Don’t miss this month’s Documentary Film & Discussion Series as it explores privatization and globalization and how they impact our lives. The films will be shown at 7:00 pm in the Library’s Community Room, and are free and open to the public. Viewers are invited to stay for discussion or to just listen.

Thursday, May 8 –The Big Sellout (95 min) offers an empathetic and sobering study of the human impact of global economics. Has the practice of privatization become similar to warfare, dehumanizing us and reducing us to mere statistics? Joseph Stiglitz, a Nobel Prize-winning economist and former chief economist at the World Bank, thinks so, as does Simon, a train driver who has worn the uniform of countless firms since his beloved British Rail was privatized, recounts the steady decline in service and maintenance and the sharp increase in accidents that have followed. Winner of the 2007 Chicago International Documentary Film Festival.

Tuesday, May 27 –No Logo (42 min), based on the best-selling book by Canadian journalist and activist Naomi Klein, reveals the reasons behind the backlash against the increasing economic and cultural reach of multinational companies. Analyzing how brands like Nike, The Gap, and Tommy Hilfiger became revered symbols worldwide, Klein argues that globalization is a process whereby corporations discovered that profits lay not in making products (outsourced to low-wage workers in developing countries), but in creating branded identities people adopt in their lifestyles.

The Documentary Film & Discussion Series meets every 2nd Thursday and 4th Tuesday of the month for an in-depth look at important topics of our day and, their impact on our lives. Discussions are often lively and thought-provoking. For more information, go to http://friendsoftheapl.com

Taal Tales presented by Tara Amhed
Wednesday, April 30th @ 2:00pm

With elements of storytelling, rhythmic footwork and athletic grace, classical Indian dance illustrates vivid stories from Hindu mythology. Taal Tales offers both a history of classical South Indian dance and performances of lively dance pieces. Students are invited to draw analogies between art and culture from India and America. They view posters of dance-related art, learn about the cultural context of classical Indian dance, try basic rhythms and hand gestures, and identify percussive patterns and stories in the dance pieces. In this highly interactive program, students are engaged - watching and participating in dance sequences, and asking and answering questions. As importantly, students will see that dance is a kinetic way to communicate history, and a means to observe and engage with different cultures.

 
** FREE AND OPEN TO ALL **

This program is funded in part by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Ashland Cultural Council.

Young Adults, ages 11-14, are invited to spend an evening of their April Vacation playing Guitar Hero at the Ashland Public Library. Guitar hero is popular game for modern gaming consoles such as Wii and Playstation 2 that allows users to simulate guitar chords with a guitar shaped controller.

This program will take place on Thursday, April 24th at 6:00 PM downstairs in the meeting room.  Please sign-up in advance by visiting the library or contacting Emma Markland, YA/Reference Librarian at (508) 881-0134 extension 16 or send an email to Emarkland@minlib.net.  Space is limited. Feel free to contact Emma with questions.

Sing Along with Ed "The Music Man" Morgan
Saturday, May 3: 3:00 PM

Sponsored by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council