Newsletter & Calendars: October 2018

New calendars and newsletter for October 2018.  For more details on our upcoming programs, including events scheduled for the Children's Department and the Teen Library, please click on the corresponding tab above this post.

Welcome October!

MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival

Join the Bristol Public Library tonight for the 21st Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival, starting at 5:30 p.m.  We'll be screening 9 short films for free, during which all movie attendees will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite movie and actor/actress.

We will be hosting encore presentations on Wednesday, October 3 at 5:30 p.m. and Friday, October 5 at 2:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

No registration or ticket purchase is required. To participate, visit the library during the posted event times and catch a free showing of the MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival. For more information, please contact the Bristol Public Library at 276-821-6147 or ajohnson@bristol-library.org.